Educated by Tara Westover
(Format used for this read: Audiobook)
This was our latest read for Book Club.
Here is a summary:
“Born to survivalists in the mountains of Idaho, Tara Westover was seventeen the first time she set foot in a classroom. Her family was so isolated from mainstream society that there was no one to ensure the children received an education, and no one to intervene when one of Tara’s older brothers became violent. When another brother got himself into college, Tara decided to try a new kind of life. Her quest for knowledge transformed her, taking her over oceans and across continents, to Harvard and to Cambridge University. Only then would she wonder if she’d traveled too far, if there was still a way home.”
This memoir reminded me a bit of the book “Glass Castles.”
This is not just a story about scholastic education….it is a story about family, faith, growing up, finding your identity, and learning how to process thru physical and emotional trauma.
It was difficult to read about the emotional and physical abuse the author and some of her family members experienced.
But it was fascinating to hear her journey of self realization and growth in all aspects of her life.
I also find the concept of family dynamics so interesting…we all experience them so differently and the effects they have on each of us is unique.
I found this book to be intriguing but definitely don’t think it is a read I would recommend for everyone.
If you experienced any kind of physical or emotional abuse in your past, especially from family members, this may be very triggering for you.
It is not the main focus of the book and I don’t think it is over explained or glorified in any way at all…but it is a part of her story and is talked about frequently.