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philipthornton's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
kmkasiner's review against another edition
4.0
This book wasn't what I expected. I thought it would be a fairly straightforward account of a person growing up poor and then getting en education. In fact the "education" Ms. Westover discusses is more about personal growth, and not much about the education system at all. She endures a difficult, abusive childhood and learns to change her entire worldview. It's a completely engrossing account. My one small criticism is that I actually wish she had talked up her academic achievements more. She must be actually be very scholarly to get into Cambridge (I mean, having a Gates scholarship and traveling the world is an impossible dream for many), but it reads like she just breezed through everything.
justinewoollard's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
tense
fast-paced
5.0
aimalicious811's review against another edition
5.0
Amazing. This book reminded me that if you work hard, you can accomplish anything, no matter your past!
5erinnicole's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
I didn’t know what I was getting into when I began this book. It was an impulse check out. And it exceeded every expectation I had of it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death
kaygo2490's review against another edition
5.0
It's not every day I read a book that touches me so profoundly. And to think it's a true story, an account of events from an author scarred makes it that more powerful. Tara made it clear that her memories were to be challenged and could be wrong. But if her account of things were to go by, I think she was just used to counting herself short. She grew up in an environment that told her that she always had to follow the thoughts of her father, and thus, if his accounts differ from hers, then her sanity is called into question.
I have great empathy for Tara. I was raised in a very religious environment that almost resulted in me losing everything when I left. It's hard for those that didn't grow up in such an isolating setting to understand the choices a person can make. The abuse they will continue to rationalize and endure. Although my upbringing wasn't as extreme as hers, I could imagine if it was. In a sense, I put myself in her shoes.
It's hard to rate memoirs. Someone’s real-life pain can't be quantifiable for our entertainment. But I'm grateful I read this and hope that Tara finds peace and love in her life.
I have great empathy for Tara. I was raised in a very religious environment that almost resulted in me losing everything when I left. It's hard for those that didn't grow up in such an isolating setting to understand the choices a person can make. The abuse they will continue to rationalize and endure. Although my upbringing wasn't as extreme as hers, I could imagine if it was. In a sense, I put myself in her shoes.
It's hard to rate memoirs. Someone’s real-life pain can't be quantifiable for our entertainment. But I'm grateful I read this and hope that Tara finds peace and love in her life.