samantha_2023's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
laurieisreading's review against another edition
5.0
Review posted on https://lauriesbookshelf.comOnce upon a time, you stumble upon a book and you instantly know you want to read it, even though it does not fit your usual genre. This was the case for me with Let Her Fly by Ziauddin Yousafzai. I have been following Malala's work since I read her book in 2014. I even wrote a Dutch article on her book last year. Well, on to her father's book now, which has been co-written by Louise Carpenter. I stepped out of my Young Adult (fantasy) and New Adult bubble to read this book and I am stepping even more out of my comfort zone by reviewing a non-fiction book.
Expectations
To be quite honest, my expectations for Let Her Fly were quite high and not without reason. I knew that this story would be interesting and important. Furthermore, I knew that everyone is able to learn from this wise man and his journey/story. I only wondered whether this book would surpass my usual three star rating for non-fiction. Spoiler: it did.
Story
Since Let Her Fly is non-fiction, there is not much to analyse about storyline, plot development, character development and world building. However, I can honestly say that this book was a fast-paced, well-written and interesting read. Thank goodness it was not dwelling and heavy, because that is exactly what usually keeps me far far away from reading non-fiction.
No, Let Her Fly is a book that will indirectly educate you about equality (between men and women, and about equal rights and treatment for women) and diversity, but in such a way that it doesn't sound like you are being educated. I hope that this makes any sense, but I assume you guys understand what I mean. Ziauddin Yousafzai - and therefore Louise Carpenter - has such an interesting way of telling his story. Before I knew it I was more than halfway through the book and really had to put it down because I really had to leave. I finished this book in two sittings, because it was too interesting and hard to put down. And what about the laughs in this story, are they present? Oh definitely. There were times that I nearly burst out laughing whilst reading. I will spoiler one paragraph for you: the Burito/Burita one. In fact, I'm chuckling again whilst writing this. I won't spoiler more for you guys, because I think it is save to say that you should read this book. Yes, this is a - very rare - five star non-fiction book.
Dutch readers: I honestly have no clue whether this book will be translated, but this book is not too dificult to read in English.
Did you plan to buy/read Let Her Fly beforehand or are you planning to do so after reading this review?This review was originally posted on Laurie's Bookshelf
Expectations
To be quite honest, my expectations for Let Her Fly were quite high and not without reason. I knew that this story would be interesting and important. Furthermore, I knew that everyone is able to learn from this wise man and his journey/story. I only wondered whether this book would surpass my usual three star rating for non-fiction. Spoiler: it did.
Story
Since Let Her Fly is non-fiction, there is not much to analyse about storyline, plot development, character development and world building. However, I can honestly say that this book was a fast-paced, well-written and interesting read. Thank goodness it was not dwelling and heavy, because that is exactly what usually keeps me far far away from reading non-fiction.
No, Let Her Fly is a book that will indirectly educate you about equality (between men and women, and about equal rights and treatment for women) and diversity, but in such a way that it doesn't sound like you are being educated. I hope that this makes any sense, but I assume you guys understand what I mean. Ziauddin Yousafzai - and therefore Louise Carpenter - has such an interesting way of telling his story. Before I knew it I was more than halfway through the book and really had to put it down because I really had to leave. I finished this book in two sittings, because it was too interesting and hard to put down. And what about the laughs in this story, are they present? Oh definitely. There were times that I nearly burst out laughing whilst reading. I will spoiler one paragraph for you: the Burito/Burita one. In fact, I'm chuckling again whilst writing this. I won't spoiler more for you guys, because I think it is save to say that you should read this book. Yes, this is a - very rare - five star non-fiction book.
Dutch readers: I honestly have no clue whether this book will be translated, but this book is not too dificult to read in English.
Did you plan to buy/read Let Her Fly beforehand or are you planning to do so after reading this review?This review was originally posted on Laurie's Bookshelf
chloemills's review against another edition
4.0
After Malala Yousafzai was shot by the Taliban as a teenager, the world has watched as she has continued to stand up for the right to girls education. By her side has been her father, Ziauddin and now, it is time to tell his story and the fight for equality he has been working on for more than 20 years.
Malala has made no secret of the love and admiration she holds for her father and in this it is clear to see that the love goes both ways. There were points where I felt that it was so focused on Malala, I wondered about her younger brothers. This is rectified in the book as Ziauddin talks about his sons and, equally, the struggles he has had parenting two boys in a world so different to his own.
One of the things I loved most, was the dedication to his wife. This felt so pure and wonderful that he truly believes that she is his equal and his love. It was important to see that this was so deep rooted in wanting equality for his family from within his home, before extending it to the wider world.
I gave this 4 stars, I really enjoyed reading more about Ziauddin, his life and beliefs. The fact that this looked at him as a whole person, rather than just as Malala's father. This is an intriguing look at what is an extraordinary man.
A huge thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and author for this copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Malala has made no secret of the love and admiration she holds for her father and in this it is clear to see that the love goes both ways. There were points where I felt that it was so focused on Malala, I wondered about her younger brothers. This is rectified in the book as Ziauddin talks about his sons and, equally, the struggles he has had parenting two boys in a world so different to his own.
One of the things I loved most, was the dedication to his wife. This felt so pure and wonderful that he truly believes that she is his equal and his love. It was important to see that this was so deep rooted in wanting equality for his family from within his home, before extending it to the wider world.
I gave this 4 stars, I really enjoyed reading more about Ziauddin, his life and beliefs. The fact that this looked at him as a whole person, rather than just as Malala's father. This is an intriguing look at what is an extraordinary man.
A huge thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and author for this copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
avamhickey103's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
mysta's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
3.5
elsiebrady's review against another edition
4.0
Fabulous, sweet, courageous and inspiring. This is a celebration of parents who model values of strength and courage to change ill-devised social norms and then support their children in their efforts to change the world.
bookietracey's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
4.0
kalista_putri's review against another edition
5.0
After reading I Am Malala and knew how big of an influence is her father in Malala's journey, I've always wanted to know the story of her father, how he was brought up to be an activist who believed in gender equality, and also how his relationship were with Malala's brothers as he spent a lot of time with Malala on the road doing campaigns. This book answered it all.
yasminnotjasmin's review against another edition
5.0
I've been following Malala's work since she was shot, having read her autobiography and watched her documentary, I didn't think I'd learn much more from this book but I'm so glad I read it.
Let Her Fly is under 200 pages yet filled with engaging stories from Malala's father. It was so interesting reading about his upbringing and Malala's extended family, how they ended up in Swat Valley, and his relationships with his sons.
I'm glad Ziauddin Yousafzai spoke about the class issue in Pakistan as there are many upper/middle class Pakistani women who are educated and respected, yet lower class Pakistani women have a completely different life.
I cried at the end when he described returning home and touching the soil, I wasn't expecting to be so moved by this book which was naive of me considering I cried reading Malala's autobiography and watching her documentary.
Let Her Fly is under 200 pages yet filled with engaging stories from Malala's father. It was so interesting reading about his upbringing and Malala's extended family, how they ended up in Swat Valley, and his relationships with his sons.
I'm glad Ziauddin Yousafzai spoke about the class issue in Pakistan as there are many upper/middle class Pakistani women who are educated and respected, yet lower class Pakistani women have a completely different life.
I cried at the end when he described returning home and touching the soil, I wasn't expecting to be so moved by this book which was naive of me considering I cried reading Malala's autobiography and watching her documentary.