Reflections on citizenship, democracy, literature, and contemporary American life. Serious book reviews, social satire, and comedy not for everyone.
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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Jesus’s story excites us today because there’s so much blood.
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Not reading. Not writing. Listening.
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Giraffe crossing Old Dominion.
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The light is now returning
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Be at peace.
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I picked a parcel with care and opened it to find a handsome cutting board crafted of wood felled in a New Hampshire forest. I aimed to keep the item and held it close to my chest.
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It surprised me to learn that talking about writing might be a remedy for stagnating creativity
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Far from loathsome, I found magic in the chill, and the magic felt transformative, wakeful.
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His routine lasted ninety minutes and he seemed glad to do it.
Ben East Books 