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Jul 21, 2020karyn8787 rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Educated by Tara Westover is an inspiring memoir detailing Westover’s childhood and her journey to receiving education and finding her place in the world. Westover grew up in rural Idaho with limited connection to people outside of her family. Her parents were extreme survivalists and held many traditional beliefs. It was principles that led to Westover never receiving a formal education until age seventeen and never stepping foot into a hospital for the vast majority of her childhood. However, Westover’s relentless passion and determination led to her educating herself, getting into college, and even going to Harvard and Cambridge for her Ph.D. It was these experiences and opportunities that gave her the courage to finally set herself free from a life and family that had only hurt her. Educated is easily one of my favorite books of all time. This memoir sheds light on a side of America that so many of us are unfamiliar with. For me, I thought this sort of survivalist style of living was a relic of the past. What is most inspiring is that despite all of the obstacles thrown at Westover that would normally be life-crushing, she finds the hope and courage to persist and work towards a goal that seems utmost unattainable. This book will make you laugh and cry and scream and feel every emotion there is to feel. Westover shares the lowest of low points in her life and every step she took to achieve all that she has done. Plotline aside, Westover has an amazing way with words and submerses you into her life and story. Educated is a must-read book!