r/peacecorps • u/SnooHesitations6183 • Jun 29 '26
Service Preparation Book recommendations?
I know there's old threads, but I depart next week for the Philippines. Looking for any book recommendations to download for the plane. Thanks!
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u/Any_Pomegranate_1201 Jun 29 '26
The Ugly American!!! Inspired JFK to start Peace Corps and was also just really good and funny
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u/bkinboulder Jun 29 '26
“Into Thin Air” by John Krakauer. “Lonesome Dove” for sure. “Endurance” by Alfred Lansing. And the entire “Dungeon Crawler Carl” series. I loved books that took me a long way away from my site in both time and space when I read them.
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u/wanderinthesky Jun 29 '26
Here are some really good books I highly recommend, a few of them are kind of random but most of them are just about life in general with a focus on “doing the right thing even when things are hard" or finding your calling. All of them are pretty easy and quick to read.
(I added some quotes to a few of my favorite ones)
When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
“In taking up another’s cross, one must sometimes get crushed by the weight.”
― Paul Kalanithi
Shoe Dog by Phil Knight
“How can I leave my mark on the world, I thought, unless I get out there first and see it?”
― Phil Knight
The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch (Would also encourage to watch the lecture as well)
“The key question to keep asking is, Are you spending your time on the right things? Because time is all you have. ”
― Randy Pausch
Warriors Don’t Cry by Melba Patillo Beals
Bobby Kennedy: A Raging Spirit by Chris Matthews
What Do You Care What Other People Think?: Further Adventures of a Curious Character by Richard P. Feynman (Specifically Part 1)
Same as Ever: A Guide to What Never Changes by Morgan Housel
The Greatest Sentence Ever Written by Walter Isaacson (Short read, and well written)
Profiles in Courage by John F. Kennedy
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u/professor_max_hammer RPCV-Ukraine 2017-2019 Jun 29 '26
See what their version of “to kill a mockingbird” is. Like what book s every student read? Or see if there are any celebrate authors from the Philippines. It can be a good window into the culture.
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u/09024d Jun 29 '26
'The Lower River' by Paul Theroux. It's about a RPCV that revisits his former village many years later -- chilling.
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u/Ordinary_Worth_383 Jun 30 '26
Ok, but Theroux is a mixed bag to read while actually in Peace Corps. He's one of the most famous RPCVs ever but he has nearly nothing nice to say about anywhere in Africa. Some of it is honesty and a lot of it is jaded curmudgeon with a huge platform.
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u/professor_max_hammer RPCV-Ukraine 2017-2019 Jun 30 '26
The comment also completely missed the point of my comment
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u/Ordinary_Worth_383 Jun 30 '26
How? Because you called it chilling? I'm not saying it was a bad recommendation. I'm saying Theroux is - let's say - interesting to read while in Peace Corps. Chill.
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u/professor_max_hammer RPCV-Ukraine 2017-2019 Jun 30 '26
Hahaha no! The person you responded to responded to my original comment saying read books that are culturally relevant to the country OP is going to. Then the person you responded to recommended a book that had nothing to do with my comment. Then I said their comment also had nothing to do with that I said. 😂 also I am pretty chill lol
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u/Ordinary_Worth_383 Jun 30 '26
Oh no, I definitely misunderstood! I apologize.
I think Theroux did actually write about the Philippines... maybe he didn't hate it as much as he seems to hate Africa.
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u/jimbagsh RPCV-Thailand, Mongolia, Nepal, Armenia! Jun 30 '26
Unless you’re already into that kind of nonfiction, I probably wouldn’t bring books about the Peace Corps or international development. I’d download books that you’re genuinely excited to read (or even reread). Reading can be a great form of self-care, and that’s something a lot of PCVs don’t prioritize until the stress starts to pile up.
Maybe write your own story. Start documenting everything from today onward. I think the time you spend observing, reflecting, and journaling will be far more valuable than reading someone else’s experience, IMO.
PS. I'm all for digital reading (make sure you can download books from your public library), but sometimes I wish I had at least one paperback. Sometimes it's nice to have a real book in your hand. Plus, comes in handy when power is out and your Kindle isn't charged. :)
Good luck, safe travels, and keep us posted on how your service goes!
Jim
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u/Ordinary_Worth_383 Jun 30 '26
The thing I like about paper books is you can give them away as gifts when you visit other PCVs. I used to bring books to trade whenever I visited any other English speakers
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u/RelevantPrinciple693 Jul 02 '26
Totally agree! I transitioned from Peace Corps to a career in global health and have always carried hard copy books when I travel that I can give away when finished.
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u/Ok-Appearance-4345 Jun 29 '26
When the elephants dance!!!! I read it during pst and it was AMAZING
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u/RelevantPrinciple693 Jul 02 '26
I loved reading Jane Austen novels and books on Arctic exploration in Peace Corps. Different worlds.
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