Educated

Author - Tara Westover

Educated is a memoir by Tara Westover, detailing her journey from growing up in a strict and abusive household in rural Idaho with no formal schooling, to earning a PhD from Cambridge University. The book explores themes of education, self-discovery, resilience, and the struggle for personal freedom, making it an inspiring and widely acclaimed work of non-fiction.

Genre - Biographical

Notes: Educated

• • Born into a survivalist family in rural Idaho, Tara's childhood is shaped by her father's fervent distrust of the government and modern society.
• • Her parents, Gene and Faye, are devout Mormons who believe in self-sufficiency and reject mainstream education, healthcare, and even official birth records.
• • Tara's early years are spent helping her father with his junkyard business, enduring grueling physical labor and witnessing dangerous accidents.
• • She receives no formal schooling, instead learning from her mother, Faye, who is a self-taught herbalist and midwife.
• • The family's isolation is profound, with limited contact with the outside world and a deep suspicion of anyone who doesn't share their beliefs.
• • Tara's older brother, Shawn, is a dominant and often violent figure in her life, instilling fear and controlling behavior.
• • A pivotal moment occurs when Tara witnesses her father's denial of medical treatment for a serious burn injury, highlighting the family's rejection of conventional medicine.
• • Despite the lack of formal education, Tara possesses a sharp intellect and a burgeoning curiosity about the world beyond her isolated existence.
• • She secretly begins to study for the GED exam, driven by a desire for knowledge and a vague sense of something more.
• • Her first attempt at the GED is unsuccessful, but her determination is fueled.
• • With the help of her brother Tyler, who has left the family and pursued education, Tara begins to access books and learn about the wider world.
• • Tyler's encouragement and guidance are crucial in her journey towards self-education.
• • Tara eventually passes the GED, a significant achievement that opens the door to higher education.
• • She leaves her family home for the first time to attend Brigham Young University (BYU) in Utah, a stark contrast to her upbringing.
• • At BYU, Tara struggles to adapt to academic rigor and the social norms of university life, feeling like an outsider due to her lack of prior education and her unconventional background.
• • She grapples with the vast differences in knowledge and experience compared to her peers, often feeling ashamed of her ignorance.
• • Tara's family, particularly her father, views her pursuit of education with disapproval and suspicion, seeing it as a betrayal of their values.
• • She experiences severe emotional and psychological trauma from her childhood, particularly from the abuse she endured from Shawn.
• • The revelation of Shawn's abuse, initially suppressed and denied by Tara, becomes a central theme as she begins to confront her past.
• • Tara's relationships with her family become increasingly strained as she distances herself from their beliefs and lifestyle.
• • She discovers the concept of the Holocaust at BYU, a historical event that profoundly shakes her worldview and highlights the dangers of ignorance and indoctrination.
• • Tara begins to question the narratives she was raised with, including her father's conspiracy theories and his interpretation of scripture.
• • Her academic pursuits become a means of understanding herself and the world, a way to build a new identity.
• • She learns to navigate social situations and form friendships, slowly shedding the isolation of her upbringing.
• • Tara earns a scholarship to Cambridge University, a prestigious institution that further broadens her horizons.
• • At Cambridge, she continues to excel academically, but the emotional scars of her past continue to surface.
• • She grapples with the concept of "memory," realizing how her own memories have been suppressed and distorted.
• • The book details her efforts to reconcile her past with her present, a painful and ongoing process.
• • Tara faces a crisis when her mother, Faye, is diagnosed with cancer, forcing her to confront her family again.
• • Her father's denial of Faye's illness and his continued adherence to his extreme beliefs create further conflict.
• • Tara begins to understand the complex motivations and beliefs of her parents, even as she rejects their lifestyle.
• • She grapples with the idea of forgiveness, both for herself and for her family members.
• • The book explores the power of education to transform individuals and break cycles of abuse and ignorance.
• • Tara's journey is not just about academic achievement, but about reclaiming her own narrative and sense of self.
• • She experiences moments of profound loneliness and doubt, questioning whether she can truly escape her past.
• • The influence of her brother Tyler remains a positive force, offering a consistent source of support.
• • Tara begins to see her family not as inherently evil, but as products of their own experiences and beliefs.
• • She learns to set boundaries with her family, protecting her own well-being.
• • The story highlights the courage it takes to challenge deeply ingrained beliefs and societal norms.
• • Tara's intellectual awakening is portrayed as a slow but powerful process of self-discovery.
• • She realizes that her family's "education" was a form of indoctrination, designed to control and isolate.
• • The book emphasizes the importance of seeking truth and questioning authority.
• • Tara's academic success is a testament to her resilience and intellectual hunger.
• • She eventually earns a PhD in history from Cambridge, a remarkable achievement.
• • The narrative culminates in Tara's attempt to create a more balanced relationship with her family, acknowledging their influence while asserting her own autonomy.
• • She learns to love her family without condoning their actions or beliefs.
• • The book serves as a powerful testament to the human capacity for change and growth.
• • Tara's story is one of survival, resilience, and the transformative power of education.
• • She finds her voice and her own truth, even when it means standing alone.
• • The final chapters show Tara navigating the complexities of her family relationships with a newfound maturity and understanding.
• • Her journey is a testament to the idea that education is not just about acquiring knowledge, but about understanding oneself and the world.
• • The book ends with Tara finding a sense of peace and purpose, having forged her own path.