MAKING THEM LIKE US [Hardcover]

FISCHER FRITZ (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 17, 1998

In the 1960s, young idealists flocked to join the newly formed Peace Corps. Based on newly available records, historian Fritz Fischer describes how most Peace Corps workers became alienated from their lofty aims and liberal ideologies. 25 photos.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Smithsonian (November 17, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1560988894
• ISBN-13: 978-1560988892
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,952,994 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Fuel for Pessimists and Cynics, June 18, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Philadelphia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: MAKING THEM LIKE US (Hardcover)

Unlike the author, I WAS in the Peace Corps. I was in Togo, West Africa as a health volunteer from 1968-70, the time his book includes. I found very few points with which I could agree in his repetitive, one-sided compilation of quotes and opinions.

I do appreciate the acknowledgment of the work and committment put in by us as volunteers. In 68 we had no anti-communist indoctrination, no Marine-like physical boot camp, and (unfortunately) no Outward Bound experience.

I did finally learn French (after 3 useless years of it in school) through the intense, effective Foreign service language training. I would say the phrase "The toughest job you'll ever love," which was a Peace Corps slogan, is fitting. The two years I spent in my village, the only white person, working side-by-side with the village midwife, form the most vivid experience of my now 53 years.

I returned once, 20 years after my stint in Togo, finding my village "family" as warm and appreciative as ever. My 16 yr old son and I are going back this Dec/Jan, so he can taste what I've talked about his whole life.

Don't bother with this book.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome., August 6, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: MAKING THEM LIKE US (Hardcover)

Mr. Fischer has done us all a favor with this book. His analysis, combining history and real life experience, rings true. More than that, the book evokes an earlier, more idealistic America, one where, in JFK's words, one "asked not what your country could do for you, but what you can do for your country."

Read this. It could change your life.

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thoughtful and evocative of another era., August 6, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: MAKING THEM LIKE US (Hardcover)

This book brought back untold memories to me. I volunteered in Guatemala from 1967-69 and Mr. Fischer has reminded me of the waves of human suffering I witnessed. In one brief shining,moment we sought to stem the flow of crimes against humanity. This was a time long before profit margins and balance sheets ruled the day, when success was measured by the lives saved and babies fed. I thank Mr. Fischer for taking me back to a simpler time, long before day trading and front page presidential fellatio. Thank you, Fritz Fischer, for rocking my world!!