Our lives revolve around books since the knowledge we derive from them is invaluable. Books have served as a great influence in my life. They glide us to a different world and transform us into that strangely extraordinary main character who battles it out with the vicious villain. It’s something that seems quite typical, but every reader knows the depths of each story and confronts those mysteries. Good books can be a great influence in people’s lives because they are a tool that can shape young minds effectively.
An example would be the book “I am Malala” by Malala Yousufzai. Reading this book was a life changing experience considering how much pain and uneasiness the author must have gone through to recollect the greatest horrors of her life. But, this daring personality with her perseverance defines true courage. I turned every page with deep interest and curiosity wanting to know more of the author’s journey and battles. Every feeling of sorrow, every sense of disappointment and every complaint I’ve ever had just seem trivial in comparison.
This was the first time I had been exposed to such a rich story that I was completely in awe of every word and every character. Her horror and her grief overpowered her, but her grit became her greatest strength and made her a symbol to all the girls in Pakistan.
When the Taliban left no stone unturned to destroy millions of girls’ aspirations for education, Malala proved that no bullet or gun could defy the strength of a pen. Her life cannot be described as tragic or unfortunate. In fact, she is the one who sparked the hope in others to live great lives. As she rightly said: “One book, one pen, one child and one teacher can change the world.”
This book had aroused so many thoughts and emotions in me and my perception towards education was completely redefined. When privileged children like us take so many things for granted, the realisation never dawns that there are millions of children in the world yearning for the same opportunity. I learnt that education cannot be gained fully unless you have the will and desire burning within you. When you recognise your calling in life, you will see nothing ahead but your target.
Happenings like these can only be expressed emotionally through books. Books are a medium through which words change into emotions, emotions change into feelings and feelings change into character. In the end, we not only think ourselves to be the cool hero of a book, but recognise ourselves as front-runners.
- The reader is a student based in Sharjah.
