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

4.0

We all know Malala's story. In fact, the subtitle of her book sums it up. The best parts of the book are when we hear Malala's voice. Particularly moving are the scenes in the Birmingham hospital as she tries to make sense of her surroundings after waking up from a coma. Less effective are the discussions of Pakistani history and politics because they do not feel like the voice of a young girl (because they aren't). It is striking that throughout her experiences (poverty, earthquakes, floods, internal displacement, military occupation and, of course, rule by the Taliban) she manages to remain a child who bickers with her brothers and best friend, who preens in front of a mirror and who enjoys pop cultural icons like Twilight and Ugly Betty. Also touching is the love, support and encouragement she receives from her family, especially from her father Ziauddin.