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.
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.
Educated Videos
'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.
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
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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.