There are books that touch your heart, but there are also people who touch your heart. I read this book because I heard really great things about it. I thought the book would be powerful and leave me with feelings of gratitude and a call to action on behalf of the rights of women (both of which I already feel by the way). What I didn’t expect was this amazing young woman, strong and intelligent and vivacious, worthy of admiration not only for what she has done and achieved, but for who she is.

The full title I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up For Education and Was Shot by the Taliban, goes a long way to explaining the premise of the book. Malala describes her family and life as well as the political situation in Pakistan, concentrating on her home region of Swat, that led up to her shooting and beyond. The book is written simply, honestly, but there are little spurts of joy and zest for life that I found refreshing in a memoir, which are often written by older perspective and have a more retrospective tone. There’s curiosity and confusion as well as understanding.

I definitely recommend this book, an inspiring look at a family that stands up for what they believe in and who have an amazing connection to each other, their community, and their religion. If you’re interested in current events, especially work for women’s rights and education in the Middle East and beyond, I think you’ll be inspired by this young woman, the youngest person ever to be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.