Educated by Tara Westover
Educated is a memoir written by Tara Westover that was published in 2018. Tara's story is one of resilience, strength, and ultimately, the power of education to change a person's life. This book chronicles Tara's unlikely journey from a childhood in rural Idaho without any formal education to earning a PhD from Cambridge University.
The Autobiographical Journey of Tara Westover
Tara grew up in a household where her parents were survivalists, prioritizing self-reliance and distrust of government over formal education and modern medicine. Her parents were opposed to public schools and hospitals, believing that they were part of a corrupt system designed to brainwash and control their children.
As a result, Tara and her siblings were mostly homeschooled and didn't have access to medical care. They lived without electricity or running water, and their father's scrap yard served as their playground. The family's only means of communication with the outside world was through their father's radio.
Tara's upbringing was marked by physical and emotional abuse, and she was frequently put in dangerous situations due to her father's disregard for safety measures. Despite the many challenges she faced, Tara was determined to leave her isolated life behind and pursue an education.
Tara's Journey to Education
Tara's first experience with formal education came when she decided to take the ACT without any preparation. She scored well enough to earn a scholarship to Brigham Young University (BYU), and she left her family's farm for the first time to attend the university.
At BYU, Tara found it difficult to adjust to the academic and social expectations of college life. She had never been in a classroom with others her own age before, and her lack of basic education made it difficult for her to keep up with her peers. Despite these challenges, Tara excelled in her classes and earned a scholarship to attend Cambridge University in England.
At Cambridge, Tara found herself in an entirely new world. She was surrounded by people from all over the world who had grown up with opportunities she could scarcely imagine. Tara felt like an outsider and struggled with imposter syndrome, but she persevered and eventually earned a PhD in history.
The Power of Education
Tara's story is a testament to the power of education to change lives. Through her own determination and the support of others, Tara was able to break free from the constraints of her upbringing and pursue a better life for herself.
Educated also raises important questions about the role of education in society. It makes clear that access to education is not equal, and that for some people, barriers like poverty, discrimination, or isolation can make it almost impossible to achieve an education. Tara's story is a reminder of the privileges many of us take for granted, and a call to action to make education more accessible to all.
Final Thoughts
Educated is a powerful memoir that will challenge readers to think deeply about the role of education in society, the power of resilience and determination, and the importance of recognizing one's own privilege. Tara Westover's story is one of incredible bravery and determination, and it is a testament to the power of education to change lives.
- If you are interested in memoirs of struggle and resilience, you may want to read Educated.
- If you are interested in exploring the role of education in society, this book will be an engaging read for you.
- If you want to read about someone who refused to let their upbringing hold them back, Tara's story will be truly inspiring.
In conclusion, Educated by Tara Westover is a powerful and important memoir that is well worth reading. Tara's story is a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of education to change lives. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an inspiring and thought-provoking read.