Educated: A Memoir is a powerful memoir written by Tara Westover about her journey from growing up in a strict, isolated household in rural Idaho, to ultimately earning a PhD from Cambridge University. Tara's parents were survivalists who didn't believe in formal education or modern medicine, and Tara and her siblings were not allowed to attend school or seek medical attention, leaving them with little knowledge of the outside world.
Despite these limitations, Tara had a deep desire for learning and taught herself enough to take the ACT and gain admission to Brigham Young University. Over time, she found her voice and began to question the beliefs she had been raised with, which ultimately led to conflict with her family.
Throughout the book, Tara provides an unflinching account of the physical and emotional abuse she experienced from family members, including her father and brother. She also shares how her education provided a pathway to freedom and empowerment, but also caused tension and rifts within her family.
The book is a testament to the transformative power of education and the strength of the human spirit to overcome adversity. Tara's journey from a sheltered and oppressed upbringing to a life of intellectual curiosity and achievement is an inspiration to all who read it.
The memoir also touches on themes of family, identity, and the meaning of home. Tara grapples with questions of how to reconcile her love for her family with the trauma they inflicted upon her, and how to find a sense of belonging and purpose outside of the only world she had ever known.
Educated is a deeply moving and thought-provoking memoir that has resonated with readers around the world. It speaks to the resilience of the human spirit, the importance of education, and the enduring power of the human drive for self-discovery and personal growth.
The book has received widespread critical acclaim and has been named one of the best books of the year by numerous publications, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Time. It has also been a #1 New York Times bestseller.
Tara Westover, the author of the book, grew up in rural Idaho and earned a PhD from Cambridge University. She has been recognized as a Gates Cambridge Scholar and a Harvard Kennedy School Fellow. She is also the recipient of numerous other awards and honors for her writing and scholarship.
The memoir is a deeply personal account of Westover's experiences, and is written in a lyrical and evocative style that captures the beauty and brutality of her upbringing.
Educated has been praised for its honesty, courage, and insight into the complexities of family dynamics and the impact of childhood trauma. It is a book that will stay with readers long after they have turned the final page.
Overall, Educated is a compelling and unforgettable memoir that shines a light on the power of education to transform lives, and the resilience of the human spirit to overcome even the most challenging of circumstances.
The book has been optioned for a film adaptation, with Reese Witherspoon set to produce.
Readers looking for a poignant and inspiring story of self-discovery, personal growth, and the power of education will find much to love in Tara Westover's Educated.
Details of e-book Educated: A Memoir
- Author(s): Tara Westover
- Title: Educated: A Memoir
- Rating: 4.7 out of 5 base on 67143 reviews
- Publisher: Random House Trade Paperbacks; Reprint edition (February 8, 2022)
- ISBN-10: 0399590528
- ISBN-13: 9780399590528
- Language: English
- Print length: 368 pages
- Categories: Biographies & Memoirs
Readers' opinions about Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover
Melody Blake
The rich historical context of the book added a layer of depth that I found fascinating. It was like stepping back in time and experiencing history firsthand.
Daphne Garner
The way this book explored the complexities of human nature and relationships was both profound and relatable. It touched my heart in ways I didn't expect.
Kara Snyder
The plot was so well-paced that I lost track of time while reading. I was completely immersed in the story, eagerly turning the pages to uncover the next twist.
