No wonder this book was named one of the best of the year in 2018 by The Washington Post, O: The Oprah Magazine, Time, The New York Public Library, and many others. I was delighted that it was one of President Obama’s favorite books of the year. Have you read Educated, A Memoir, by Tara Westover? This is one you need to read.

Educated follows the life of Tara Westover between 1996 and 2014 and her Morman family who grew up on a mountain in rural Buck’s Peak, Idaho. She was kept from attending school in her youth but nd miraculously earned a PhD from the University of Cambridge. Imagine starting college with no formal education. 

 Tara has 5 older brothers and one older sister and I was taken aback by the isolation of her unhinged childhood. Her father and subsequently her mother, are anti-government, healthcare, and public education. Through the years she suspected her father was bipolar. 

Tara was born the year I graduated high school. I found myself reflecting on my childhood as I was reading. At age 10 I was hanging out with my friends, attending one of the best public schools in Ohio, and living a happy and healthy life. Tara Westover was forced to work in her father’s junkyard and was holding on for dear life.

She suffered abuse, abandonment, and anxiety. I was so sympathetic to her and cheered her on as she took steps to make sound decisions. 

As you read this book, it’s hard to fathom the life she endured.  Her story, strength, grit, and determination is astonishing.  

I highly recommend this book. You’ll feel all the emotions. It’s a book that sticks with me as it sharply opened my eyes to respect and value the power of knowledge. Enjoy.