Review of I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai

Status: read and back on my shelf.

Rating: 5/5.

I am Malala had me hooked from the first page. The story begins as any great story begins, with a birth and a family. From the outset, it is clear that Malala's relationship with her father is integral to her life story. Respect in their relationship, is always mutual. 

The thing that most impressed me was Malala's confidence. No not her confidence, her no nonsense honesty. In interviews, when asked how she has the boldness to confront world leaders about controversial topics, she says she doesn't do it for her, it is bigger than her. She finds the confidence because she must step up for her fellow people. 

What's more, she shows that everyone can learn from others. Malala is insatiable for knowledge. She is never satisfied with herself and often looks to her father and other great leaders on how to improve herself. Her father learns from his daughter too (though her brothers seem to not learn all that much haha from her). I feel I have learned to love learning through Malala. 

My favourite parts of the book were when Malala describes her life in Swat Valley. Malala captures the essence of her valley and explains it simply, aware of the possible cultural differences between herself and her readership. The importance of stories, particularly religious stories, is emphasised. She perfectly describes the real fear of your home becoming a dangerous place at night. The anxiety of her fellow classmates sneaking to school. 

That is what the book says. There are rules worth breaking despite threats and there are things worth saying despite nerves. Just as there are books worth reading despite the time of night. I highly recommend this book as an important an amazing story.

Favourite quote:

'It doesn't matter if I can't smile or blink properly,' I told her, I'm still me, Malala. The important thing is God has given me my life.' Yet every time they came to the hospital and I laugh or tried to smile, my mother's face would darken as if a shadow had crossed it. It was like a reverse mirror - when there was laughter on my face there was distress on my mother's.