I Am Malala: The Story of the Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban by Malala Yousafzai

I come from a country that was created at midnight. When I almost died it was just after midday.

When the Taliban took control of the Swat Valley in Pakistan, one girl spoke out. Malala Yousafzai refused to be silenced and fought for her right to an education.

On Tuesday, October 9, 2012, when she was fifteen, she almost paid the ultimate price. She was shot in the head at point-blank range while riding the bus home from school, and few expected her to survive.

Instead, Malala's miraculous recovery has taken her on an extraordinary journey from a remote valley in northern Pakistan to the halls of the United Nations in New York. At sixteen, she has become a global symbol of peaceful protest and the youngest-ever Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

I Am Malala is the remarkable tale of a family uprooted by global terrorism, of the fight for girls' education, of a father who, himself a school owner, championed and encouraged his daughter to write and attend school, and of brave parents who have a fierce love for their daughter in a society that prizes sons.

Hardcover, 327 pages

Audiobook, 9 hours 55 minutes

Published October 8, 2013 

by Little, Brown and Company

4/5 stars

I'll confess,  I went into this one not fully realizing it took place in Pakistan. Had I known I would have picked it up much sooner. My daughter-in-law is from Pakistan and learning about the country and its culture is something I am always eager to do.

This is a memoir that is equal parts personal story and history lesson. I was stuck that for such a young girl, Malala was remarkably outspoken and carried a maturity well beyond her years. The courage (and support of her father) it took to speak out the way she did, knowing the dangers, is something that has stayed with me.

Malala grew up in Pakistan's Swat Valley, where she became a passionate and very public voice for girls' right to education. When the Taliban moved into the region and began shutting down girls' schools she refused to be silenced. That courage came at a devastating price, her story of survival and what followed is at the heart of this memoir.

I listened to this one in audiobook format, it worked wonderfully for a memoir like this. I'm not sure of the exact runtime, but I can tell you it went by quickly - I was completely captivated by her story, the history of the country and the events unfolding around her. What made it even more personal for me was the realization that some of what she describes overlapped with the four years my son and his family were living in Pakistan. That connection made the experience both more meaningful and, at times, more than a little unsettling.

I am Malala is a powerful and important read, I will be reading, or rather listening to the sequel Finding My Way soon.

Audiobook obtained through my Audible subscription. 

Educated by Tara Westover

Tara Westover was 17 the first time she set foot in a classroom. Born to survivalists in the mountains of Idaho, she prepared for the end of the world by stockpiling home-canned peaches and sleeping with her "head-for-the-hills bag". In the summer she stewed herbs for her mother, a midwife and healer, and in the winter she salvaged in her father's junkyard.

Her father forbade hospitals, so Tara never saw a doctor or nurse. Gashes and concussions, even burns from explosions, were all treated at home with herbalism. The family was so isolated from mainstream society that there was no one to ensure the children received an education and no one to intervene when one of Tara's older brothers became violent.

Then, lacking any formal education, Tara began to educate herself. She taught herself enough mathematics and grammar to be admitted to Brigham Young University, where she studied history, learning for the first time about important world events like the Holocaust and the civil rights movement. Her quest for knowledge transformed her, taking her over oceans and across continents, to Harvard and to Cambridge. Only then would she wonder if she'd traveled too far, if there was still a way home.

Educated is an account of the struggle for self-invention. It is a tale of fierce family loyalty and of the grief that comes with severing the closest of ties. With the acute insight that distinguishes all great writers, Westover has crafted a universal coming-of-age story that gets to the heart of what an education is and what it offers: the perspective to see one's life through new eyes and the will to change it.

Paperback, 336 pages

Audiobook, 12 hours, 11 minutes

Published February 8, 2018

 by Random House Trade Paperbacks/Audible Studios

4/5 stars

This book has been out for a while, I finally listened to the audio which was read by Julie Whalen (one of my favorites). I found it captivating as well as heartbreaking.

Educated is a story told from the point of view of the author. She talks about her life in the mountains of Idaho being part of a survivalist family. There’s so much going on here with the family as they stockpile for the end of the world.

Tara is 17 years old when she enters the school for the first time. Supposedly being homeschooled, oh let’s just say that her parents have different ideas of what type of education she needs.  Living with the family, especially a father who is suspicious of Government, hospitals, and basically other people. She had a sheltered upbringing.

