Book Review: Educated by Tara Westover

Title: Educated

Author: Tara Westover

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Nonfiction, Memoir
Pages: 352

Publisher: Random House

Year Published: 2018

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"One of the most acclaimed books of our time: an unforgettable memoir about a young woman who, kept out of school, leaves her survivalist family and goes on to earn a PhD from Cambridge University.

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 on 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."

My Rating: 4/5

I had heard about this book when it was first published, but it kept getting pushed back on my TBR, and I was urged to read it after reading Yesteryear. The similarities (not social media-wise) were astounding. The use of language surrounding women, feminism, abuse, etc., was astounding. The gaslighting and manipulation that Tara Westover overcame in her hunt for knowledge and a life outside the one she knew reminds us not to take our ability to learn, research and hunt for information for granted. Her story, while heart-wrenching at times, is an important read, especially in a changing society. I would warn those with past trauma to look into trigger warnings for the book, as it is very forthcoming with her life. Finally, I have heard that her family has spoken out about the book. My simple comment is: if they were willing to gaslight and manipulate their own flesh and blood, what would stop them from doing it to the greater public? 

Sidny