Malala Yousafzai's Memoir Unveils Her Unexpected Struggles and Growth

In her new memoir "Finding My Way," Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai provides a candid look at the struggles and personal growth she experienced in the years following the Taliban attack that thrust her into the global spotlight.

Malala, who was shot by a Taliban assassin in Pakistan in 2012 at the age of 15, dismantles the "virtuous and dutiful heroine" image that was projected onto her in the aftermath. She shares how she grappled with PTSD and anxiety, including a harrowing flashback triggered by trying marijuana while in college. Malala credits therapy as a vital part of her recovery, helping her process the trauma and acknowledge her emotions.

The Malala who graduated from Oxford University was vastly different from the shy, serious girl the world had come to know. During her college years, Malala embraced her "troublemaker" side, joining a multitude of student groups and immersing herself in the diverse South Asian community. This allowed her to rediscover the old Malala who loved solving puzzles, watching wrestling, and gossiping with friends.

Malala's candid memoir offers a refreshingly human perspective on her journey, shedding light on the unexpected challenges she faced and the personal growth she experienced in the years since the Taliban attack that catapulted her to global fame.