When he was about a year old, Imran Ahmad's family emigrated from Pakistan to England, settling in London. He's written a refreshing autobiography about growing up there; always a member of "the other," always trying to assimilate into the larger group. He's on a book tour over here, and I had the good luck to attend one of his lectures. He's heading your way, with a stop in Concord, MA. Most of his appearances happen to be scheduled for Unitarian churches but they would be relevant anywhere (SIT? Marlboro College?).

If you have a chance to catch his lecture -- or if you know of a group who might invite him -- he's well worth the effort. He's a charming and dynamic communicator, and after you leave his event you'll probably head to the nearest computer to order a copy of his book....as I did.

Imran's web site, including his itinerary, is posted at http://www.unimagined.org