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

by Malala Yousafzai (Goodreads Author)

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about I Am Malala, please sign up.

Answered Questions (64)

If she was a Muslim (real one) and she was shot by American solider for defending her religion and her land would she have half the fame she is having right now?

Vivid This young woman took a bullet because she refused to sit down and shut up, period. Malala took a bullet because she had the unconditional love and en…moreThis young woman took a bullet because she refused to sit down and shut up, period. Malala took a bullet because she had the unconditional love and encouragement of a father who made sure she recognized the depth of her value. A father who taught her never to sit down and shut up--- even as they were steeped in a culture which devalues women entirely, unquestioningly. It seems ridiculous to have to throw these facts into relief! Theirs was a deadly attitude to maintain, for both Malala and her beloved,intractable father. Malala was not indoctrinated to apologize for her sex or her intelligence. She was not taught to deny the emotions and tremendous cognitive abilities we are rewarded as sentient beings! And most crucially Malala did not internalize an indifference to her very existence---as are a never ending continuum of women--- no matter where they live or who they worship. What a condescending and minimizing question you pose! (less)

flag

Did you find any sections in the book that were a little slow?

Bbgirl28 I agree that at times the book was quite slow and boring. I, personally, would have enjoyed it more if it focused more on what she did, than the polit…moreI agree that at times the book was quite slow and boring. I, personally, would have enjoyed it more if it focused more on what she did, than the politics behind Pakistan.(less)

flag

Does this book speak against Islam?

Jen This book does not speak against Islam. Malala is obviously a committed Muslim and believes a broad education helps interpret the Quran for the benefi…moreThis book does not speak against Islam. Malala is obviously a committed Muslim and believes a broad education helps interpret the Quran for the benefit of all. (less)

flag

I'm keen to buy this for my 12 year old daughter. Is it written in an accessible style for a younger (fairly advanced) reader? Just wondering if the political content or writing style might be too advanced.

✿Claire✿ I would suggest it might be better in a few year's time for her. The writing style itself is definitely accessible, but there's a lot of descriptions …moreI would suggest it might be better in a few year's time for her. The writing style itself is definitely accessible, but there's a lot of descriptions about the atrocities that took place as the Taliban took over which might well be a bit distressing for her to read. Hope that makes sense!(less)

flag

How do you think Malala can leverage her status as an international figure to improve conditions in the Swat valley and Pakistan as a whole?

Jen I don't think change in Pakistan is possible until quality education for all is granted. A leader trying to serve the majority would be assassinated o…moreI don't think change in Pakistan is possible until quality education for all is granted. A leader trying to serve the majority would be assassinated out of jealousy by small-minded, uneducated, wanna-be leaders who can only get respect (and votes) by instilling fear in others.
(less)

flag

Load 5 more questions