Our discussion of "I am Malala".

We all agreed that this was a moving and important book, and we all admired Malala. With her unwavering dedication to education for girls (and all people) she isn't your typical 16 year old. We also agreed that it would be hard for any of us to live in a country like Pakistan, where knowledge and information are rationed out to benefit the government, not its' people. When she was shot, the government did not want her to leave the country for treatment, because they thought it would reflect badly on them...that their medical facilities weren't up to par. But she went on to continue her campaign for children, and was also the youngest person to be awarded the Nobel Peace prize.

One of the books' strengths is how well it conveys the culture and customs of people who live in the SWAT valley. They are hospitable people, almost to a fault. They also want revenge when wronged, which can take generations to resolve. They are very faithful, and try to live the five pillars of Islam. They get some Western culture (music and Bollywood movies) and everyone seems to have a cell phone. But one of the most interesting things she talks about is how the Taliban crept into her life, until it controlled almost every aspect of it. Even when attacked, she only wanted to talk about how important education is, and that it should be available to all.

The message comes through loud and clear in this book, and the reader comes away with new understanding of Pakistan, its' people and culture, and how much one determined person can accomplish.