138 pages • 4 hours read
Tara WestoverEducated: A Memoir
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2018A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Educated by Tara Westover is a memoir recounting her journey from a strict, isolated upbringing in a radical Mormon family in Idaho to obtaining a PhD from Cambridge University. Restricted from formal education and medical care, Westover enters Brigham Young University at 17, faces immense challenges, and ultimately finds self-empowerment and a new understanding of home and identity through higher education. The book includes descriptions of domestic abuse and emotional manipulation.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Educated by Tara Westover receives substantial praise for its compelling narrative and insightful exploration of self-discovery and resilience. Critics commend its vivid prose and emotional depth. However, some note a seemingly embellished recounting of events and a repetitive structure. Despite minor criticisms, it stands out as an inspiring memoir.
Who Should Read Educated?
Readers who appreciate memoirs of resilience and self-discovery will enjoy Educated by Tara Westover. Fans of The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls and Wild by Cheryl Strayed will find this compelling tale of escaping an isolated, survivalist upbringing for education deeply inspiring.