Tara Westover’s memoir Educated is a unique and thought provoking journey. I noticed this book listed as one of Bill Gates and President Barack Obama’s must reads of 2018. Additionally, as the cover annotates, this book is also a New York Times bestseller. But what drew me to this text were not the names of those who had read the book, rather the story of the author.
Born into a fundamental Mormon family, Tara describes her exposure to the world through all the excitement , pain, love and trauma that she endured. More impotently though, this memoir allows you to walk Tara’s path as she struggles between learning and educating herself and the beliefs and commitments of her family. When we talk of mental strength and personal courage Tara Westover comes to mind.
For anyone who has challenged a belief, be it their own, a friends or family members, this memoir brings that raw emotion of unknowing, the confusion of trying to decided what version of the “truth” is most correct and when you are the most alone, the amount of commitment and faith it takes to continue forging ahead.
After reading this story, you will feel Educated.