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BS: Book: I am Malala

26 May 18 - 03:12 AM (#3927166)
Subject: BS: I am Malala
From: Dave the Gnome

On the recommendation of a friend I have just read I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai and Patricia McCormick. The story of the girl who survived being shot in the head by the Taliban for standing up for the right of everyone to be educated. It is so inspirational that I cannot recommend it enough. I think it should be compulsory reading for everyone! What that girl has achieved in her young life surpasses the achievements of many far older and more powerful. I have often said that education is the best solution to most issues and if her campaign succeeds the world will be a much better place.

Go, read it :-)


26 May 18 - 03:41 AM (#3927168)
Subject: RE: BS: I am Malala
From: Senoufou

Extremely courageous young woman Dave, and more than worthy of the Nobel Peace Prize. I haven't read her book, but intend to soon.
Thank you for the recommendation.

I agree that education (for all, but especially women oppressed in misogynistic societies) is a powerful aid to change and liberation.

I'm personally so grateful for the opportunities I had for learning, up to University level. My father was particularly enlightened for the times and determined that I should benefit from all that was available. I feel angry on behalf of all those capable of yet denied such education.


26 May 18 - 04:51 AM (#3927185)
Subject: RE: BS: I am Malala
From: Keith A of Hertford

She is an inspirational hero of our time.


26 May 18 - 05:30 AM (#3927197)
Subject: RE: BS: I am Malala
From: Bonzo3legs

Absolutely, must order the book.


26 May 18 - 09:44 AM (#3927230)
Subject: RE: BS: I am Malala
From: Stilly River Sage

I loved this book. I learned a great deal about Pakistan, about the way religion and culture intertwine, how difficult it is to establish schools, especially for girls, and toward that end, her father is as remarkable as Malala is.

She is religiously conservative, though not as conservative as her mother and some other women of her city in the Swat valley. But this is a great illustration of how one can be religiously observant and still intellectually curious and insist upon the freedom to feed that curiosity. And understand that the Koran doesn't dictate many of the limiting restrictions on children and women that some men in the mosque would insist are the case.

She covered a great deal - the history of the region, discussing those huge historic Buddhas the Taliban defaced and in some instances destroyed. The richness of the valley prior to all of the fighting (is it still deforested?). She gave the first lucid description I remember hearing of the difference between Sunni and Shia Muslims (it all comes down to Mohammed's "rightful heir"). She and the reporter who worked with her made that world comprehensible.

Malala was a perfect recipient for the Nobel Peace Prize, and I hope she's able to continue her work through agencies like the United Nations or even private NGOs like those founded by the Clintons or Bill Gates - large enough to have a broad scope and tough enough to weather the criticism that might erupt from the Taliban.

Thanks for the thread, Dave!


26 May 18 - 09:49 AM (#3927231)
Subject: RE: BS: I am Malala
From: Stilly River Sage

She returned earlier this year for the first time since 2012. https://www.theweek.in/news/world/2018/03/31/malala-makes-emotional-visit-to-swat-valley-home-in-pakistan.html.


26 May 18 - 03:47 PM (#3927261)
Subject: RE: BS: I am Malala
From: Dave the Gnome

I was really taken by the way she happily accepted her own religion while rejecting the excesses of the Taliban. She knows how to think and it is education that helped to achieve that. Little wonder that the extremists don't like that!


28 May 18 - 04:11 AM (#3927524)
Subject: RE: BS: Book: I am Malala
From: Keith A of Hertford

There was an earlier thread about this book, and a few about Malala.
Pop her name into the filter box to see them.


28 May 18 - 09:38 AM (#3927590)
Subject: RE: BS: Book: I am Malala
From: Stilly River Sage

Thanks, Keith. Maybe Joe will link them up like he does on some of the music threads.


07 Jun 18 - 07:08 PM (#3929710)
Subject: RE: BS: Book: I am Malala
From: Stilly River Sage

https://www.geo.tv/latest/196612-malala-telephones-sabikas-family-extends-condolences