Another Day in Paradise: International Humanitarian Workers Tell Their Stories

by Carol Bergman

Book by

Genres: Nonfiction, International Affairs, Biography

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Short accounts from humanitarian workers in the late 90s and early 2000s. Because the stories are short, they lack conflict history and sometimes depth. Good variety of perspectives from a range of experiences and backgrounds. May not contain anything new to those already familiar with the field.

[Bolor-Erdene Ulaankhuukhen · Rating 4 out of 5]

"...Since what we were doing was right, rightness alone was the complete measure of our work. Ascribing finer qualities to the work, to the duty, would be gratuitous and plainly self-serving."

This is an anthology of stories told by humanitarian workers from the front lines.

all the aid worker tropes are there: cowboys, alcoholics, relationship problems, burnouts.
Otherwise, it also contains very deep and interesting reflections, profiles of past conflicts and disasters which were worth revisiting.

Lady Di is thrown in there somewhere...

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting Book

I enjoyed reading about the experiences of humanitarian aid workers as I want to be one as well one day. It does seem as many of them have a savior complex, but over all a very informative read.

[Leeankh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. I've been fascinated by humanitarian work for many years. I've read more about the Peace Corps than most people I know. This book was written for people like me. :)

The stories aren't candy coated. They are gritty and real and cover the horror as well as the beauty of the work. Some people would read this book and feel turned off from humanitarian work. But, when I read it, it deepens my understanding of what it takes and I feel encouraged to explore my humanitarian side more deeply. I want to know the stories more intimately and have one to share. Truly a fascinating book and I'm very glad I was able to read it.

[Ryan]

the collection provides a pretty darn good depiction of what the various aid workers face in their day-to-day activities in different places around the world. Bergman covers her ass as far as providing as complete a picture as she could, from the writers that submitted their experiences, and they are all really quite distinct from one another, although some similarities are bound to show up.



the only way to truly understand what it is like is to jump right in and experience it first hand, i think.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Humanitarian workers telling stories about their time in the field. Each of the stories portrays another side of relief efforts. I would recommend it to anyone interested in working abroad in this field. It was very interesting and brought some very real considerations to light.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stories from aid workers around the world. Sad. Uplifting. Horrifying. Motivating

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book about the experiences of selfless humanitarians working abroad.