Let’s take a minute to talk about Tara Westover’s memoir, Educated. Since her debut book was released last February, it’s stirred up quite the buzz on the book scene. I can’t talk to anyone about books without being asked about Educated. This memoir was on the NYT Best Sellers List for a very, very long time. So I finally gave it a go and I’m thrilled I did… here are my thoughts and why I recommend this shocking and gripping and horror story.
Educated by Tara Westover
Tara Westover is the youngest of seven children, raised in a fundamentalist Mormonism home in rural Idaho. Tara’s father is an interesting man, who has very interesting views on the world. Mainly his very, very unconventional opinions about the government. Tara’s father wanted to stay as far off the grid as possible. So much so that three out of his seven children do not have birth certificates. In fact, Tara’s parent’s aren’t 100% sure when her actual birthday is… Tara’s mother is a midwife and a healer, who trusts herbs and homeopathic remedies (and the Lord’s will, of course) over modern day medicine. This is the case for third degree burns, concussions, broken bones, and other serious injuries, etc. The family doesn’t have insurance of any kind, and believes medical and educational establishments shouldn’t be interacted with. Tara painted us quite the picture of what growing up in the Westover home was like… and that’s just the beginning. Now add in the emotional and physical abuse, the brainwashing, and the gaslighting. Oh, and the complete lack of education, of even the loosest kind.
Tara and her six other siblings worked alongside their father in a junkyard scrapping metal from a young age. Because of this, none of the children received the proper homeschooling they deserved. One of Tara’s older siblings broke free, despite their fathers strong objections, and made his way to Brigham Young University. He encouraged Tara to do the same. Tara had to self-teach herself enough trigonometry, grammar, and science to pass the ACT. She was enrolled in BYU at the age of 17, where it was her first time stepping foot in a classroom. From there she went on to study at Cambridge and eventually obtain her PhD from Harvard.
WHY I RECOMMEND IT
Yes, this story is about Tara’s grit and determination, but it was actually quite remarkable to read about the brainwashing and abuse she and her siblings received from a mentally unstable father and brother. It was eye opening to read about such a drastically different type of upbringing. Reading Tara’s perspective on her life was truly fascinating.
One of my favorite quotes from this novel:
Not knowing for certain, but refusing to give way to those who claim certainty, was a privilege I had never allowed myself. My life was narrated for me by others. Their voices were forceful, emphatic, absolute. It had never occurred to me that my voice might be as strong as theirs.”
Tara Westover, Educated
The story is highly depressing, but very, very gripping. I’m really glad I read it and encourage you to give it a go! I gave it 4 stars on Goodreads and believe it will be a book talked about for a long, long time.