‘Educated’ might just be one of my favourite books this year; even though it is only January, I can tell. I am surprised at how long it has taken me to read this book. For some reason, I had a completely different impression of what the book was about. 

‘Educated’ is brilliant. The incredible bravery of Tara Westover in writing details of her life, growing up as she did, suffering both abuse and being shrouded from learning about the world, is beyond inspiring. I am short of the right words to address how learning about her journey into education made me feel. 

Tara’s family is a survivalist family. Based on their religious teachings and personal philosophies, her parents believe astutely that the world could end soon, are constantly preparing for a doomsday scenario, and also regard the government as a threat to the continuation of such a life. As a result, she and her siblings do not have government records of their birth, did not attend school, and did not go to hospitals or take medicines for any ailments and injuries. She talks with great detail of incidents where this has indeed been a highly problematic stance to hold, concerning health and safety. 

Her account is very honest, it speaks of her own thoughts shaped by this belief system. For the longest time, she genuinely believed in this stance, and as she grew up within its fold, it is but natural. 

I am so inspired by how she emerged from this space to learn about the world outside of her reality, how she affirmed her growing knowledge with deeper educational practice, and how her love for family remained regardless of the difficult space it became as her thoughts shifted apart from theirs. I cannot imagine going through such an experience, and despite the heaviness of the narrative, there is a lightness, a gentleness, to her recall and retelling of her life. 

I am so grateful I read this book. 

Thank you for reading my review. 🌻