An Imperfect Offering is a powerful personal memoir by James Orbinski, a Canadian who has spent much of his adult life on frontline humanitarian work in the worst areas of world conflict. Despite its dark chapters, it is also a hopeful story about the emergence of Doctors Without Borders (MSF) as a new, independent agent of civil society and the possibilities of making the world a better place. In “An Imperfect Offering,” James Orbinski tells the story of people who have been harmed by war and the aid workers who have come to heal them whenever possible. It engages in deep reflection on the nature of humanitarian response and the many threats to this very human activity. He sharply criticizes governments that act to cause suffering or prevent its relief. He asks himself: “How can I be in relation to the suffering of others?” His life as a doctor and humanitarian worker illustrates this response. Accordingly, the book's main thesis is that humanitarianism is about the struggle to create space to be fully human. However, he illustrates how this struggle is becoming increasingly difficult due to the imperfect provision of politics, which has led to a blurring of the lines between humanitarian assistance and the political objectives of military intervention. Since “An Imperfect Offering” is written as a memoir, Orbinski is not arguing for or against a particular point, he is instead illustrating what he experienced and felt during humanitarian missions. He states that the purpose of writing was to show people what it means to be human. But it can also be argued that he wrote to give voice to the people he had met. Being a doctor who works in these contexts has understood that his relationships with the citizen... middle of paper... victims of wars and genocides, it is admirable to see his courage to remain committed to the service of his fellow human beings. With a bold but pragmatic vision, Orbinski does not worry about the seemingly intractable problems of finding drugs for the poorest AIDS victims. The book illustrates his desire to get the job done without bravado and grand declarations. Although the book was painful to read, it takes the reader to the very edge of human suffering. However, he also inspires with his reflections on humanitarianism and the ingenuity brought to its implementation. It is encouraging to know that James Orbinski can inspire students in both the arts and sciences as they begin their careers. For after all he has seen, Orbinski remains optimistic, non-cynical and committed to action. Give this book to all the students in your life after reading it yourself.