Some Good Reads

I know that a lot of people have questions or are curious about the WHOLE Peace Corps experience.  They want to know what life was like, what people ate, how people felt, the big picture.  You can of course always find an RPCV and ask them for the story of his or her Peace Corps life (which they will happily regale you with for hours) or you can read the blogs and various published works available.

If you like looking at blogs the Peace Corps keeps a list of "top bloggers" on their website of Peace Corps Volunteers writing it out for the whole world to see.  If you are interested check out this link:

http://www.peacecorps.gov/resources/returned/thirdgoal/highlights/bloggers-vote/ 

Another, funny but not necessarily helpful, blog is How a PCV puts it gently is worth a look just to get a look at some insider PCV jokes and woes.  A quick warning, this blog may include some racy and/or disturbing topics for some, just be prepared to take it with a grain of salt.

howapcvputsitgently.tumbler.com

There are also a few books out there for people looking for a different kind of story.

You can find a series of books with Peace Corps stories in them, they each have a different editor and include stories from over 50 years of the Peace Corps:

One hand does not catch a buffalo
Gather the fruit one by one
Even the smallest crab has teeth
A small key opens big doors

Another couple great ones to check out are:

From the Center of the Earth: Stories out of Peace Corps by Geraldine Kennedy

Living Poor: A Peace Corps Chronicle by Moritz Thomsen

Nine Hills to Nambonkaha: Two Years in the heart of an African Village by Sarah Erdman

There are probably lots more memoirs and blogs out there but these are some good solid starts if you are interested in the a more in depth read.  Enjoy!

 Just as a side note, you can always contact our group for RPCV stories, we love to talk about the Peace corps :)