Good Reads Summary
Tara Westover was 17 the first time she set foot in a classroom. Born to survivalists in the mountains of Idaho, she prepared for the end of the world by stockpiling home-canned peaches and sleeping with her “head-for-the-hills bag”. In the summer she stewed herbs for her mother, a midwife and healer, and in the winter she salvaged in her father’s junkyard.
Her father forbade hospitals, so Tara never saw a doctor or nurse. Gashes and concussions, even burns from explosions, were all treated at home with herbalism. The family was so isolated from mainstream society that there was no one to ensure the children received an education and no one to intervene when one of Tara’s older brothers became violent.
Then, lacking any formal education, Tara began to educate herself. She taught herself enough mathematics and grammar to be admitted to Brigham Young University, where she studied history, learning for the first time about important world events like the Holocaust and the civil rights movement. Her quest for knowledge transformed her, taking her over oceans and across continents, to Harvard and to Cambridge. Only then would she wonder if she’d traveled too far, if there was still a way home.
My Thoughts…
I remember when this book (Educated) came out there was so much talk I did my usual thing and ignored it. Then President Barack Obama had it on his list of great reads so I put it on hold (which was several months wait). It became available just in time for Non-fiction November.
Reading this memior was like reading a fiction novel. There was so much detail following the ups and downs of her life. She was able to pack in this detail because she had kept journals documenting her journey. aAt times the book was definitely hard to hear. I was shocked to learn that people still live isolated and in many ways brainwash their offspring. I am a fan of Julia Whelan the voice talent for this book so I knew it would be a good production.
The story was so engaging that I managed to burn two meals while listening. Even though I knew that Tara made it out to write this book, I felt myself stressing while routing for her throughout the story. Her academic success once she left her home was beyond impressive but I feel she will have many years to heal from the mental trauma of her childhood. I am glad I finally got to reading this book and recommend it highly.
