Citizenship | Literature
Select novels, short stories, and nonfiction on contemporary life.
Ben East’s nonfiction debut recounts how JFK’s bold experiment shaped diplomatic careers and influenced modern American diplomacy.
The figures highlighted here tracked looted antiquities after the invasion of Iraq, re-established diplomacy in Afghanistan after 9/11, and secured village infrastructure while war raged in Vietnam. As hostages in Iran, they maintained diplomatic discipline to bridge a volatile cultural divide. These are individuals of deep courage and conviction, whether integrating a southern U.S. high school or finding comfort in African village beliefs to cope with personal tragedy.
Read, Listen, Watch
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I almost forgot I’d started a podcast called Backstory, inspired by heavy traffic to a book review published in 2015. At the time I recorded two more reviews and never got around to sharing. Here’s my new audio, with an updated show name: Backstory with Ben East.
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Turns out I do have a podcast.
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Rather than do a shrug emoji and move on, I embraced the notoriety, made a quick audio file, and added to the page.
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I like that Jimmy Carter wanted Imagine sung at his funeral.
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“Be obsessed. Obsession is a very good thing.”
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Go Big, Write Big, said nobody ever.
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One last time I’ll flick the switch to light the tree and warm my home with that iridescent glow, more a mood and vibe than actual color associated with words.
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I met him in Accra when the Carter Center visited Ghana for an update on its Guinea Worm eradication program. He was humble, polite, and eager to hear from the embassy briefers.
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December was a productive month and a needed revitalization of my purpose as a writer. I hope others are finding similar wind at their backs, and that it will continue to blow us into and through the new year.
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Self-interest and party over country has sucked the prospect of moral authority from all political leanings.
Ben East Books 