Book Thoughts: I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai

I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban by Malala Yousafzai
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I actually finished this book awhile ago, which I think makes writing a review harder as you continue to read other things. But after finishing it, I just needed more time to process and digest.

In this memoir, Malala Yousafzai relates the story of her youth and her actions that eventually led to her being shot by the Taliban, her recovery, and her continued work to achieve equal opportunity of education for girls in her country. Its her actions that eventually led her to become the youngest winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. And deservedly so.

All that said, what can a white male from the U.S. (privileges of privileges) add or say or comment when reading this story that even remotely feels adequate. Malala strikes me, for so many reasons that will be apparent to any who read the book, as an absolutely exceptional individual. It is rare for the combination of intellect, courage, and moral integrity to reside in a single person in the quantities it does in her, and I (along with anyone else who reads her story) is better off for having read her words. And I do think this is the type of book I would recommend to practically everyone to read, because while it may not be the most well written or most compelling read, it feels incredibly timely and important.

Read it for more cultural awareness and understanding of those different. Read it to be amazed at the gifts a single person can have, and utilize. Read it to understand what blessings and fortune one may have in their own life that they take for granted. Read it to know that much work is needed in the world to create equal opportunity and basic human rights for all. Read it to be disheartened and amazed and hopeful all at the same time. Read it.

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