Like Confessions of a Clueless Rebel this is a true story that brings us back in time Partly serious and largely humor ous this tale captures the real story of an idealistic band of youthful Americans who journeyed halfway around the world in response to President John F Kennedys call to ask what you can do for your country They signed up to serve in the Peace Corps back in those waning days of Camelot when fervor and innocence trumped experience and common sense Little did they realize what that decision would entail These recollections from the author and several aging members of India44 a wellmeaning if illfated Peace Corps group serve as a reasonable proxy for those early volunteer dayswhat later would be known as the wild west of overseas service The group served in what were considered comparatively difficult Peace Corps sites preindustrial villages in rural India where some provided health services and others agricultural advice Unfortunately virtually none of them were technically prepared for the roles they were expected to play In hindsight it was a situation ripe for disaster or great humor depending on your view the world Despite the chal lenges their experiences manage to capture some of the best of our people and our country as well as provide much at which to laugh wonder and sometimes even weep This is no sugarcoated tale of heroic deeds and boundless success Far from it They were simply a bunch of smart kids doing their best in a very difficult almost impossible situation Join them as they sought meaning love understanding and purpose in places and situations that chal lenged them to the fullest and for the most part made them more complete human beings It really did seem like a good idea at the time In the end it was