Our Shared Shelf discussion

I loved your book and your story so much; it really moved me. I do not see how anyone could not want to help someone like you or your family, but how do you feel about the refugees that do not go about entering a new country legally? Or those that not only do it illegally but who don't want to work and just want benefits such as health care and education?

Your book was very inspiring and very moving. Was it difficult for you to write this book? What was your favorite part of the process? Have you considered writing more?

Assalamu alaikum, thank you. This was a beautiful love letter to athletics, to your sister, and to the refugee community at large. I really appreciated that you shared the internal strife with trying to claim YOUR identity while also becoming the voice of thousands. And for sharing how unique your journey was compared to those who may not have the same opportunities. Not many adults would be so forthcoming.

- What aspects of being a Goodwill Ambassador do you enjoy the most?
- Have you met Malala?
- Do you think the Refugee Team helped refugees?

Thank you! And good luck in Tokyo!

What is something that you learned from the journey?
What helped you cope, being thousands of miles away from home/ what is something you would tell others who are going on the same journey or feeling nostalgic for home?

How did you come to find swimming as your passion? Has the metaphor of breaking through waves helped you in any way towards your ambitions as an Olympian?

Did you foresee yourself writing a memoir long before you sat down to write it?

Hello Yusra,

It was wonderful to read your story in your own words. I was blown away by your courage and especially that of your sister!

You speak about the refugee label as sometimes being a bit of an insult, with many people getting wrong ideas about you based on that title. Then at the Olympics you took ownership of it to promote hope, dignity and human rights for all refugees. What thoughts do you have about that identity today? How do you see yourself and how do you think people should see refugees in general?

Thank you for your response and best of luck with your training for 2020!

Kimberly

I'm currently reading Butterfly, and I was wondering if there will be a lecture of the book somewhere ? I would love to here that story from the writer in person or even with her sister ! 🤷‍♀️💁‍♀️

I was also wondering how we can meet Yursa and her sister ?

Thanks for sharing these question! Their story is just bursting me out crying!

Dear Yusra Mardini,

(Please, I really want this question answered by you)

Do you think that a 13 year old girl could be a best seller? I'm currently writing a poem book so sometimes I feel disappointed about my poems and I feel that my effort is useless, Have you ever felt like that when you were a 13 year old girl? If so, how can I overcome them?

Dear Yusra,

Thank you for sharing with us your story! I understand that being in the limelight might not be easy and that some details might grab the press' attention more than others. Stay strong and focused on your goals!

My question for you is - How did life change for you (if it did) after publishing your book? What impact did it have on the message you're trying to transmit to the world about the refugee crisis and about the countries in need of help?

Amazing book! It was truly inspiring and inspiration! Here are my questions for Yusra (sorry if I accidentally repeat a question that someone else commented):

- Had you not pursued swimming do you think you’d still want to speak up for other refugees? How would your life have been different had you not taken to swimming?

- Did you stay in touch with any of the friends you made on the way? I know you mentioned the reporters, but I was wondering if you still kept in touch with some of the people you developed closer relationships with while traveling.

- How was the rest of your families journey? How was it similar to yours and Sarah’s journey to Germany? I know it was briefly mentioned in the books, but I’m genuinely curious to how it was like on their journey.

- When you were on the journey was it how you expected it to be? Did you expect to meet reporters and make friends? How did it meet your expectations? Did you think the journey was going to be as dangerous as it ended up being?

- Do you think your journey was similar to others? Did you go through similar struggles that other people making this journey also tend to go through? Also speaking, did a lot of people get linked with journalists? I know it was mentioned that you made connections along the way. Is that common with people making journeys similar to yours?

- Lastly, how can we help refugees. From a different perspective, I’m genuinely curious on how other people could help. Is there things that we should do or stop doing that could help people going through journeys similar to yours?

Thanks again for your time. Wonderful book!

I am currently reading your book, and I find it brilliant.

What would you say is the most important thing you want people to learn from your book?

Do you feel that your journey has enabled you to live a fuller life, in that you appreciate what you now have more?
Thank you for sharing your story with us, and answering our questions!
Good luck with qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics!

I love how brave you were!
Wow!
Why did you choose germany in the first place?
Do you live in Berlin now and do you like it there?
I am also a young woman from germany and really interested in your personal experiences in germany so far and ask myself if you would like to stay here :-)

Hey Yusra,

I really enjoyed reading your book. Your story is very interesting and fascinating, and I loved hearing your personal experiences.

I would like to know, what your life is like now? I heard you live in Hamburg now, how do you like it there? Are you still in school? And what are your future plans? Do you want to study at a university? And how is your family doing? Especially your sister Sara?

I wish you all the best of luck with your swimming career. I hope, I will be able to cheer you on in Tokyo 2020.