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.
Read, Listen, Watch
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“Happy New Year.” A simple admonition, a statement of hope and promise, but also of purpose. A happy year won’t just occur. You must make it occur.
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I wanted to reflect on what 2025 meant for me as a newly retired diplomat & RPCV, and and how SoftPower/FulStories contributed to that transition
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A boating excursion on India’s Kavery River brought unexpected sightings and peaceful reflection as we move from the holidays to preparing for the new year
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An author revisits a languishing biographical sketch, finishes it, and wins a Golden Nib in the Virginia Writers Club statewide nonfiction category.
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As the publication date draws near for Profiles in Service, the author puts in hours designing a cover jacket and reading the proof.
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Reviving last year’s tradition of a blog post every day in December. This might get nutty.
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What strikes you as a singular, foremost image to capture the spirit of Peace Corps service and U.S. diplomacy over the last half century?
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Award-winning author reads from his short story Down on Jupiter. Who can resist Floridaman? Or rubber chickens? Or Marla Jean imagining her boyfriend’s back: “Tenderize me, baby.”
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Former diplomat Ben East tries his hand at podcasting when his nonfiction fails to take hold. Will fellow public servant Rob Batchelder bail him out? Can the Great Indian Bustard help?
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Ambassador White’s story, and the energy with which she told it, revealed the first, cleanest line from Peace Corps service to successful diplomacy
Ben East Books 