Christina Lamb

This is a book which will change your perspective on art and history, as well as current affairs. I spent the first 100-150 pages thinking, "This can't be true..." then, the remainder thinking that it is so awful, that no single mind could invent such horror.

We all know that ladies are vulnerable in a war situation. We have probably read of Viking raids, Roman and Greek history where a casual line informs us that the victors raped and pillaged. This book gives us the victim's view of this show more behaviour but, it goes one stage further: rape is used in war not just, or perhaps not mainly, as a sexual release for the troops (bad enough as this is), but as a weapon. This tome gives numerous examples of women, and children (including babies) raped and sexually tortured; their insides damaged in unthinkable ways. I genuinely don't think that I shall ever casually accept ancient stories that speak of ravishing, or some such euphemism for rape.

The position of the women does not improve once the conflict is over; they are often ostracised by their family and communities and the UN seems to have the opinion that rape is collateral damage. Organised rape is often the first charge dropped to concentrate on the 'important' wrongs.

If the picture, as painted, is not sufficiently bleak, many countries have little or no support organisations for these ladies, who are left as the living dead. This is not an easy read, but should not be ignored, either. show less

Malala has kept me company for almost a year. She is a patient reading companion, waiting quietly as I wonder how much political turmoil one life can process. All of the names, dates, and details surrounding the upheaval that she experienced in her remote valley overwhelmed me, so I left her on the night stand for months.

But I'm a completist. If I can keep going with a book I will. And I'm glad I did. The final chapters confirm similarities noted between her story and the classic Diary of show more Anne Frank.

Perhaps what slowed me down is her sense of focus. Here is someone less than 18 years old who knows her calling. Education for all. I so admire this certainty. And I confess that I'm also a little envious. Not that her life was threatened for what she stands for, but that she so clearly does stand for something, something that counts, something she's ready not only to die for, but to live for. And that her father and mother support her. show less

I've never been interested in reading non-fiction, but I've had my eye on I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood up for Education and was Shot by the Taliban for a while now. Not only is this inspiring person the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, but her story is so incredibly power and so important, that I really wanted to read it. I'll admit I'm not the most informed person when it comes to global news and political crises, but even if you're not aware of who Malala is beyond faint show more recognition of her name, it is impossible not to have a sense of who the Taliban is or the dangers of political crisis and the institution of social and political change in Pakistan right now. Malala's story and her cause are important, making this an important book for everyone to read.

It is impossible not to feel changed after reading Malala's story of growing up in Pakistan, of her family's struggles to live under the violent oppression of Muslim extremists, and the reality of the inequality of girls and boys. It reminds readers how lucky we are in North America to have the right to education; to be able to live in a society free from the fear of being gunned down in the name of twisted interpretations of holy text. Our cultures and lifestyles may be different, but the lesson Malala teaches reaches us all. You may be Muslim, Christian, Jewish, or an Atheist, but regardless of who we are and what beliefs we hold, we're all human. We all deserve peace, equality, and the right to live, and grow, and be happy.

Malala's voice is inspiring, powerful, and honest. It's easy to relate to her, to feel for her, and to be affected by her story. I flew through this book, captivated by Malala's bravery and remarkable personality. Parents/educators should be forewarned that the book does contain content (objectionable language, some graphic violence, and minor gore). However, I strongly believe that the context in which the content appears justifies its presence. We should not shy away from the truth of the terrible things that happened and are happening in Pakistan. It is only when we are all aware and willing to stand up against the violence and discrimination that change will happen.

Everyone should read I Am Malala. This is a beautiful story of a young woman whose bravery has made her voice heard around the world. I almost never give 5 stars, but nothing deserves it more than this extraordinary memoir about this extraordinary person. show less

This is the terrifying true story of how extremists infiltrate and take over a community, stealing its trust away from the proper authorities and claiming it for themselves, imposing themselves through swift 'justice' and willingness to commit unchecked, unremitting violence. It is also the even more terrifying story of standing up to them. I watched an interview with Malala by David Letterman on Netflix and was struck by the impression of a typical university student, contrasting with her show more larger-than-life public image. This has made me a latecomer to her biography, published in 2013, but my delay is opportune given the several scattered references that tie in with events of 2022: passing mention of the now-late Queen Elizabeth II's visit to northern Pakistan; reaction to the 'Satanic Verses' of Salman Rushdie who was recently stabbed in New York; and the Swat Valley, which has not escaped this year's catastrophic monsoon flooding.

I could also say it is well timed with the rise of Canadian populism, except that our troubles don't compare with the Taliban's religious extremism that led to shooting a fourteen year old girl in the face. This key scene is dispensed with in the book's prologue before settling in. Malala's relatively short life to that point would not provide an entire book's worth of content without delving into the biographies of her parents, and it requires setting the scene within the history of her country and region while shedding light on Pashtun culture. These opening chapters strongly trigger a "they're just like us" sentiment, highlighting cultural differences but demonstrating that the Swat Valley features the same range of personalities as every other community on Earth. Pakistan's political history is a necessary part of the picture. From the point at which the Taliban enter into it, so does the tension.

It's not the first biography I've read that was assisted by a ghost writer, but I've never been so conscious of that person's contribution before. In many sections I can't align what I've read with Malala's voice as I've heard it in her speeches and interviews, though she must have informed and confirmed its depictions of her family and personal events. Precise casualty statistics and dated drone attacks can only be Christina Lamb masquerading as Malala. Other parts do seem more like the actual recollections of a young girl trying to make sense of what was happening as the Taliban noose drew tighter, and finding the incredible willingness to act. Long after the Taliban and Malala have both passed into history, the power of that parable will remain. show less