My thoughts on “Educated” by Tara Westover

Where do I begin?  

First, My wife recommended that I read this book in 2023, but I kept pushing it off for one reason or another. This year, I finally decided to dive in!

Second, I finished my first book of the year—well, my second, but I’m still working on my thoughts for “Get The Hell Out of Debt.” But for now, let’s focus on what I thought of “Educated!”

Tara Westover’s memoir,  “Educated, “ tells of her extraordinary escape from a life of neglect and Isolation. She was raised in a survivalist family in the mountains of Idaho, Bucks Peak, where she had a childhood marked by physical and emotional abuse, limited education, and a deep immersion in the teachings of the Morman church. Her father, who, when she had the language she described as suffering from bipolar, was a paranoid prepper and vehemently opposed formal schooling, leading to a life devoid of basic medical care, social interaction, and a basic understanding of the world beyond their isolated homestead.

She unfolds her story as a gripping account of her gradual awakening. A desire for knowledge and a thirst for independence eventually drove her to defy her family’s strictures and teachings. She secretly prepares for the ACT, which was crucial for her to enter college, and eventually secures a place at Brigham Young University. This marks the beginning of a transformative journey, where she encounters new ideas, challenges deeply ingrained beliefs, and grapples with the trauma of her past.

Throughout her academic pursuits, Tara wrestles with the complexities of her family. One relationship she struggles with is with her brother, Shawn. This volatile and abusive figure in her life casts a long shadow, which fundamentally causes her to doubt herself at her core.  Her relationship with Shawn culminates in a violent confrontation that nearly costs her her family and her life. The relationship with her mother, deeply entrenched in religious ideology, is a source of love and disillusionment. Tara navigates these stressful and violent relationships while striving to forge her own identity, which is separated from her family’s beliefs and the limitations of her upbringing.

“Educated” explores the power of education and what the human person can endure. Tara’s journey is not merely an escape from a dysfunctional family but a profound intellectual and emotional awakening as she struggles with complicated boundaries of faith, family, and the nature of truth. Yet, she ultimately finds a way to reconcile her past with her present, honor her roots, and forge a path forward. 

Tara Westover’s ‘Educated’ offers several profound takeaways. Firstly, it powerfully demonstrates the transformative power of education, not just in acquiring knowledge but also in fostering critical thinking, broadening horizons, and empowering individuals to shape their destinies. Secondly, the book emphasizes breaking free from negative influences, even within family structures. Tara’s journey exemplifies the courage required to sever ties with harmful relationships. Thirdly, ‘Educated’ illustrates the long-lasting impact of childhood experiences on our relationships, how we see the world, and our sense of self. Even as Tara navigates the complexities of higher education and builds a new life, her past continues to impact and influence her thoughts and actions. Finally, the book underscores the importance of self-acceptance and forgiveness. It is not just a matter of escaping her past but also about accepting and understanding its impact.  Ultimately, Tara was able to find a way to forgive herself and those who had wronged her. Generally, this is the first step in the process of self-acceptance and is a crucial part of her healing and personal growth.

Tara concludes her memoir by acknowledging that her education, in its broadest sense, encompasses her academic achievements and the personal growth she undergoes. This is a testament to her resiliency, unwavering pursuit of knowledge, and ability to reclaim her story’s narrative. This powerful and inspiring story resonates with me as I continue to work to support those who have faced financial adversity, seek to break free from the limiting circumstances of debt and strive to find their voice and peace in the world. I am glad I read it

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5 stars