Read Globally. Connect Locally.
We are excited to introduce The CAPCA Bookshelf, a new monthly feature curated by board member Sara Whittleton (RPCV Botswana 1990-1993). Sara has selected books on themes of volunteerism, service, and global connection—stories designed to spark conversation and reflection across our community. Here are her recommendations.
If you have a bookshelf recommendation, please email us at capca1961@gmail.com with the Subject: Bookshelf. We would love to share it!
June: Arsenic and Adobo (2021) by Mia P. Manansala
This book is a cozy mystery which celebrates Filipino food & culture. This is the first book in a new culinary series featuring Lila Macapagal as an amateur sleuth recovering from a break-up and trying to save her family’s restaurant. (336 pages, 4/5 stars)
The Philippines is the second oldest Peace Corps country program starting in October 1961. Volunteers continue to serve today and number at about 10,000 volunteers collectively.
Past recommendations are:
May: The Stationery Shop (2019) by Marjane Kamali
Spanning more than sixty years, a couple impacted by political turmoil in 1950’s Tehran shows the transcendent power of the tender connections we make with each other. Though decades, continents and circumstances divide Roya and Bahman, and their lives go on, the bond they shared and the place that created it comes vividly to life. The book explores Iranian history and culture while also exploring the immigrant experience. (320 pages, 4.4/5)
Peace Corps volunteers served in Iran from 1962-1976 and their association had their final meeting, attended by more than 100 RPCVs. This affiliate group will cease to exist as of June 2026. Check out peacecorpsiran.org for more about the anti-war advocacy these RPCVs’ from Iran are doing, or listen to the SoftPower/FulStories podcast episode interviewing Paul Barker RPCV Iran.
April 19th: In person meeting of the CAPCA Book Club (Details)
Homegoing (2016) by Yaa Gyaasi
The story of two half-sisters and their generational legacies from 18th century to modern day Ghana/US. An epic novel tracing the blood ties between our countries. (300 pages, 4.5/5 rating)
Ghana was the first Peace Corps country, and more than 5,000 volunteers have served there since August 30, 1961.
March: Beneath a Scarlet Sky (2017) by Mark T. Sullivan*
This book is based on a true story about Pino Lella a young Italian man who joins an underground railroad in the Dolomites helping Jews escape persecution in WWII. (500 pages, 4.4/5 rating)
*Mark T. Sullivan, RPCV Niger 1980-82. This is Mark’s 14th published book.
February: The Snow Child (2012) by Eowyn Ivey
This is good one for Chicago’s winter. The author comes from Alaska and this first of her novels was a Pulitzer finalist. The mythical story (Snegurochka, a character from Russian lore is an inspiration) is about 1920’s homesteaders and captures the spirit of Alaska. (390 pages, 4/5 rating)
1,084 volunteers from Alaska have served since 1961
Happy reading!