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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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I Am Malala summary
Malala Yousafzai
The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban
23 mins
Brief summary
I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai is a memoir of a young activist's life in Pakistan, where she fights for girls' education under Taliban rule and becomes a target of assassination. The book teaches the importance of education and the power of speaking out for what is right.
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I Am Malala
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Key idea 1 of 10
People who change the world can come from even the most humble of origins.
Today, Malala Yousafzai is a world-renowned public figure. But where did this marvelous girl’s journey begin?
Malala’s incredible story begins in very humble circumstances.
She was born on July 12, 1997, in the village of Mingora, in Pakistan’s Swat Valley.
Situated in the northwest of the country, the Swat Valley is one of the world’s most idyllic and beautiful regions. Even the entrance to the valley is marked by the sign, “Welcome to Paradise,” and it’s a place of such serenity that Buddha himself is said to have visited. Some even believe that his ashes are buried under a shrine in the valley.
Beneath the valley’s idyllic surface, however, lies a far darker reality: the people who live there today are largely impoverished.
Malala grew up in a dilapidated two-room shack. In one of the rooms, she slept with her mother and father, while the other room was left for guests. The family had no running water and no bathroom, and their daily meals were cooked outside on a wood fire.
Malala is part of the Pashtun ethnic group, a large majority of whom live on the northwestern border between Afghanistan and Pakistan, which includes the Swat Valley.
Pashtuns are very proud of their heritage and live by a code of values called Pashtunwali. Among other things, this code obliges one to be hospitable to guests.
But the culture is also very patriarchal. For instance, boys are prized in Pashtun culture, and for the majority of Pashtuns, it’s a sad day when a daughter is born.
Malala’s father, on the other hand, felt differently. At Malala’s birth, he was ecstatic and even requested that friends throw sweets and coins in her cradle – a tradition reserved for baby boys.
So who was this man? And what made him so different?
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What is I Am Malala about?
I Am Malala chronicles the fascinating life of the young Pakistani girl, Malala Yousafzai. From humble beginnings in a rural village in Pakistan to speaking in front of the United Nations, Malala’s moving autobiography chronicles the unbelievable transformation of a girl who stood up to the Taliban and became the youngest-ever recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.
I Am Malala Review
I Am Malala (2013) is a powerful memoir about the life and struggles of Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani activist who fought for girls' education and survived an assassination attempt. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- It offers insightful accounts of life in Pakistan's Swat Valley and the challenges faced by girls in accessing education.
- The book showcases Malala's courage and resilience in the face of adversity, inspiring readers to stand up for what they believe in.
- With its thought-provoking narrative and global impact, it sheds light on important social issues and encourages dialogue and change.
Best quote from I Am Malala
My father always said, Malala will be as free as a bird.
—Malala Yousafzai
Who should read I Am Malala?
- Anyone interested in the fascinating story of Malala Yousafzai
- Anyone interested in education and human rights
- Anyone interested in the history of Pakistan and the nuances of Islam
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I Am Malala FAQs
What is the main message of I Am Malala?
The main message of I Am Malala is the importance of education and the fight for girls' rights.
How long does it take to read I Am Malala?
The reading time for I Am Malala varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is I Am Malala a good book? Is it worth reading?
I Am Malala is a powerful and inspiring book that sheds light on the struggle for education and women's rights. It is definitely worth reading.
Who is the author of I Am Malala?
The author of I Am Malala is Malala Yousafzai.
What to read after I Am Malala?
If you're wondering what to read next after I Am Malala, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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- Little Women by Louisa M. Alcott
- Educated by Tara Westover
- Hidden Potential by Adam Grant
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