Finding My Way with Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai
On Wednesday, October 22nd, at 7pm, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai participated in an online seminar open to Ursinus students to discuss her latest memoir, Finding My Way.
Author’s Talk Series Hosted by Library Speakers Consortium
This event was part of an Author’s Talk Series organized by the Library Speakers Consortium, a partnership of over 500 library systems in the US, Canada, and New Zealand. The Consortium aims to make author talks accessible to communities of all sizes. Brandon Adler, host and moderator of the session, introduced the event.
Engaging with Students
Yousafzai spent an hour answering a mix of pre-submitted and live questions from participants. The discussion focused on her life, challenges she faced, especially during her college years, and insights about her bestselling memoir.
Difference from Her First Memoir
Finding My Way stands out from her earlier memoir, I Am Malala, through its deeply personal and candid tone.
“This memoir is the most personal reflection I have ever shared,” Yousafzai said. “This is me reintroducing myself for who I am and the most important thing for me in all of these years has been to be true to myself. This is not to show myself as a symbol or as a hero but to show myself for who I am. This is the most personal story, and I have been very honest and open in talking about everything just to ensure that it’s the true side that people can learn more about."
Key Takeaways
- The memoir reveals a more intimate side of Malala, focusing on her authentic self rather than her public image.
- The event highlighted her challenges, especially related to her education and personal growth.
- The Library Speakers Consortium provides vital access to global literary voices for diverse communities.
Author’s summary: Malala Yousafzai’s new memoir delivers a heartfelt and honest portrayal of her true self, emphasizing personal authenticity over public symbolism.