On February 11, eight members of the Book Club met at the home of Rosenelle Florencechild to discuss the book, “I am Malala” by Malala Yousafzai and Christina Lamb. An outspoken activist for education of girls in Pakistan, Malala achieved international attention when at age 15 she was shot in the face by a Taliban terrorist. At age seventeen, she became the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. “I am Malala” chronicles her early passion for education, her parents’ support and commitment to her education and the cultural, political and environmental forces and struggles everyday Pakistanis face in the Swat Valley. Group members gained a deeper understanding of the role of women and the religious and cultural restraints placed on them. Some noted how precious education and individual rights become when they are denied to groups or classes of people. In contrast, in western democracies these basic rights are taken for granted and often undervalued.
In March the Book Club will meet at Susan Watson’s home to discuss “The Fault In Our Stars” by John Green. In April, Charmaine Lewis will host the Book Club for a discussion of “The Signature of All Things” by Elizabeth Gilbert. In May, we will meet in Robin Oquist’s home to discuss “The Goldfinch” by Donna Tartt.