Finding My Way

A Memoir

By: Malala Yousafzai

Narrated by: Malala Yousafzai

A USA TODAY MOST ANTICIPATED BOOK
“Dynamic and surprising.” —The New York Times

This is not the story you think you know. It’s the one I’ve been waiting to tell.

Thrust onto the public stage at fifteen years old after the Taliban’s brutal attack on her life, Malala Yousafzai quickly became an international icon known for bravery and resilience. But away from the cameras and crowds, she spent years struggling to find her place in an unfamiliar world. Now, for the first time ever, Malala takes us beyond the headlines in Finding My Way—a vulnerable, surprising memoir that buzzes with authenticity, sharp humor, and tenderness.

Finding My Way is a story of friendship and first love, of anxiety and self-discovery, of trying to stay true to yourself when everyone wants to tell you who you are. In it, Malala traces her path from high school loner to reckless college student to a young woman at peace with her past. Through candid, often messy moments like nearly failing exams, getting ghosted, and meeting the love of her life, Malala reminds us that real role models aren’t perfect—they’re human.

In this astonishing memoir, Malala reintroduces herself to the world, sharing how she navigated life as someone whose darkest moments threatened to define her narrative—while seeking the freedom to find out who she truly is. Finding My Way is an intimate look at the life of a young woman taking charge of her destiny—and a deeply personal testament to the strength it takes to be unapologetically yourself.

©2025 Malala Yousafzai (P)2025 Simon & Schuster Audio

Inspirational!

I was immediately drawn into Malala’s story. Listening to her words in her voice is a gift.

Magically charming

A magical listen on Audible. Listening to Malala Yousafzai narrate Finding My Way was like hearing a close friend while in our 20s. She is humble, honest and forthcoming. While, she is the Nobel peace prize winner and having been shot by the Taliban for getting an education at 17, and young person who stood for the empowerment of women and girls in areas of the world, where there is need. She navigates her social life, friendships and new experiences such as wearing jeans, dancing in a 80s club, and rowing while a student at Oxford University in England. Her Pakistani Muslim background and the conflicts she had with adapting new customs, and behaviors of the West. She is a feminist but struggled with her relationship with the modesty and dressing her mother and culture expected of her. It is comedic at times, when she recites the stories in College like climbing the bell tower at Lady Margaret Hall, at Oxford, eating McDonalds for the first time. She also is extended friendship by a woman named Parveen (same name as mine but not the same, I am from India and grew up 55 years the U.S.) who was part of a Pakistani association on campus. She feels safe in this group and also has a diversity of friends as well. Other struggles, included dating and the inner battle with her voices within. It reminded me of other memoirs such as Educated by Tara Westover, where religion and culture may restrict women with shame, and embarrassment for expressing freedom, independence and the pursuit of advancement. Malala also progresses in her studies and grows self-assured with good academic standing. She seriously, at times, terrifyingly, recites the impact of her trauma of being shot and the memories and flashbacks. Also, she shares the difficulties of being the target of conspiracy theories and her desire to go to her childhood home of Pakistan, which she does make the journey. She describes her struggle with the concept of marriage and her love marriage and her coming out to her parents in the process. She had 9 years of surgeries and medical treatment for her paralysis from the shooting. Also, her struggles with how women and girls in the East are suppressed and the tragedies of their experiences and her inabilities at time to influence change with major leaders and if changes were at all possible, progress was slow. Meanwhile, she is attacked on social media for her words and choices and judged and threatened. She is brave! Her shoot for British Vogue and her “lowkey” ceremony for her wedding. Her relationship with her mom and traditions that mom wanted. She struggled with her understanding of finances at a young age and growing up. She had a lot on her shoulders. She trusts the therapy process to help. She found love and married a very supportive husband. As always, the author is inspiring and mystical!

Thank you for your courage

What an amazing book! Her Courage, humility, positivity, sincerity, and reflection throughout her life are just amazing!

She is a legend

She is an inspiration. I enjoyed learning about her journey to adulthood. I enjoyed her first book, and I knew this book would not disappoint

Beautiful! Must read!

Beautifully read! It’s a heart wrenching story that has so many beautiful lessons. A must read!

incredible

as a 23 year old girl this book breathed so much life love joy and motivation into me. love her.