Human rights advocate and Nobel Peace Prize recipient Nadia Murad is set to release her second memoir, titled *I Choose My Beginning*, in Autumn 2026. The book, which combines her personal narrative with her ongoing fight for justice, examines the path Murad has forged as a survivor of the Yazidi genocide. The memoir is available for preorder, and its cover has been exclusively revealed by PEOPLE.
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Murad’s journey began in 2014 when she was a young adult living in Northern Iraq. That year, her village was invaded by Islamic State militants, leading to the brutal deaths of her mother and six brothers among many victims. This catastrophic event propelled Murad into a harrowing experience of capture, where she and countless other Yazidi women were subjected to the horrors of sexual slavery orchestrated by ISIS.
Following her escape from captivity, Murad became a voice for Yazidi women everywhere, leveraging her experiences to foster awareness and activism on behalf of survivors. Her courage has not gone unnoticed; in 2016, she was appointed the UNODC Goodwill Ambassador for the Dignity of Survivors of Human Trafficking. In recognition of her exceptional advocacy, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2018.
In her upcoming memoir, Murad confronts not only her traumatic past but also her efforts to find personal joy and happiness in the present. She reflects on her life beyond the pain and suffering, asserting that her identity is shaped not just by tragedy but also by resilience and hope for a brighter future. As she articulates, “The last decade has shown how fragile life can be, and how quickly crises can escalate,” highlighting the pervasive issues of violence and displacement currently faced by many.
*I Choose My Beginning* illustrates Murad’s journey through both personal challenges and triumphs, exploring milestones such as love and friendship while maintaining her commitment to advocate for justice for other survivors. This dual narrative encapsulates the spirit of endurance she embodies. “Activism is not a single moment — it is endurance,” Murad elaborated, showcasing her dedication to raise awareness around global crises affecting women.
The memoir has garnered endorsements from several prominent figures, including activist Gloria Steinem, who wrote a foreword for the book. Amal Clooney, who has represented Murad in legal matters, praised her as “a fierce warrior for justice” and expressed confidence that Murad’s story would continue to inspire future generations of women.
Murad intends for *I Choose My Beginning* to challenge the narratives often imposed on survivors of trauma. “It’s about reclaiming my voice and deciding how my life moves forward — not only how it was torn apart,” she noted, affirming her agency in shaping her own narrative.
Prior to this new release, Murad published her debut memoir, *The Last Girl*, in 2017, which shed light on her experiences during the genocide. Additionally, she founded Nadia’s Initiative, an organisation focused on supporting victims of crises and sexual violence, solidifying her role as a leader in the battle for human rights.
Readers can expect *I Choose My Beginning* to be both a testament to Murad’s incredible resilience and an insightful commentary on the ongoing struggles faced by women in conflict situations. The memoir is scheduled for publication on 15 September 2026 and is already accessible for preorder at various booksellers.