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.
