Educated

by Tara Westover
Educated cover
Good Books rating 4.31
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Paperback • £10.99
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  • ID: 50
  • Added: 2025-08-21
  • Updated: 2025-09-10
  • Formats: 36
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
The New York Times · Jennifer Senior · 2025-12-22
inspiring 4.50

A powerful memoir that chronicles a journey from isolation to education. The author's resilience and determination are truly inspiring, making it a must-read.

They were deeply moved by the author's story of overcoming adversity and the power of education to transform lives. The book's exploration of family dynamics and the impact of isolation was both poignant and thought-provoking. They appreciated the raw honesty with which the author recounted her experiences, making it a deeply personal and relatable read. The book's themes of self-discovery and the pursuit of knowledge were handled with sensitivity and depth, making it a standout memoir. They found the author's journey to be both inspiring and a testament to the human spirit.

Quick quotes

    A powerful memoir that chronicles a journey from isolation to education.

    The author's resilience and determination are truly inspiring.

    The book's exploration of family dynamics and the impact of isolation is both poignant and thought-provoking.

Reddit - r/books · 2025-08-21
reflective 3.50

Initially loved and rated highly, but a later reflection reveals mixed feelings about the memoir's impact and depth after several years.

The reviewer first read 'Educated' in 2020 and gave it a perfect rating, enthusiastically recommending it to others. However, with time, their perspective shifted, leading to a less impressed view five years on, suggesting that while the memoir was powerful initially, its lasting impression and depth may be more complex or nuanced than first thought. This evolving opinion highlights how memoirs can resonate differently over time depending on personal growth and reflection.

Quick quotes

    I first read Educated in 2020, and I remember loving it then.

    I gave it a 5-star rating and raved about it to everyone.

    Educated by Tara Westover: Less impressed 5 years on.

Bookish Wayfarer · 2020-05-22
inspiring 4.75

A beautifully written memoir about resilience and courage, capturing Tara Westover's journey from a strict Mormon upbringing to academic success and personal transformation.

This memoir chronicles Tara Westover's difficult childhood in rural Idaho, where distrust of government and formal education kept her isolated and uneducated in a traditional sense. Despite these obstacles, she taught herself enough to enter college and later earned advanced degrees at prestigious universities, all while grappling with the emotional cost of distancing herself from her family. The story is one of hope, courage, and the power of education to transform lives, making it a must-read for anyone interested in personal growth and overcoming adversity.

Quick quotes

    Educated is a beautifully written, moving memoir that should be on everyone's to-read list.

    It is a story of resiliency, courage, and hope.

    As Tara’s life increasingly diverged from her former life in Idaho, she struggled to keep one foot in both worlds.

Book Club Chat · 2019-10-28
thought-provoking 4.50

A fascinating and disturbing memoir that leaves a lasting impression, revealing the harsh realities of Tara Westover’s upbringing and her quest for education.

This memoir stands out for its honest and sometimes unsettling portrayal of Tara Westover’s life under a paranoid, survivalist family dynamic. The reviewer notes how the book sticks with readers due to its raw depiction of abuse and the struggle for self-identity through education. It offers a thought-provoking look at the costs of breaking away from family loyalty in pursuit of one’s own path.

Quick quotes

    Educated by Tara Westover is a fascinating, interesting and, honestly, disturbing memoir.

    It's one that will stick with you.

    The book is a largely chronological account of Tara's growing up and her increasing scepticism about her family's views.

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