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A review by stephanie_jmc
Educated by Tara Westover
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.75
This is one of the best memoirs I’ve ever read. 9.5/10.
Tara’s story is truly moving and really speaks to the reality that parents have the power to strongly influence and control us and completely alter one’s view on the world and reality. Her book really opens the conversation on the impact of having an abusive parent (and sibling), the trauma of having a mentally ill parent, the deeply influential power of core beliefs, the (potential) trauma of religion, and the power in being able to ask questions, learn something new, walk away from toxicity, and change your own narrative. Tara’s story is told perfectly and I am so impressed by her resilience and ability to overcome the abuse and gaslighting and find her own way. I will warn that there is some pretty graphic content in this book and I genuinely felt my heart drop at the idea that this was the reality of Tara’s upbringing.
The story does start out slow but it unravels in a way that will have you rooting for Tara. I absolutely recommend reading this book.
Tara’s story is truly moving and really speaks to the reality that parents have the power to strongly influence and control us and completely alter one’s view on the world and reality. Her book really opens the conversation on the impact of having an abusive parent (and sibling), the trauma of having a mentally ill parent, the deeply influential power of core beliefs, the (potential) trauma of religion, and the power in being able to ask questions, learn something new, walk away from toxicity, and change your own narrative. Tara’s story is told perfectly and I am so impressed by her resilience and ability to overcome the abuse and gaslighting and find her own way. I will warn that there is some pretty graphic content in this book and I genuinely felt my heart drop at the idea that this was the reality of Tara’s upbringing.
The story does start out slow but it unravels in a way that will have you rooting for Tara. I absolutely recommend reading this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Religious bigotry, Medical trauma, Car accident, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail