Tara Westover – Educated: The international bestselling memoir

Tara Westover and Educated: The International Bestselling Memoir

1. About the Author

Tara Westover is an American author and educator best known for her memoir, Educated: The International Bestselling Memoir. Born into a survivalist family in the mountains of Idaho, Westover had no access to formal education until the age of 17. Her journey from being a young girl unaware of concepts like the Holocaust or Napoleon to earning scholarships at Cambridge University and Harvard is a testament to the power of education and personal determination. Her memoir has been translated into over 40 languages and has received numerous prestigious awards.

2. About the Book

Educated is an inspiring and deeply moving account of overcoming adversity. The book recounts Tara Westover’s extraordinary childhood in a family that rejected formal education, modern medicine, and government authority. Westover shares her self-education journey and how she broke free from societal and personal barriers to find her own path. The memoir has received critical acclaim and has become one of the most celebrated memoirs of the 21st century.

3. Review of the Book

Educated: The International Bestselling Memoir is more than a story about education; it is a profound exploration of family, loyalty, and personal freedom.

A Captivating and Shocking Tale Westover grew up in a survivalist family in Idaho, where her parents distrusted government intervention of any kind. Without birth certificates, medical records, or school attendance, Tara lived in isolation, where her education came from the Bible and sermons by Mormon prophets. The stark difference between the Westover family and the outside world is captured in the statement, “According to the government, I do not exist.”

Grueling Challenges Throughout the book, Westover recounts severe work-related accidents and domestic violence she endured. Her father’s political and religious paranoia led him to reject all modern medical practices, worsening the consequences of numerous accidents. Adding to her struggles, an abusive brother heightened the physical and emotional pain Tara faced during her formative years.

A Journey of Education and Liberation Starting from knowing almost nothing about the world, Tara taught herself enough to score high on the ACT and gain admission to Brigham Young University. There, she experienced cultural shock as she encountered ideas and knowledge she had never been exposed to. Her relentless drive for learning led her to Cambridge and Harvard, where she not only discovered the world but also redefined herself.

A Powerful Message This memoir is not just Westover’s personal journey but also a call to action on the importance of education. It reminds readers that education is not only about academic knowledge but also a tool to break free from limitations and open new doors of opportunity.

4. Who Should Read This Book?

• Fans of inspirational memoirs.
• Readers interested in topics about education and societal change.
• Anyone looking to explore how to overcome adversity and shape their own future.
• Educators, psychologists, and anyone who wants to better understand the influence of family and society on personal development.

5. Conclusion

Educated: The International Bestselling Memoir by Tara Westover is more than just a dramatic personal story—it’s a heart-stirring masterpiece about the value of education and the power of determination. The book inspires readers to reflect on the role of family, society, and education in shaping individuals.

6. Where to Listen?

To experience the incredible Audiobook version of Educated, you can sign up for a membership on Audiobooks.com or Audible.com. Narrated by the captivating voice of Julia Whalen, the audiobook brings this unforgettable journey to life. Sign up today to enjoy thousands of other high-quality titles as well!