Serving in the U.S. Peace Corps in Libya at a fateful time in that country’s history, author Randolph Hobler, a self-described “tenacious researcher” and “industrious composer,” contacted 101 of his fellow former volunteers and blended their memories, vibrantly presenting them here.

Established in 1961, the Peace Corps was designed to imbue the “baby boomer” generation with an encompassing, international perspective. 101 ARABIAN TALES examines this viewpoint: one couple recalls wanting to help erase the stigma of “ugly Americans,” while Hobler, a conscientious objector in spirit, saw it as an opportunity to spread peace in remote places. As he and his cohort were signing on, the call from Libya was strong. The majority of its people faced crushing poverty and almost total lack of education. So Peace Corps volunteers would teach there. But first they had to learn.

"Anyone who has ever stepped foot in a foreign clime, and especially those who have had the privilege of walking the extra mile in foreign sandals, will appreciate Hobler’s lively, intelligent memoir."

Training began for some in the Arizona town of Bisbee. Its heat and sand offered a foretaste of Libya’s climate, though its rowdy border-town ambience was nothing like the strict, Muslim-dominated culture of northern Africa. In training, learning to speak Arabic and teach others to speak English, and how to control skittish motorbikes (no helmets), Hobler and his new pals found much to enjoy, though some doubts and trepidations inevitably arose. 

After landing in Libya, they realized how much they still had to learn. Poverty was a lesson in itself. One volunteer with bright sweaters brought from home ended up giving them all away when he saw how his young students admired and coveted them. Bathing and toileting were two major, unpleasant surprises, as was the way that Muslim females were treated, often robed completely except for a small aperture for one eye. Western women were stared at, even called “whores” by the locals. Food included bloody goat meat and the national specialty, couscous. Insects were a constant annoyance; illness was prevalent. Through it all, the youthful grit of the Peace Corps volunteers helped most to survive and fulfill assignments. Many of their students successfully acquired English, a valuable skill in that time and place.

Hobler writes as though born to that profession, utilizing history, geography, philosophy, political savvy, many emotive photos and dashes of piquant humor. Travel --- comingling with people different from ourselves --- is always enlightening; teaching provides many precious moments. In 101 ARABIAN TALES, Hobler serves up a mix of both. In doing so, he has created a tribute to early Peace Corps volunteers who are doubtless grateful for his communal account, which includes “Epilogues” to bring personal stories up to the present day.

Anyone who has ever stepped foot in a foreign clime, and especially those who have had the privilege of walking the extra mile in foreign sandals, will appreciate Hobler’s lively, intelligent memoir.