Educated is a well written memoir that doesn’t mince words when she describes her upbringing, whether the abuse at the hands of her brother, the illogical thinking of her father and so much more. The fact that she made it out alive is a testament to her resilience, determination and at times her ignorance towards the world she was unfamiliar with.

Definitely a book i recommend, especially in audio format, it's like Tara is telling me her story.

My copy of the audio was through Audible - it's actually the only place to get it.

All My Knotted-Up Life: A Memoir by Beth Moore

An incredibly thoughtful, disarmingly funny, and intensely vulnerable glimpse into the life and ministry of a woman familiar to many but known by few.

“It’s a peculiar thing, this having lived long enough to take a good look back. We go from knowing each other better than we know ourselves to barely sure if we know each other at all, to precisely sure that we don’t. All my knotted-up life I’ve longed for the sanity and simplicity of knowing who’s good and who’s bad. I’ve wanted to know this about myself as much as anyone. This was not theological. It was strictly relational. God could do what he wanted with eternity. I was just trying to make it here in the meantime. As benevolent as he has been in a myriad of ways, God has remained aloof on this uncomplicated request .” – Beth Moore

New York Times best-selling author, speaker, visionary, and founder of Living Proof Ministries Beth Moore has devoted her whole life to helping women across the globe come to know the transforming power of Jesus. An established writer of many acclaimed books and Bible studies for women on spiritual growth and personal development, Beth now unveils her own story in a much-anticipated debut memoir.

All My Knotted-Up Life is told with surprising candor about some of the personal heartbreaks and behind-the-scenes challenges that have marked Beth’s life. But beyond that, it’s a beautifully crafted portrait of resilience and survival, a poignant reminder of God’s enduring faithfulness, and proof positive that if we ever truly took the time to hear people’s full stories . . . we’d all walk around slack-jawed.

Hardcover, 304 pages

Published February 21, 2023 

by Tyndale House Publishers

Audiobook, 8 hours, 20 minutes

Narrator: Beth Moore

Published by One Audiobooks

4/5 stars

Although I'm not typically a fan of memoirs, Beth Moore's latest book caught my attention. I opted for a hybrid read (audio and book), she narrated it herself with her charming southern twang, making for an entertaining listen. Also the book is great for the pictures.

As a gifted Bible study leader, Moore shares her story with a perfect blend of humour, tears, and heartache. She bravely opens up about her past, including the hurts she experienced during her early years and the lasting impact they had on her life.  Moore's love for Jesus shines through in her teachings and her way of life. It's heartbreaking to read about the abuse she suffered at the hands of those who claimed to be Christians, but her courage in speaking out about it is admirable.  I appreciated her honesty as she shared about her marriage, struggles with the southern Baptist community, and her need for rest.

While I found the book to be an entertaining read, I was left wanting more. Specifically, I wanted to know more about what drove her spiritual life, including the biblical references that influenced her decisions. For example, when she was 18 years old and attending church, she knew she would dedicate her life to Jesus. I would have loved to know what was preached during that service and why it had such a profound impact on her.  She has gone through difficulty in her life, I know what sustained me through hard times and would have loved to know what scriptures sustained her.

Overall, this book offers an open and honest look at Moore's life. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a compelling memoir.

This book was part of my 2023 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge #22.  The audio was obtained through my local library via Hoopla.

I Can Only Imagine: A Memoir by Bart Millard

“The Story That Inspired the Major Motion Picture.”

The captivating story behind the bestselling single in the history of Christian music—and the man who wrote it

MercyMe’s crossover hit, “I Can Only Imagine,” has touched millions of people around the world. But few know about the pain, redemption, and healing that inspired it. Now Bart Millard, award-winning recording artist and lead singer of MercyMe, shares how his dad’s transformation from abusive father to man of God sparked a divine moment in music history.

Go behind the scenes of Bart’s life—and the movie based on it—to discover how God repaired a broken family, prepared Bart for ministry through music, and wrote the words on his heart that would change his life forever. I Can Only Imagine is a front-row seat to witnessing God’s presence throughout Bart’s life. Whether falling in love with his childhood sweetheart or mourning his father’s death, founding MercyMe or flailing in the midst of its success, Bart continues to place his trust in God’s plans—plans that continue to surprise and surpass what Bart could have ever imagined.

Paperback, 224 pages

Published February 13, 2018 

by Thomas Nelson

5/5 stars

This book was part of our church book club, and in the end, I opted for the audio version. At just over four hours in length, or 224 pages, it was the perfect fit for my four-hour flight home last month.

