I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai

We’re all looking for inspiration at the beginning of the New Year. We want to be healthier, richer, happier, and more loved. But for some REAL inspiration that will truly put your life into perspective, I highly recommend you pick up I am Malala by Nobel Peace Prize recipient Malala Yousafzai.

If you’re not familiar with Malala’s story, Malala is a Pakistani girl who refused to let the Taliban dictate whether or not she could go to school. Her father, who is a total rock star, supported Malala in making sure that she got the education she deserved. In fact, he voiced his opinions for a fair and just Pakistan and ensured that she was able to speak up for her rights as well. Eventually, they were both targeted by the Taliban for daring to fight against the restrictive and threatening tactics of the extreme militant group. Malala was riding a bus on the way to school for her semester exams when a member of the Taliban stormed the bus and shot her in the head. Miraculously, Malala survived and her voice has only become stronger.

Why you might like this book: Malala is the coolest, and so is her dad. She is real, she is mature, she is a teenager, and she is changing the world.

Why you might not like this book: If you aren’t up to date on the Middle East, or know little about Islam, this might be a tough read for you. It took me a bit longer to read this book than normal, because I had to remember who was on what side and what all of the Urdu words meant.

I would recommend this book to: anyone looking for a little bit of inspiration in the New Year, people interested in current and global affairs, all of you wonderful people who are hoping to make a difference in the world.

Malala’s book is a wonderful combination of the history and love of her country, connection to her family and father, and personal story of courage and fight for freedom. I am confident that this wonderful girl will enact real, lasting, and powerful change not only in Pakistan but around the world in years to come. You go, Malala!

P.S. To see one of my favorite interviews between Malala and Jon Stewart, click here!