Educated Book Summary

A Memoir

by Tara Westover72

TL;DR

'Educated' by Tara Westover is a memoir about a young woman who escapes her survivalist family in Idaho to pursue education, ultimately earning a PhD from Cambridge University.

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What is Educated about

'Educated' is a memoir by Tara Westover, detailing her journey from a survivalist upbringing in the mountains of Idaho to earning a PhD from Cambridge University. Born to a family that eschewed formal education and mainstream society, Westover was seventeen when she first entered a classroom. Her story is one of relentless determination, personal transformation, and the pursuit of knowledge amidst family turmoil and isolation. The book explores themes of self-discovery, the impact of education, and the complexities of family loyalty and betrayal.

Educated 6 Key Takeaways

The Power of Education

Westover’s journey underscores the transformative power of education, illustrating how knowledge can provide new opportunities and enable individuals to transcend their circumstances.

Resilience and Determination

The memoir highlights Westover’s incredible resilience and determination as she navigates a path from isolation and ignorance to academic achievement and self-fulfillment.

Family Dynamics and Conflict

Westover’s story reveals the complexities and conflicts within her family, particularly the tension between her quest for education and her family's rigid beliefs.

Identity and Self-discovery

The narrative delves into Westover’s process of self-discovery, examining how she reconciles her past with her evolving identity.

Mental Health and Abuse

The book addresses serious issues such as mental health and domestic abuse, shedding light on the challenges Westover faced within her family environment.

The Cost of Breaking Away

Westover’s experience demonstrates the emotional and relational costs of breaking away from one's roots to pursue a different life path.

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'Educated' Author Tara Westover Shares How She Overcame A ...

Top Educated Quotes

  • 'You can call this selfhood many things. Transformation. Metamorphosis. Falsity. Betrayal. I call it an education.'
  • '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.'

Who should read Educated?

'Educated' is ideal for readers interested in memoirs, stories of personal transformation, and the impact of education. It will resonate with those who have faced adversity and are seeking inspiration to pursue their dreams despite challenging circumstances.

About the Author

Tara Westover was born in Idaho to a family of survivalists. She had no formal education until the age of seventeen. Despite this, she pursued learning with a fervor that led her to Brigham Young University, Harvard University, and eventually, Cambridge University, where she earned her PhD. 'Educated' is her first book, and it has received widespread acclaim for its powerful narrative and insightful exploration of family and self-discovery.

Educated Best Reviews

  • 'Beautiful and propulsive . . . Despite the singularity of [Westover’s] childhood, the questions her book poses are universal: How much of ourselves should we give to those we love? And how much must we betray them to grow up?' — Vogue
  • 'Extraordinary . . . an act of courage and self-invention.' — The New York Times

Educated FAQs

Why is the book 'Educated' so good?

The writing in 'Educated' is masterful, with each story and chapter feeling purposeful and deliberate, aiding the narrative's progression and keeping readers engaged.

What does Tara Westover's family say about her book?

Tara's family disputes much of what has been written about them in 'Educated' and are upset with the story being told from her perspective.

What is the lesson of the book 'Educated'?

The book illustrates how education can transform lives, opening doors to new opportunities and helping people break free from their pasts.