Book Review: I Am Malala

I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban

by Malala Yousafzai and Christina Lamb

Written on 3/25/2014

Malala is an icon. She is a strong young woman who, with the encouragement of her family, stood up for education for all.

This book, I Am Malala, showcases why Malala is such an inspiration to many. Malala and her family faced many hardships, but constantly pushed forward in their battle to have education for girls. Beyond natural disasters and money issues, Malala and her family faced an antagonist that has shaped much of the international conflict over the past 10 years: Talbanization.

Malala shows a different perspective on Talbanization. Her education, her family, her life was impacted directly by the Taliban. She continued to go to school and live her life after the Taliban was taking lives and threatening hers.

Her and her father continue to speak out for education for all - regardless of gender, income, and geographical location.

I can't really put what I felt from this book into words because I feel my frame of reference on International Affairs and Women's Education might be a bit different than most. Basically, I find Malala and her father's fight for education extremely inspiring.

This book fueled my thoughts about going back to Grad School and working for NGOs with education and women's rights. The Yousafzai family reminded me that pursuing change is important and beneficial for all. Although I'm still not sure what I'll be doing after Peace Corps, I was reminded how important education is, and I am glad I'm working towards a better education for all here.

Basically, it's a good book, an easy read, and an important subject. Although it is clear that Malala had some help from co-writer Lamb to put the words together, there are moments where her youth shines through in a way that lets you know Malala is the one behind the words.