This blog will take the time to examine the epitext of one pretext in “I am Malala”. Research has been conducted by analysing costumer reviews and examining their critics. Moreover, it will specify in three ‘amateur’ reviews posted through the Amazon Bookstore. This form of user-generated content (UGC) helps emphases the significance of a literary piece- wether memoirs or novels, it is said that, 61% of consumers read online reviews before making a purchase decision (Charlton, Graham). In so, how important and effective are these reviews to one-another?

Amazon has received 33 customer reviews, with an average of 4.5 stars of a possible 5. Pretty impressively, it has received (89) 5 gold stars to appose of (2) 1 stars. Furthermore, “Consumer reviews are significantly more trusted (nearly 12 times more) than descriptions that come from manufacturers”. (Charlton, Graham) why do we trust costumer reviews more than authentic professionals?

An overview of its 5 stars reviews are hypothesised on its rich context. Leaving the readers engaged and fascinated through the life narrative memoirs, reviews like, “its solidarity and its constant life-threatening political situation” (A heavy price to pay), continued “A poor society struggling to survive in a very inhospitable place on earth and now becoming even more vulnerable due to the political events.” -descriptively and effectively, it paints a picture. Acknowledging the readers fascination, strong interest in the discuss topics and the consequences that apply. It also points out on the fact of contrast which exist in different societies between the first world and underdeveloped nations.

Furthermore, another 5 star peer review explains the impact of the story on a personal level.

“Inspirational read by a courageous and inspirational young woman. This book reminded me of how fortunate I am to be living in North America, and reminded me not to take all the benefits of our freedoms for granted.” (Inspirational Read), “We need to support women’s desire and right to an education.” 

With the unconscious repetition of “inspirational”, the review highlights life themes which readers may be drawn to. For instance, how fortunate they, the fight for freedom and equality of woman’s rights. More 4 and 5 star reviews review the same prosperity- “The prologue draws you in.” “Important lessons in becoming a leader.” Or words like, “Inspiration”, again.

By contrast, we can find very different views on the 1&2 star reviews. Initially, the reader discusses his or her disappointment. Which may indicate his prior reading of peers reviews, leading to such expectations.

“I bought this book because I am so amazed at this wonderful young lady and what she represents. However, this book in my opinion, is poorly written and is a history of Pakistan and the Taliban, and is most likely told by her father not Malala. Though it is an amazing history, I really wanted to hear more about Malala and her dreams, her truths and what she would like for her life. There was really nothing personal here. I support the education of women worldwide, but this book does not inspire me. Sorry.” (Disapointed)

Various 1&2 star reviews do show signs of confusion and question its authenticity- written by journalist as appose to Malala herself. Note that you can always click “was this review useful” and with 21 “yes”, it is our most useful critic, far from any 5 star one (average of 1-2).

Research shows, peer to peer reviews brings interaction through conversation and opinions; all contributors of the books success as can be shown:

(Charlton, Graham)

Customer reviews provide quality and quantitive opinions from many different points of views. Readers contributing from all over the world, coming together to essentially discuss there findings can help you, the prospect reader, on a truly deep understanding before beginning to read the first pages!

References————

Charlton, Graham. “Ecommerce Consumer Reviews: Why You Need Them and How to Use Them.” Econsultancy. N.p., 8 July 2015. Web. <https://econsultancy.com/blog/9366-ecommerce-consumer-reviews-why-you-need-them-and-how-to-use-them/>.

Various. “Customer Reviews.” I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban. N.p., 13 Oct. 2013. Web. 4 Oct. 2016. <https://www.amazon.ca/Am-Malala-Stood-Education-Taliban/dp/0316322407/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8>.

2.0 out of 5 stars

Disapointed

BySheila Hon November 14, 2013

5.0 out of 5 starts

5.0 out of 5 stars

A heavy price to pay – a sacrifice that we should be thankful for

ByAndrée Ottawaon February 9, 2014

5.0 out of 5 starts

5.0 out of 5 stars

Inspirational Read

BySelena RobinsTOP 500 REVIEWERon August 15, 2014

Reading a diary is essentially like reading a mind. So what better way to situate yourself in a time of war? Anne Frank Diary sets you in the writer’s feet, and as you read along, she writes to you, her best-friend, in a moment of time where she seeks comfort, confessed on paper. For the purpose of this blog, I am going to tackle how different perspectives have an effect on the reader’s content.

A thirteen years-old schoolgirl is not an angle we are accustomed to. We’re so often encountered on taking on problems from our perspective (an adults perspective) that we so easily forget on what being a child was. That time when you were sheltered from the outside world, struggling to understand the changes that are occurring around you. With what you do see is the present, but unaware of reality.

During the context of this story, Anne Frank list-out the problems associated with being a jew as if she was making a shopping list; acknowledging they were there, but without paying pay much attention to them. Rather, we see how she focusses on criteria that matters to her. Through the conversation of her diary, we start reading on who likes who, her warm critiques of her classmates, and conversation with certain boys.

July 1,1942, Anne Frank and Hello’s conversation is narrated as a diary entrance. Beginning with, “Until todayI honestly couldn’t find the time to write”. The beginning of the entry catches the readers attention, as if something important has happened. But when she unfolds, Anne draws her conclusion upon love; if he likes me or not, will he walk me home tomorrow, or maybe we will even get married some day. Despite the brutal problems to which Anne Frank is facing, her day to day extents very much in what every schoolboy and girl faces. Acceptance.

Controversial to her immaturity, she does write better than most adults. When we think about genre, a diary can be argued that for the most part, it was not meant to be read. Anne quotes, “I nor anyone else will be interested in the musing of a thirteen-year-old schoolgirl. It doesn’t matter”. So why is it that this diary has become so celebrated? While plot is evidential, and the context all familiarised, what stands out to the reader is the writers ingeniously. Outlining the success in this autobiography by reflecting upon a different point of view. Emphasising that age plays an important role in maturity, but not human values.

Maybe we remembered them more clearly before.

References

Biography.com Editors. “Anne Frank Biography” A&E Television Networks. January 8, 2016    <http://www.biography.com/people/anne-frank-9300892>

mental_floss, Stacy Conradt “10 Things to Know About Anne Frank’s The Diary of a Young Girl” June 8, 2012

<http://mentalfloss.com/article/51367/10-things-know-about-anne-franks-diary-young-girl>

Frank, Anne. Anne Frank: the Diary of a Young Girl. New York: Bantam, 1993. Print.

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