A Million Miles: My Peace Corps Journey

by Jody Olsen

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction

345 pages, Paperback

Published October 21, 2024

Reviews

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. The writing is definitely not perfect, but this book was so compelling it gets five stars from me. Such an incredible story of what one life can do. And to read this book the same week I watch the richest man in the world destroy USAID. Totally surreal. A must read right now. Read this book and remember that the US has people like Jody Olsen in it. And that they are fighting for our country to do good home and abroad everyday.

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I so rarely read Peace corps memoirs because they're often smug and lack a depth of experience or real self-reflection but this was for an RPCV book club.

And this book was not the norm - covering an entire career of public service. It was also a fascinating look into the diplomatic machinations of Peace Corps (in particular the addition of Eastern European post-USSR countries) and its tenuous nature administration to administration.

I definitely wanted to know more about Jody's birth mother Francine... but understand that it's personal.
I thought that Jody might have relied a little too heavily on her therapist daughter... but COVID 19 did force us into tight bubbles.
I would have loved to see more recognition of the Peace corps flavor of colonialism and white saviorism... but would definitely not have expected it from a career appointee's memoir.

And the book could have used a little more editing - some of the conversations read very robotically and there were a couple of times the book referred back to people that had never been mentioned before.

[Chris Benetti · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Million Miles: My Peace Corps Journey is a reflective memoir centered on service, leadership, and international development through the lens of Peace Corps experience.
The book traces personal and professional growth shaped by cross-cultural immersion and long-term engagement in global communities. It highlights the challenges and rewards of service work, particularly in contexts that require adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and sustained commitment.
A key strength of the memoir lies in its ability to connect individual experience with broader themes of public service and global responsibility. It situates personal narrative within the larger mission of international development work.
Overall, this is a thoughtful contribution to Peace Corps and service-oriented memoir literature, offering value to readers interested in humanitarian work, leadership, and cross-cultural understanding.

[Allene Zanger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This the most mesmerizing memoir I have ever read! In an unvarnished manner, the book tells the story of childhood trauma and a series of almost unbelievable adventures and professional and personal challenges in an engaging manner that keeps the reader turning the pages.

Despite the book’s heart-wrenching depictions of a series of traumatic experiences, I was inspired and comforted by Ms. Olsen’s courage and ability to cope through centering her decisions on love and compassion.

This is a “must read” for those who served as volunteers in the Peace Corps and former or current Peace Corps staff. I also highly recommend this memoir to anyone who loves a well told story.

[Camille · Rating 5 out of 5]

History. Adventure. A personal story. Something to remind us of the goodness in all of us.
A must read that I'll heartily recommend to friends and family!

[Jennie Lobato · Rating 5 out of 5]

So inspiring!