Local author Donna Marie Barr’s new book, My View from the House by the Sea will take you to the Samoan Islands without leaving home. As Barr describes in the book’s subtitle, her memoir tells the story of A Life Transformed by Samoa and the Peace Corps.

Barr was fifty-seven and retired when she joined the Peace Corps in 2007 and left Hawai‘i for ‘Upolu Island. After immersion training, she lived in the seaside village of Poutasi across the sandy road from her host family’s small beach house (fale ‘i tai), where she wrote reflective and vividly descriptive journal entries. Along with her tales of life in Samoa – harrowing bus rides, challenging projects, rewarding relationships and the joys of living by the sea – the author will share how the experience changed her and continues to be a vital part of her life today.

Lagipoiva Cherelle Jackson, award-winning Samoan journalist, praises the book, saying: “This insight into rural Samoa through a Peace Corps volunteer provides a unique perspective on culture, family dynamics, and life in a village. I applaud Barr’s depiction of our people and the depth of her understanding of the FaʻaSāmoa.” And local writer, Tom Peek, author of the award-winning novel, Daughters of Fire, writes: “This intimate memoir is a great read filled with beautiful writing, fascinating cross-cultural insights, and wry humor.”

We have taken enhanced health and safety measures for you, our patrons, and our staff.  You must follow all posted instructions while visiting and/or participating in library programming.  An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present.  By visiting and/or participating in library programming, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.  Please help keep each other healthy.

If you need an auxiliary aid/service or other accommodation due to a disability, please contact the library 7 days prior to the program date. We will make every attempt to fulfill all requests for accommodations. All programs are subject to change.