Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Triumph & Hope

Triumph & Hope by Barbara E. Joe

About The Book:
When the author announced plans to join the Peace Corps in her 60s, a male friend was skeptical, predicting her prompt return home, “by Christmas at the latest.” But thanks to the welcoming folks of two towns - El Triunfo, The Triumph, and La Esperanza, The Hope - acknowledged in her book’s title - she extended her stay beyond the usual term and finally made peace with the tragedy of her son’s untimely death. A powerful, inspiring personal story that offers an intimate look inside Peace Corps service, showing that no matter what your age and circumstances, you can always forge a new direction. Readers will discover, step-by-step and on the ground, what Peace Corps service is really like, its ups and downs, adventures and challenges. Ample illustrations enhance the reading experience. Baby boomers contemplating their next life passage will be especially interested in this frank and moving recital. 

My Thoughts:
I love reading personal memoirs and this one is top notch. My father served at Soto Cano Air Base in Honduras in the 80's, so this story about Honduras held a lot of interest for me. Plus, I always wanted to join the Peace Corps when I was a kid, because it seemed like the older cool teenagers always were joining and getting to go do fun stuff. Of course, I learned later that there was much more to it than that. And this book takes you on an inside look of one woman's journey. The author is a great storyteller, and takes you along on her adventure. You almost feel as if you were right there along with her helping and volunteering in Honduras. The book is sprinkled with personal real photos of the people and culture that only add to the experience of the book. I could not put this book down. Excellent story!

About The Author:
Barbara E. Joe, a native of Boston, holds BA and MA degrees from the University of California, Berkeley. A human rights activist for 30 years, she has lived or traveled in more than 45 countries and now works as a writer and Spanish interpreter and translator in Washington, D.C. "Triumph & Hope: Golden Years with the Peace Corps in Honduras," her first book for a general audience, was named Best Peace Corps memoir of 2009 by Peace Corps Writers, Best New Non-Fiction Finalist by National Indie Excellence Awards, and Finalist, Best New Non-Fiction, National Best Books. She has given numerous presentations about her book and Peace Corps service at libraries, universities, conferences, and bookstores (see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nc_i84jrfQs). Ed O'Keefe of the Washington Post declared, "Barbara's book is a great read...Buy and read this book, no matter your age" and Midwest Book Review called it "an inspiring read." The book is available in paperback and Kindle versions and was recorded by the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. To learn more about the author and stay informed, please visit her blog Peace Corps Honduras.

Buy this book online at Amazon!

I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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~Hayley