Who is the author of 'Educated'?

The author of 'Educated' is Tara Westover.

What are the main themes in 'Educated'?

The main themes in 'Educated' include Self-Help, Biography, Personal Growth, Inspirational Biographies.

What genre is 'Educated'?

'Educated' is categorized as Biography, Self-Help.

What is the main theme of 'Educated' by Tara Westover?

The main theme of 'Educated' by Tara Westover is the transformative power of education and the struggle for self-identity. The memoir illustrates the contrast between ignorance and knowledge, as Westover recounts her journey from growing up in a strict and isolated survivalist family in rural Idaho to pursuing formal education and ultimately earning a PhD from Cambridge University. It also explores themes of family loyalty, the search for self-identity, and the impact of upbringing on personal beliefs.

How does Tara Westover describe her family's beliefs and lifestyle in the book?

In 'Educated,' Tara Westover describes her family's beliefs and lifestyle as deeply rooted in traditional Mormon values, characterized by extreme self-reliance and a skepticism of government and formal education. Her parents, particularly her father, hold strong convictions about alternative medicine, believing that conventional healthcare is dangerous, which leads to a lifestyle that shuns hospitals and medical treatment. The family lives in a remote area in Idaho, where they embrace a survivalist mentality, preparing for an impending societal collapse. Westover illustrates how these beliefs shaped her upbringing, instilling in her a sense of independence but also a lack of exposure to mainstream education and knowledge. This rigorous adherence to their beliefs creates a complex dynamic in her quest for personal growth and education.

What challenges does Tara face in her pursuit of education?

In 'Educated,' Tara Westover faces numerous challenges in her pursuit of education, including: Family Opposition: Tara's family, particularly her parents, are deeply suspicious of formal education and the outside world. They adhere to a strict survivalist ideology, which creates tension between Tara's desire for knowledge and her family's beliefs. Lack of Formal Education: Growing up in a rural Idaho household, Tara is homeschooled in an unconventional manner, with little to no structured education or resources. She has to teach herself the basics of subjects like math and science, which complicates her ability to compete academically later on. Mental Health Issues: Tara struggles with her mental health, especially as she grapples with her identity and the values imposed by her family. This mental turmoil makes her educational journey even more challenging. Financial Constraints: Tara's pursuit of education requires financial resources that her family cannot provide. She often has to work multiple jobs to support herself while studying. Cultural Isolation: Growing up in a close-knit, isolated environment, Tara initially lacks exposure to different ideas, cultures, and perspectives, which makes her transition into academic settings difficult. Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome: As she becomes more educated, Tara grapples with feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, questioning whether she truly belongs in academic circles after having such a different upbringing. Through resilience and determination, she overcomes these obstacles to ultimately earn a PhD from the University of Cambridge.

How does the author depict the conflict between her family loyalty and her desire for knowledge?

In 'Educated,' Tara Westover illustrates the conflict between her family loyalty and her thirst for knowledge through her personal journey of self-discovery. As she grows up in a strict, survivalist household that values self-reliance over formal education, her desire to learn creates a rift between her and her family. Her pursuit of knowledge leads her to education, first through self-study and later at prestigious institutions like Brigham Young University and Cambridge. This ambition is met with resistance from her family, particularly her father, who fears that formal education will undermine their values and beliefs. Tara's internal struggle is evident as she grapples with her love for her family and her ambition to break free from their limitations. She often experiences guilt for pursuing her education, feeling that it distances her from her family. As the narrative progresses, her loyalty is tested, and she must confront whether she can reconcile her education with her family's beliefs. The tension between loyalty and self-advancement becomes a recurring theme, highlighting the sacrifices Tara must make to forge her own identity and pursue her dreams.

What impact does Tara's education have on her relationships with her family members?

Tara Westover's education in 'Educated' profoundly affects her relationships with her family members. As she pursues knowledge and academic achievement, she begins to develop a worldview that contrasts sharply with her family's beliefs and values, particularly their skepticism towards formal education and the outside world. This divergence creates tension and conflict, especially with her father, who views education as a threat to his way of life and to the family's survivalist principles. Tara's growing independence leads to feelings of alienation from her family, particularly as she starts to question their decisions and lifestyle, which they perceive as a betrayal. Her relationships with her siblings are also strained; they often find themselves at odds over the differing paths they choose and the implications of Tara's educational journey on their shared upbringing. In the end, while her education opens new horizons for Tara and allows her to forge her own identity, it also leads to painful separations and a sense of loss regarding her family's connections.

Educated Book Summary

In 'Educated,' Tara Westover recounts her astonishing journey from growing up in a strict, survivalist family in rural Idaho to earning a PhD from Cambridge University. Stripped of a formal education and raised in isolation, Tara grapples with her identity and the conflict between her family loyalty and her thirst for knowledge. As she breaks away from her past, she discovers the transformative power of education, but not without enduring profound personal sacrifices. This memoir is a gripping testament to resilience and the quest for self-discovery. Prepare to be inspired by a story that challenges the very notion of what it means to be educated.

By Tara Westover

Published: 2018

"Knowledge is a powerful tool for liberation; it allows us to see the world beyond our limitations and shape our own destiny."

#1 NEW YORK TIMES, WALL STREET JOURNAL, AND BOSTON GLOBE BESTSELLER • One of the most acclaimed books of our time: an unforgettable memoir about a young woman who, kept out of school, leaves her survivalist family and goes on to earn a PhD from Cambridge University “Extraordinary . . . an act of courage and self-invention.”—The New York Times NAMED ONE OF THE TEN BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW • ONE OF PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA’S FAVORITE BOOKS OF THE YEAR • BILL GATES’S HOLIDAY READING LIST • FINALIST: National Book Critics Circle’s Award In Autobiography and John Leonard Prize For Best First Book • PEN/Jean Stein Book Award • Los Angeles Times Book Prize Born to survivalists in the mountains of Idaho, Tara Westover was seventeen the first time she set foot in a classroom. Her family was so isolated from mainstream society that there was no one to ensure the children received an education, and no one to intervene when one of Tara’s older brothers became violent. When another brother got himself into college, Tara decided to try a new kind of life. Her quest for knowledge transformed her, taking her over oceans and across continents, to Harvard and to Cambridge University. Only then would she wonder if she’d traveled too far, if there was still a way home. “Beautiful and propulsive . . . Despite the singularity of [Westover’s] childhood, the questions her book poses are universal: How much of ourselves should we give to those we love? And how much must we betray them to grow up?”—Vogue ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: The Washington Post, O: The Oprah Magazine, Time, NPR, Good Morning America, San Francisco Chronicle, The Guardian, The Economist, Financial Times, Newsday, New York Post, theSkimm, Refinery29, Bloomberg, Self, Real Simple, Town & Country, Bustle, Paste, Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, LibraryReads, Book Riot, Pamela Paul, KQED, New York Public Library

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