I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
To say this was an inspirational story, simply does not do this book justice. Although it is written from the point of view of a teenager, it conveys the true feelings and emotions that people of Pakistan feel on a daily basis. The story of Malala demonstrates the horrors of war and the casualties of constant political upheaval as it affects normal, everyday people.
This story made me grateful. Grateful that I grew up in a country that not only “allows” education for women, but provides it as well. I am grateful that I had a father, just like Malala, that saw value in a woman graduating from high school, college and other higher learning. I am grateful that I live in a society that values life more than their strict religious edicts.
This story taught me the importance of your family. Malala was encouraged to attend school in a society that does not value it. Malala was encouraged to be vocal in her beliefs, even though they were contrary to their society. Malala was encouraged to stand up for herself and against the changing beliefs, just like her father. Malala was encouraged to stand by her father and speak out against injustices. Without the guidance and support of her parents, Malala would not have been the outspoken young woman that she was at the time of her shooting, nor would she be the person she has become afterward.
The plight of other nations, and the women who live there, can be shocking! This book was a reminder that we should not take our freedoms for granted. Simply going to school or speaking your mind is a punishable offense in some cultures. We should be grateful for the opportunities we have in our society. And, we should appreciate these “luxuries”, as others do not have them.
Malala talks about her belief that she has a “second chance” at life after her shooting. She has every reason to be frightened and to run away, but instead of being frightened and going into hiding, she has new resolve to finish school and save her beloved Pakistan.
Could Malala’s family have protected her more?
Should Malala’s family have allowed her to have a public voice or should they have kept her pseudonym?
Did you think that Malala’s father was to blame for her shooting?
As a parent, would you encourage your child to speak their mind and go against society? To what end?
How did this story make you feel about women’s rights and education?
Do you feel that Pakistan will be able to overcome the Taliban’s rule?
Why do you think the Pakistani army leaders were so intent on saving Malala’s life?
Do you think Malala and her family will ever be able to return to Swat?
Do you think that Malala deserved the Nobel Peace Prize? What will she be able to accomplish with it?
Will Malala be the next Benazir Bhutto?
Malala’s writing style is perfect for this book. Her youth carries with it a sweetness and innocence for which you can’t help but smile. Not only is it endearing, but it serves as a reminder that she was only 11 when she wrote her blog for the BBC and starred in a NY Times documentary. And was just a tender 15 when shot in the face.
I am torn by the question “could Malala’s family have protected her more?” On the surface the answer is yes. Of course they could have prevented her from attending school and going out in public. That would have kept her safe… physically. But would she have been safe mentally and emotionally? Education was her greatest joy in life and a cause she began to champion at a very young age. Keeping her from her love of learning would destroy her. Also, stopping Malala’a education to protect her from the Taliban would be exactly what the Taliban wanted. In the end the Taliban would be successful in achieving their desired results and Malala would be miserable. The only one that loses out is Malala. I did wonder why her parents were not more insistent on sending Malala away to attend school. But I suppose that would also be considered a victory for the Taliban. And would take her away from her beloved homeland.
I also grappled over whether Malala should have had a public voice or should her parents have kept her pseudonym. Having a public voice was what led to Malala’s success in championing women’s education. Her public efforts certainly came at a very steep price, but they were also the spark that was needed to set fire to a movement. Had she never spoken physically, the movement she started would have never taken off.
I do not blame Malala’s father for her shooting any more than I blame myself for my interpreter being killed in Afghanistan. Horrible things happen to good people everyday and it is just a part, albeit a difficult part, of life. I do believe that Malala’s father was responsible for instilling an insatiable thirst for knowledge and a drive to learn in his children. But I see that as a positive, not a negative.
It is difficult for me to say that I would ever encourage my children to do something that would put them in harm’s way. No parent ever wants that. But I will say that my husband and I believe strongly in a moral code and ethics. This includes the tenants of Catholicism and Christianity that we believe in. We have instilled these in our sons. If living up to tenets like “love they neighbor” means they would ever have to go against society to do what is right, I would support them and be proud of them.
This book reminds me that although it is 2017 and women’s rights have come very far, there is still a long, long way to go. In many places women still do not have basic human rights and are treated like property.
I don’t know if Pakistan will be able to overcome the Taliban’s rule. A lot of that rests with the prosperity and economic development of the country. And a lot of that comes from within. It is very simple. If Pakistani’s are not ready for change, change will not happen. I do hope and pray that change does happen. And it’s people like Malala that are catalysts needed for that change.
I think the Pakistani military thought that if Malala died everyone would think it was the military’s fault. And the public would believe that the Pakistani military was working with the Taliban. Malala’s attack also resulted in a world wide magnifying glass being placed on the Pakistani military. Had any negative outcomes resulted in Malala’s care there could have been international consequences.
The Nobel Peace Prize that Malala received is not only an acknowledgement of what Malala has done, but it sets the expectations for what she still has to accomplish. Which are very high expectations. Beyond recognizing the fearlessness and selflessness of a young girl, it also serves as the marker for a global movement.
I believe Malala has already surpassed Benazir Bhutto. She has become a household name. She is a hero for children everywhere. She is an inspiration to many adults. She has already become a driving force for her country and a signal for hope everywhere.
Very well said. Although we never want our children in harms way, it is incumbent upon us as parents to help them to uphold our values of kindness and respect. I’m sure that her parents never expected their popularity, nor the war, to become so volatile. Luckily, there was a bigger force at work and Malala was saved and chosen to be a prominent leader in a part of the world that needed hope. Malala is the hope that her country needs. If this young girl can fight and survive, why can’t the rest of them? Hopefully, her ability to thrive can continue to inspire others to make a difference and fight back like they need to in that part of the world.
Glad you enjoyed this book!