Jim McConkey (India 1967-69) Speaking Tonight at World Affairs Council of Harrisburg, PA

If you had to boil down Jim McConkey’s book to a simple ‘X Meets Y’ premise, it would be “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance” meets “Lost in Translation.”

By that, we mean “To the Far Side of Planet Earth” is an introspective glimpse at McConkey’s time spent serving as a member of the Peace Corps, combining bits of anthropology, mythology, psychology and a good amount of humor as culture shock gives way to new perspective.

McConkey aspired to be a writer since childhood, but made a few career stops on the way to work on a farm, wash dishes, pump gas, drive a school bus and deliver papers. After gaining a degree in journalism, McConkey joined the Peace Corps, and soon he found himself in India.

His speaking engagement on “Understanding the Philosophy and Culture of India” today at Temple University’s Harrisburg Campus is part of a World Affairs Council of Harrisburg program. And for a literal taste of another culture, the event will be catered by the Passage to India restaurant.

IF YOU GO

WHEN: 6:30 p.m. today

WHERE: Temple University Harrisburg, 2nd floor, 4th and Market streets, Harrisburg

COST: $35, $25 for WACH members for dinner and lecture; free for lecture only

INFO: www.wacharrisburg.org; 717-221-1627