Notable Books: I Am Malala

Sometimes you come across a book that inspires and strengthens you - a book that keeps you up at night reading into the early morning hours because you just can't get enough. Malala Yousafzai's autobiography is one of those books.

I took advantage of the gorgeous summer weather this weekend and settled myself outside with my new read. Throughout the book, Malala tells the story of her miraculous recovery after being shot by the Taliban, provides a comprehensive history of the violence plaguing Pakistan, includes harrowing stories about school bombings, and champions her fight for global women's education. 

"I Am Malala" highlights the fear and violence girls face every day just for wanting to learn how to read. Think of this: in over 70 countries around the world, girls have experienced violence simply for going to school. 

How lucky are those of us who were able to head to our classes without having to look over our shoulder for gunmen ready to shoot us down? It's almost impossible to imagine. 

This book was incredibly honest. Malala intersperses her war stories with teenage anecdotes about boys, her favorite T.V. shows, and her desperate desire to be a few inches taller. She is so immensely relatable, you can't help but fall in love with such an inspiring young woman. (She's only 18!!) 

I'm so inspired to keep the conversation about women's education going. Tell me, have you read the book? What did you think? Learn more at malalafund.org and sound off in the comments!