Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover - A Journey of Resilience, Education, and Identity

Tara Westover's "Educated: A Memoir" is a powerful and inspiring account of her unconventional upbringing and the transformative journey she embarked on to pursue an education. Born into a survivalist family in rural Idaho, Westover was denied formal schooling until she was 17 years old. Despite the challenges she faced, she went on to earn a PhD from the University of Cambridge.

Early Life and Family Background

Westover was raised in Bucks Peak, Idaho, a remote and isolated mountain community. Her father was a survivalist who believed that the world was coming to an end and that his family needed to prepare for the worst. Her mother was a herbalist and midwife, but she also struggled with mental health issues.

Summary of Educated by Tara Westover: A Memoir

by Best Book Briefings

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	188 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	17 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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Westover's family was extremely isolated from the outside world. They did not have access to electricity, running water, or formal education. Westover and her siblings were homeschooled by their mother, who used a mixture of religious texts, historical accounts, and outdated textbooks.

Denial of Education

As Westover grew older, she began to recognize the limitations of her homeschooling. She wanted to learn about science, history, and other subjects that her family did not teach her. However, her father refused to send her to school, believing that it would corrupt her and lead her astray.

Despite her father's objections, Westover persisted in her quest for knowledge. She read books from the local library and sought out opportunities to learn new things. When she was 17 years old, she finally convinced her parents to let her take the ACT and apply to college.

Higher Education and Transformation

Westover was accepted to Brigham Young University, but she struggled academically at first. She had to overcome a lack of basic knowledge and adjust to the pace of a college environment. However, with determination and hard work, she eventually excelled in her studies.

Westover went on to earn a bachelor's degree in history, a master's degree in philosophy, and a PhD in history from the University of Cambridge. Her research focused on the Mormon history of her family and community.

Identity and Acceptance

As Westover pursued her education, she began to grapple with her family's beliefs and values. She came to realize that the survivalist worldview she had been raised in was not compatible with her own beliefs and aspirations.

Westover struggled to reconcile her love for her family with her desire for a different life. She eventually made the difficult decision to distance herself from her parents and siblings. However, she continued to grapple with feelings of guilt and abandonment.

Legacy and Impact

"Educated" has been widely praised for its honesty, vulnerability, and insights into the complexities of family, education, and identity. The memoir has inspired countless readers around the world and has been translated into over 30 languages.

Westover's journey is a testament to the power of education and the resilience of the human spirit. She has become an advocate for the importance of access to quality education for all, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Tara Westover's "Educated" is a remarkable memoir that offers a glimpse into a world that is vastly different from our own. It is a story of resilience, transformation, and the power of education to change lives. Westover's journey is an inspiration to us all, and her memoir is a must-read for anyone who is interested in the human experience.

Summary of Educated by Tara Westover: A Memoir

by Best Book Briefings

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	188 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	17 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE