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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As a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Philippines, Brenda Brown Schoonover found people were interested in her views as an American, not as an African American.
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Ben East shares a story about Parker Borg, tapped by Ronald Regan to be U.S. Ambassador in Mali, the first Returned Peace Corps Volunteer in such a position
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Writing about the Zen Buddhism saying “Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water,” yard work, and visiting the dump.
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Sketches of distinguished American diplomats from my forthcoming book, Profiles in Service.
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Novelist Ben East introduces a new podcast about building international relations for a stronger America.
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My latest novel has achieved critical mass. I’m no longer inventing the figments of a void, but rather connecting the last pieces of a puzzle with finite space to go astray. All creative energy is bent toward that one objective.
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This spring I submitted the story to my local Virginia Writers Club chapter, the Northern VWC. Today I learned I won the blue ribbon for my Golden Nib submission.
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The finest in storytelling as a coping mechanism for what happens to us in the real-world. Join me in an audio experience that turns a chat with AI into a satire of chatting with AI.
Ben East Books 