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, discussing her newest memoir, Finding My Way. The event was part of the Author’s Talk Series hosted by the Library Speakers Consortium.
Yousafzai joined host and moderator Brandon Adler for an hour-long session answering questions about her life and book. Adler explained that the Library Speakers Consortium “is a partnership of more than 500 library systems across the US, Canada, and New Zealand, with the goal of making author talks more accessible to communities of all sizes.”
The discussion included a mix of pre-submitted and live questions, allowing participants to engage with the bestselling author on her experiences, particularly her challenges during college.
About Finding My Way
This memoir offers a more personal and candid perspective compared to her first book, I Am Malala. Yousafzai described the new work as “the most personal reflection I have ever shared.”
“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.”
The memoir reveals her authentic self beyond public perception, emphasizing honesty and openness.
Event Format and Engagement
- Hosted by Brandon Adler as part of the Library Speakers Consortium's Author Talk Series
- Included both pre-submitted and live questions from attendees
- Focused on Malala's life experiences and insights from her new memoir
This online conversation provided a rare glimpse into Malala’s personal journey, highlighting her commitment to authenticity over symbolism.
Author's summary: Malala Yousafzai’s memoir, Finding My Way, offers a deeply personal and honest reintroduction of herself, spotlighting her authenticity beyond the public hero image.