I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
(Format used for this read: Audiobook)
Finished this book today during a run.
Here is the summary:
“I Am Malala. This is my story.
Malala Yousafzai was only ten years old when the Taliban took control of her region. They said music was a crime. They said women weren’t allowed to go to the market. They said girls couldn’t go to school.
Raised in a once-peaceful area of Pakistan transformed by terrorism, Malala was taught to stand up for what she believes. So she fought for her right to be educated. And on October 9, 2012, she nearly lost her life for the cause: She was shot point-blank while riding the bus on her way home from school.
No one expected her to survive.
Now Malala is an international symbol of peaceful protest and the youngest ever Nobel Peace Prize winner. In this Young Readers Edition of her bestselling memoir, which has been reimagined specifically for a younger audience and includes exclusive photos and material, we hear firsthand the remarkable story of a girl who knew from a young age that she wanted to change the world — and did.
Malala’s powerful story will open your eyes to another world and will make you believe in hope, truth, miracles and the possibility that one person — one young person — can inspire change in her community and beyond.
Yall, this book was amazing in so many ways.
First…because this young woman in her preteen and teen years was stronger and more passionate and outspoken about her beliefs than almost every single adult I have ever known.
She expresses herself in such eloquent ways yet remains so relatable and down to earth. She bares her pain, her vulnerability, her anger, her fears, her frustrations, her loves….in such a way you can FEEL it all.
Second….to hear the stories of her family and how the love and support they have for each other thru EVERYTHING (times that are harder than ANY thing I have EVER had to experience or even imagine) was just so impactful on my heart.
Third…I was VERY convicted that I need to educate myself more…that there is SO much about people of other cultures and faith backgrounds that I do not know…and misconceptions that I have completely and utterly WRONG.
As I listened to Malala’s words, I realized my ignorance of the true Muslim faith and the history of Pakistan as well as many other countries. I have biases and stereotypes that I was shocked and ashamed to acknowledge. Listening to her words taught me so much…and also made me realize how much more I need to learn and how much more I need to LISTEN to others.
This book is one you definitely need on your list.