Educated

Tara Westover

Educated is a memoir that immerses readers in the stark realities of her upbringing, one filled with survivalist ideology, religious extremism, and the ever-present dangers of her family’s junkyard. While her journey from isolation to academia is undeniably remarkable, the book leans heavily on repetitive themes, with frequent mentions of Joseph Smith, herbal remedies, and the physical toll of her environment. The resilience Westover demonstrates is commendable, and her escape from an ingrained belief system is compelling, however, the unrelenting focus on trauma makes it a difficult read. While I respect her perseverance, this is not a book I would revisit.