Barbara E. Joe, a native of Boston, holds BA and MA degrees from the University of California, Berkeley. A human rights activist for 30 years, she has lived or traveled in more than 45 countries and now works as a writer and Spanish interpreter and translator in Washington, D.C. "Trumph & Hope: Golden Years with the Peace Corps in Honduras," her first book for a general audience, was named Best Peace Corps memoir of 2009 by Peace Corps Writers, Best New Non-Fiction Finalist by National Indie Excellence Awards, and Finalist, Best New Non-Fiction, National Best Books. Ed O'Keefe of the Washington Post declared, "Barbara's book is a great read...Buy and read this book, no matter your age" and Midwest Book Review called it "an inspiring read." Barbara has given numerous presentations about her book and Peace Corps service at libraries, universities, conferences, and bookstores (see http://www.voanews.com/english/news/usa/Peace-Corps-Marks-50-Years-of-Promoting-Peace-Understanding-128416353.html, http://www.womansday.com/Articles/Lifestyle/Achieving-Your-Dreams-Over-40.html, and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nc_i84jrfQs). The book is available in paperback and Kindle versions and was recorded by the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped.

Barbara E. Joe writes with agility and wit. This book is required reading for all those persons who skillfully persuade themselves that it is better to put off things until tomorrow. Barbara Joe's book reminds us that life doesn't wait until tomorrow and that unforeseen circumstances sometimes compel us to follow our dreams. I am reminded of a chapter in Bertrand Russell's The Conquest of Happiness - "Zest" or enthusiasm...you don't write books like Triumph and Hope without a full tank of zest. But in Barbara Joe's case this life-affirming quality is borne out of desolation and despair, and for that reason all the more uplifting.