Ossining Author to Speak About Time in Africa

OSSINING, N.Y. – Ossining resident Chris Starace wants to talk about a different world more than 5,200 miles away from home. 

Starace will talk about his time spent in Benin, West Africa as a Peace Corps volunteer at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Ossining Public Library. Starace wrote the book “To Benin and Back” as a compilation of short stories, essays and personal reflections of his time living in Benin. While he's spoken about his book before, Starace said Thursday night’s talk gives a rare opportunity to speak to his fellow community members.

“In the book, I made cultural observations about the United States and the major differences between the two places,” Starace said. “I have more of a personal and cultural connection with people in this area.”

Starace hopes people bring one thing with them to the discussion, and it’s not his book. 

“I hope they bring an open mind,” Starace said. “But they can bring the book too if they want.” 

James Trapasso, program coordinator for the Ossining Public Library, said he hopes residents gain a lot from Thursday’s discussion. 

“We always like to have local authors come in,” Trapasso said. “But I hope they learn more about the Peace Corps and learn a lot about things outside of their community.”   

To learn more about the book, or to purchase the book, residents are asked to visit Starace’s website at www.tobeninandback.com. 

 

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