Educated is a memoir by Tara Westover, telling the story of her life growing up in a strict and abusive household in rural Idaho and her journey to escape and seek education. Raised by survivalist parents who mistrusted the government, formal education, and medical establishments, Westover didn't attend school until she was 17.
Her thirst for knowledge and determination led her to earn a PhD from the University of Cambridge. This powerful narrative through this book summary explores themes of family loyalty, self-discovery, and the transformative power of education.
Top 3 Takeaways
The Power of Education: One of the most striking aspects of Tara Westover's story is how education transforms her life. Despite the numerous obstacles, her determination to learn and grow through formal education takes her from a small, isolated town in Idaho to some of the most prestigious universities in the world. Education provides Tara with the tools to critically evaluate her past and build a future on her own terms.
Family and Identity: The memoir highlights the complexity of family relationships and how they shape one's identity. Tara's relationship with her family is fraught with conflict, particularly with her father and brother. Her journey is not just about physical and intellectual liberation but also about reconciling her love for her family with the need to break away from their destructive influence.
Resilience and Self-Discovery: Tara's story is a testament to human resilience. Despite enduring physical and emotional abuse, she finds the strength to question her reality and seek a different path. Her journey is marked by moments of doubt and fear, but her resilience and courage ultimately lead her to self-discovery and a new sense of self.
3 Hidden Life Lessons
Questioning Beliefs: One of the hidden lessons in Educated is the importance of questioning deeply held beliefs. Tara's upbringing was steeped in her father's extreme views, but her education teaches her to question these beliefs and seek her own truths. This lesson encourages readers to critically evaluate the beliefs and values they have inherited and make conscious choices about what to keep and what to let go.
The Importance of Mental Health: Tara's memoir sheds light on the impact of mental health issues within a family. Her father's untreated mental illness creates a chaotic and unsafe environment. Tara's journey underscores the necessity of addressing mental health concerns and seeking professional help, breaking the stigma often associated with mental illness.
The Value of Self-Education: While formal education plays a significant role in Tara's story, her self-education is equally important. She spends countless hours teaching herself subjects that she was never taught at home. This demonstrates the power of self-motivation and the resources available to those who are willing to seek knowledge independently.
3 Top Implementations and Real-Life Examples
Pursuing Higher Education Against the Odds
Implementation: Tara's relentless pursuit of higher education despite lacking a formal high school education.
Example: At 17, she teaches herself enough to pass the ACT and gain admission to Brigham Young University (BYU). Despite initial struggles due to her lack of basic educational background, she perseveres.
Result and Timeline: Within four years, Tara graduates from BYU and earns a Gates Cambridge Scholarship to study at the University of Cambridge, eventually earning a PhD in history.
Breaking the Cycle of Abuse
Implementation: Tara's decision to distance herself from her abusive brother and confront her family's denial of the abuse.
Example: Throughout her memoir, Tara details instances of physical and emotional abuse by her brother Shawn. Her eventual decision to speak out about the abuse and seek help signifies a break from the cycle of violence.
Result and Timeline: This decision leads to estrangement from her family, but it also allows Tara to heal and build healthier relationships outside of her immediate family.
Embracing Self-Worth and Independence
Implementation: Tara's journey to recognize her self-worth and establish her independence.
Example: Moving away from her family, living on her own, and financially supporting herself through scholarships and part-time jobs.
Result and Timeline: Over several years, Tara transitions from dependence on her family to complete independence, culminating in her successful academic and professional achievements.
Book Summary
Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover recounts the author's extraordinary journey from an isolated, survivalist upbringing in rural Idaho to earning a PhD from the University of Cambridge. The memoir opens with a vivid description of Tara's childhood, marked by her father's radical beliefs and her mother's work as an unlicensed midwife and herbalist. The Westover family lives off the grid, avoiding doctors, schools, and government institutions.
Tara's father, Gene, is a dominant figure whose paranoia and extreme views shape the family's lifestyle. He believes the government is out to get them and prepares for the end of the world by stockpiling supplies. As a result, Tara and her siblings are denied formal education and medical care. Instead, they work in Gene's scrapyard, where they face constant danger due to his disregard for safety.
Tara's mother, Faye, supports Gene's views but also provides some relief with her gentler nature. She home-schools the children, but her efforts are inconsistent, and Tara receives little formal education. Despite this, Tara is a curious child who teaches herself to read and harbors a secret desire for knowledge.
The turning point in Tara's life comes when her older brother, Tyler, leaves home to attend college. Inspired by his departure and driven by her thirst for learning, Tara begins to educate herself. At 17, she decides to take the ACT, a standardized test required for college admission. With minimal preparation, she scores well enough to gain admission to Brigham Young University (BYU).
Attending BYU is a culture shock for Tara. She struggles academically due to her lack of basic education and socially due to her unconventional upbringing. However, she finds supportive friends and professors who help her navigate this new world. Tara's academic performance improves, and she becomes increasingly aware of the gaps in her knowledge and the misconceptions she grew up with.
During her time at BYU, Tara confronts the reality of her upbringing, particularly the abuse she suffered at the hands of her older brother Shawn. Shawn's violent behavior, combined with her family's denial and minimization of the abuse, leads Tara to question her loyalty to her family. This internal conflict intensifies as she pursues her studies and begins to see her family from a new perspective.
Tara's academic journey takes her to the University of Cambridge, where she earns a Gates Cambridge Scholarship to study history.
Here, she flourishes, mentored by esteemed professors who recognize her potential. Tara's time at Cambridge is transformative, but it also deepens the rift between her and her family. Her newfound knowledge and growing independence threaten the family's fragile unity, leading to painful confrontations.
Despite the challenges, Tara continues to excel academically. She earns a Master's degree and eventually a PhD in history. Her research focuses on historiography, the study of how history is written and the importance of understanding different perspectives. This academic pursuit mirrors her personal journey of re-examining her past and reconstructing her identity.
Tara's memoir delves into the emotional and psychological toll of breaking away from her family. She grapples with feelings of guilt, betrayal, and loss, but also experiences moments of clarity and liberation. Her decision to write the memoir is part of her healing process, allowing her to claim her narrative and make sense of her experiences.
Educated is not just a story of academic achievement; it's a profound exploration of the complexities of family loyalty, the impact of abuse, and the transformative power of education. Tara's resilience and determination to seek knowledge, despite immense obstacles, highlight the importance of education as a tool for personal and intellectual liberation.
In the end, Tara's journey is one of self-discovery and empowerment. She learns to value her own voice and intellect, separate from the beliefs imposed on her by her family. Her memoir is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the capacity for change, offering inspiration to anyone who seeks to overcome their past and build a better future.
Educated by Tara Westover is a powerful memoir that illustrates the transformative power of education and the resilience of the human spirit. Tara's journey from an isolated, survivalist upbringing to earning a PhD is a testament to her determination and courage. The memoir offers valuable lessons about questioning deeply held beliefs, addressing mental health issues, and the importance of self-education. Through her story, Tara Westover inspires readers to pursue their own paths of self-discovery and empowerment, regardless of the obstacles they may face.
