No. reviewers 1.8M +
Rating 4.5 - 4.7
85%+ rated 4 or 5 stars
Educated by Tara Westover
Educated is a memoir by Tara Westover that chronicles her journey from growing up in a strict, survivalist family in rural Idaho to earning a PhD from the University of Cambridge.
Raised in isolation, she lacked formal education, but her thirst for knowledge eventually led her to escape her family's world of ignorance, violence, and strict ideology. Westover's memoir reflects on her personal transformation, the challenges of self-identity, and the emotional and intellectual liberation that education offers. It is a raw and compelling narrative of resilience, self-discovery, and the pursuit of knowledge against all odds.
What reviewers loved
Powerful Exploration of Education and Identity: Readers were moved by Westover’s journey of self-education and the conflict she faced between her upbringing and the pursuit of a formal education. Her story of transformation resonated with many.Resilience and Determination: Many reviewers admired Westover’s incredible determination to escape a restrictive and abusive environment to carve out her own path, despite overwhelming obstacles.
Emotional Depth: The book was praised for its raw emotional honesty, particularly in how Westover portrays her relationship with her family, especially with her father and brother.
Unflinching Honesty: Westover's candidness about her upbringing and personal struggles, including family dysfunction, trauma, and the emotional toll of breaking free, was consistently praised for its authenticity.
Intellectual Journey: Readers appreciated how the book not only focused on her personal experiences but also highlighted her intellectual growth and eventual immersion in the academic world, making it a story of intellectual liberation as much as emotional survival.
Complex Family Dynamics: The portrayal of Westover’s family, particularly her complicated relationship with her father and the manipulation and control they exerted, stood out as a key strength of the book.
Engaging Writing Style: Many reviewers highlighted Westover’s writing as compelling and clear, capturing complex emotions and experiences while keeping the reader hooked throughout her journey.
What reviewers challenged
Pacing and Repetition: Some readers noted that the memoir occasionally becomes repetitive, especially in its earlier chapters. They felt that some sections, particularly those describing her childhood, dragged on before reaching the more transformative aspects of her story.
Family Portrayal: While many praised the book’s honest portrayal of family, some readers felt that certain family members, particularly her father and brother, were depicted in a one-dimensional, overly negative light, with little room for nuance or growth.
Credibility and Believability: A number of readers questioned the believability of some events in the memoir. They felt that some of the more extreme aspects of her childhood, especially the isolation and control imposed by her father, may have been exaggerated or sensationalised for dramatic effect. Critics argued that certain situations seemed too extraordinary to be fully credible.