Educated

Educated is one of the most compelling books that I’ve read in awhile. Tara Westover shares how she escaped a cult-like family life in rural Idaho through perseverance and a determination to learn.

While she doesn’t soften the traumas that she experienced in childhood, she doesn’t paint her family as villains either. In fact, her relationships with her father, mother, and siblings ground unbelievable events in reality, painting a picture of a dysfunctional family struggling to hold it together.

Throughout the novel, Tara’s innate curiosity and ability to self learn drives a wedge between her world perspective and her father’s. It pushes her to challenge his beliefs, and isolates her from the rest of her family.

I can’t personally relate to her experiences, but I appreciate that Tara shared them with the world. It provides a glimpse into a difficult family life, and highlights how education is a powerful tool in bettering your life.

Buy the book here.