The author, Bart Millard, doesn't shy away from discussing his life and his relationship with his father. His childhood was far from happy, this book packs an emotional punch.

Fast-forwarding to his adult years and the group MercyMe, Millard provides an insightful look into his journey to write the song "I Can Only Imagine". The trailer for the movie based on the song says it better than words ever could.

Audio Review: Becoming by Michelle Obama

An intimate, powerful, and inspiring memoir by the former First Lady of the United States.

In a life filled with meaning and accomplishment, Michelle Obama has emerged as one of the most iconic and compelling women of our era. As First Lady of the United States of America—the first African-American to serve in that role—she helped create the most welcoming and inclusive White House in history, while also establishing herself as a powerful advocate for women and girls in the U.S. and around the world, dramatically changing the ways that families pursue healthier and more active lives, and standing with her husband as he led America through some of its most harrowing moments. Along the way, she showed us a few dance moves, crushed Carpool Karaoke, and raised two down-to-earth daughters under an unforgiving media glare.

In her memoir, a work of deep reflection and mesmerizing storytelling, Michelle Obama invites readers into her world, chronicling the experiences that have shaped her—from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her years as an executive balancing the demands of motherhood and work, to her time spent at the world’s most famous address. With unerring honesty and lively wit, she describes her triumphs and her disappointments, both public and private, telling her full story as she has lived it—in her own words and on her own terms.

Warm, wise, and revelatory, Becoming is the deeply personal reckoning of a woman of soul and substance who has steadily defied expectations—and whose story inspires us to do the same.

Hardcover, 426 pages 

Published November 13th 2018 

by Crown

Audio:19 hours, 3 minutes

*****

I enjoy listening to memoirs and autobiographies in audiobook format, it’s like they are talking directly to me. What I loved about Becoming was Michelle Obama read it and it was wonderful. I would have loved the book edition just to see the pictures though.

 I am not into political books, which made me a little apprehensive but it wasn’t an issue with Becoming. Beginning when Michelle is a child living in Chicago she tells about her up bringing, values and so much more. She is down to earth, intellect and has a passion (and the ability) to empower. She has a gift to speak with such eloquence, grace and intelligence that kept me listening to this book.

Her honesty as she told of her struggles in so many aspects of her life was real, from her career to juggling motherhood in the White House along with the demands of being FLOTUS and even on the campaign trail.

 Definitely a book I highly recommend, even if you aren’t American, this Canadian loved it.

Review/Giveaway: No Poverty between the sheets: A Memoir by Pauline Kiely

 This book documents the strong ties that bind generations together. When the author poses the question to her Irish Granny, "If you were so poor why did you have ten children?" Says she, "To be certain, there was no poverty between the sheets!" This sassy saga of a large family that is half Irish and half French Canadian captures hilarious voices and comical antics of a vibrant family that is cloaked in love. A horse theme and song lyrics are neatly knitted throughout the layers of generations. 

229 pages Published August 27th 2013

 by Stone's Throw Publication Services  

print copy provided as part of tour

*** (I liked it)

No Poverty Between the Sheets is a memoir of life in Ontario, a half French Canadian and half Irish family spanning 4 generations and traveling between Ireland and Canada.  Living in Ontario myself it's always fun and interesting to read these types of books.  Places I can visualize and others I can say 'hey I've been there'.

With 10 kids there are lots of stories to tell.  The author has displayed her enjoyment in retelling these tales, the pictures dispersed throughout were a nice touch and added much to this book.  Very nice to read about a large close family, the fun and laughter even during hard times

There were spelling and grammatical issues that I found distracting, but all in all an entertaining read.

Pauline Kiely has been an avid student of Creative Writing her entire life. This author has consistently taken various courses and workshops offered at University of Toronto and Trent Universities. A year long memoir course with Susan Reynolds brought out this witty honest voice that shoots straight from the hip aiming for the heart.

Connect with the author:   Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook

 











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Aug 11 - Life as Leels - review
Aug 12 - I'd Rather Be at the Beach - review / giveaway
Aug 13 - 100 Pages a Day - review / giveaway
Aug 14 - Book and Ink - review / author interview / giveaway
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Aug 25 - 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too! - book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Aug 26 - Cheryl's Book Nook - book spotlight / giveaway
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Aug 28 - Laura Fabiani - Top 500 Amazon.ca Reviewer - review

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