Book Report on "Educated" by Tara Westover
Introduction
"Educated" is a memoir written by Tara Westover that tells the story of her journey from a secluded life in a strict, survivalist family to earning a PhD from Cambridge University. The book explores themes of education, family loyalty, and the struggle for self-identity. I found it to be an amazing and inspiring read that really made me think about the importance of education and how it can change a person's life.
Summary
Tara Westover was born in Idaho in 1986 and grew up in a family that believed in self-sufficiency and were skeptical of the government and formal education. Her father, a strict survivalist, kept the family away from schools and hospitals. Because of this, Tara did not attend school until she was 17 years old. She didn’t have a birth certificate or any kind of official documentation, which made her life even more complicated.
Despite her rough beginnings, Tara was very curious and wanted to learn. Eventually, she taught herself enough math and grammar to pass the ACT, a college entrance exam. With this determination, she was accepted to Brigham Young University (BYU). This was a huge step for her because she had never been in a formal school setting before and had to adjust to a whole new world of education and social interactions.
As she went deeper into her studies, Tara faced many challenges, including struggles with her family’s beliefs and her own identity. Her family did not understand her desire for education, and this caused tension between her and her parents. Tara had to decide whether to stay connected with them or pursue her own dreams.
Throughout the book, Tara's experiences at BYU and later at other prestigious schools, like Harvard and Cambridge, showcase her intellectual growth and personal development. She learns about the world beyond her family's beliefs and begins to question everything she was raised to believe.
Themes
One of the main themes of "Educated" is the power of education. Tara’s determination to learn highlights how education can transform someone’s life—she goes from a girl who didn’t know what the Holocaust was to a woman who earns a doctorate. It shows how knowledge opens up new possibilities and helps us understand the world around us.
Another important theme is family. Tara is deeply loyal to her family, but she also shows how difficult it can be when family values and personal dreams clash. This struggle made me think about how we sometimes have to choose between following our own paths and staying close to those we love.
Conclusion
Overall, "Educated" is a powerful and moving memoir that teaches important lessons about perseverance, identity, and the impact of education. Tara Westover's story is not only inspiring, but it also makes you appreciate the opportunities that come with education. It reminded me that learning is a lifelong journey, and even when things are tough, it’s important to fight for what you believe in. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys inspiring true stories.
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