Meisler, Stanley. When The World Calls.

Meisler, Stanley.   When The World Calls. Beacon Press (dist. by Random), 2011.  272p.    $26.95  ISBN 978-0-8070-5049-1      hs/adult(Grade 9-adult)E-BN         This book traces the 50-year history of the Peace Corps, including the challenges it has faced as well as the impact that it has had. It is an intriguing look at an organization that has faded from public view but still has impact around the world.    

     Meisler, a former deputy director in charge of evaluation of the Peace Corps, provides an insider-yet-balanced look at the Peace Corps, from its difficult birth and turbulent teen years to its current state, still remaining true to its goal of being nonpartisan and not getting involved in government foreign affairs. The changing priorities of various presidents, the political appointments of Directors of the Peace Corps, the problems encountered in foreign lands, and the crime that sometimes descended on American volunteers in foreign lands are all presented in an impartial way. This is fascinating reading in this era that stresses volunteerism. The last chapter answers the question “does the Peace Corps do any good” in remarkable fashion.  This should be required reading for many high-school and college students who want to understand what it is like to live in a foreign country and wonder how they can effect change in the world.                

Subject: Peace Corps (U.S.)  

Lois McNicol