You probably know Malala as the girl who was shot by the Taliban, as the girl who is a strong global advocate for children’s education. But do you know why Malala was shot, why the Taliban targeted her, and what drives this young woman’s passion? She answers all this and much more in her memoir, “I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban.” This is an autobiographical book by Malala Yousafzai, co-written with Christina Lamb.

I Am Malala (Review)

The title “I am Malala” is an ode to her standing up to the terrorists and oppressors in Swat, Pakistan. A very powerful account of Malala’s life; this book also details how Pakistan has been subjected to one tyranny after another, leaving the citizens deeply hurt and controlled. Malala has provided a no-filter narrative of Pakistan’s political situation, bringing to light the people’s unimaginable living conditions.

This book has been monumental for me because it made me face some of my ignorance on a fundamental level. I always assumed Pakistan would have faced similar situations and problems as India post-independence. However, Pakistan has been subjected to much more political instability, which has led to the citizens being penalized for the shortcomings of the government. Pakistan is a country with an army as powerful as the government and where religion is and above the law.

“My father says that Pakistan has been cursed with more than its fair share of politicians who only think about money.”

Malala’s passion and drive are rooted in her father’s advocation and her Mother’s support. Her father has vocally opposed the Taliban and tried to get education for everyone. His courage, passion, and fearless love for his valley shine through Malala’s words. He is an inspiration and an example of how parents’ actions directly affect shaping a child’s character and mindset. Malala has been taught the importance of education from a young age and has been encouraged to speak her mind. 

"Going to school, reading, and doing our homework wasn't just a way of passing time, it was our future." – @Malala Click To Tweet

Her love for her valley and country oozes out of her writing. She misses “home” despite actually living in a safer and more luxurious place now. That is the beauty and comfort of home for Malala.

The book whispers innocence all over it, and you can tell the story is told from the point of view of a young girl. Her concerns over school grades and her best friend’s opinion took me back to my younger years when that was all I had to worry about. Malala, however, has gone through excruciating circumstances, and I couldn’t help but stop and ponder what I had been doing at that age.

The emotions she talks about in the book are so raw and young that the image of the activist Malala and the child Malala is difficult to reconcile at times. Malala’s humility, compassion, optimism, and belief propel her to be just the kind of example we need today – to follow and be our very best version.

“Education is education. We should learn everything and then choose which path to follow. Education is neither eastern or western, it is human.”

The chapters on the episode of her shooting and the subsequent surgeries to heal are heart-shattering and downright miraculous. It is no ordinary feat for a 15-year-old to be shot, flown alone internationally, and recover from it. The chilling details are bound to give you goosebumps too. I encourage you to watch videos of Malala, and you can see her face is still partially healing.

“No one knows how much power they have in there each and every organ until they lose one.”

This inspiring read moved me to tears on several occasions and is an honest and brutal book that can only be narrated by a girl untouched by adulthood’s manipulations. This is a book for everyone – to know Malala, her fight for education, how education can help you, and what Pakistan truly is. You can get the book here! 📖

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