Educated: A Memoir

by Tara Westover

Book Overview

#1 NEW YORK TIMES, WALL STREET JOURNAL, AND BOSTON GLOBE BESTSELLER - 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

"Extraordinary . . . an act of courage and self-invention."--The New York Times

NAMED ONE OF THE TEN BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY THE...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0399590501
• ISBN13: 9780399590504
• Release Date: February 2018
• Publisher: Random House
• Length: 352 Pages
• Weight: 1.41 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 6.5" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Wonderful book !

Read it previously and purchased one as a gift for my mom . Absolutely worthwhile reading ! I don’t want to give it away , just buy it !

Superlative

Could not put this book down. Absolutely beautifully written and cheering all the way through the very hard times, abuse and just plain survival. This is a must read.

Great quality for thrifted book and THE STORY IS A MUST READ!

I don't usually picked up memoirs, biographies, etc. Because honestly I don't typically care about real people! But man, am I glad I grabbed this based on a recommendation. It is an outstanding, soul-jerking tale of a young woman trying to find her way in an unknown world. You'll want to reach through the pages and give Tara a hug and never let her go. Very encouraging book if you feel you need some motivation!

A memoir for all readers.

I have never been a fan of biographies or memoirs but this book hits all the right notes. It is as captivating as a mystery thriller or novel.

Hard to read

I'm pretty sensitive when it comes to content and this was a hard read for me. Ultimately, it's a memoir of overcoming family-induced trauma.

Excellent!

Love the splendid description!

full of lies for sure

terrible book, had to read it for school. so many things don't add up. frustrating and hard to get through. zero stars.

A really good read

This book stayed with me long after I finished it. What Tara lived through and how she survived and thrived is amazing. It gave me a whole new view of mental health issues and what it does to families.

Love this book

It was such a good book. A shocking life story that at times had me saying 'what the?!?' out loud. Really puts things into perspective.

Trailer Trash

This book will appeal to a very low denominator. The writing of this piece of trailer trash is way above par. The writing is gripping, descriptive, narrative, and compelling to read. However, the substance is paper thin. If you enjoy reading about the exploits of real losers, then this is the book for you. I read this book against my will, purely out of book club pressure, and from beginning to end I wanted to puke puss.

Sweet, Sour, and Bitter!

I finished the large print version. Super easy to read! It flows page by page and boom! You've made it to the end of it. Specifically, the stories that Westover brings in the book are a mix of feelings and actual situations that per her saying "have happened at some time/point." She is very smart, and I think she tries to show that by establishing how "dumb and silly" was her father while Westover was growing up. The sweetness is in the way that she narrates everything and how easy digesting this entire book is. The sour is her constant escape from what her father did wrong and could've done better. The bitter is located in the last few pages of this book as she brushes her successful events off on the reader by making it sound like she escaped hell or someplace like hell. Still, recommend a solid 8.5 out of 10.

Too much physical and psychological violence

This book is NOT representative in any way of rural small town life in the 1950s - Mormon or non-Mormon. It is filled with religious zealots committing physical and psychological violence on their own family members and their community. The 'sins of omission' are exhausting, repetitive and disgusting.

So good

So good! So honest, and sad at times, but well worth the read. I loved it!

Educated:Review

This book was more engaging than I anticipated. It gives a clear, insider's view into the nuances of families untrusting of the government while fully trusting in their faith. TW: domestic violence.

Get this book. Do it.

Absolutely phenomenal. Cannot recommend this book more. Intriguing storyline and twists so good you forget that it’s nonfiction.

Incredible story

This book is a page turner for sure! Great story of a girl who was capable of so much more than she ever realized.

Meh

This book was a very easy read. Westover's story was compelling though I felt it lacked consistency. Was it her family's religious fundamentalism that was the crux of her issues or her fathers mental illness? She did help me understand the point of view of those on the other side of what I consider to be "normal".

Great Story!

Recommend this!

Amazing!

I read this book in a few days, I couldn't put it down!

Everyone must read this book!

I absolutely loved this book. I am sure it will especially be a favorite for teachers. It accurately displays the importance and power of education.

Good Read!

A very well written, eye opening book. It gives you the "fly on the wall" insight of another person's upbringing. Very raw and very real book! Loved it!

One of the best books I've ever read!

This book is incredible! I love it! It changed me. It's very hopeful, forgiving and empathetic. I'm so impressed by the author's human resilience. If your considering it you won't be waisting your time!

Great book

Different. If you like "Where the Crawdads Sing" you'll love this.

Wonderful book

carol

Gripping & Fantastic

This book is wonderful. It is a true story that reads like fiction due to Tara's amazing writing skills and unbelievable experiences. It's gripping - I truly couldn't put it down and have been thinking about it and recommending it nonstop. Educated sheds light on the damage that can be done by your family, even out of love. In this way, I think that anyone can relate to this book through a lens of how to deal with someone you love that is hurting you. I found it to be inspiring, and truly a great read. I would recommend to everyone.

Tara Westover's life experience and writing style are totally unique . . .

I picked up Educated because it's "required" reading for the incoming freshman class at my college and I didn't have high hopes. At best I was expecting a long-winded and overtly pretentious memoir where any interesting bits were washed away by big words and a lack of perspective. Educated in none of those things. Tara Westover's life experience and writing style are totally unique and it draws you in from the first chapter. Her early life was an absolute rollercoaster and by the end you'll feel like you've been through it with her. I'd recommend Educated to anyone looking for an inspiring and introspective non-fiction book with a unique perspective and an overarching message about home.