Tara Westover's journey from off-the-grid childhood to Cambridge

I just finished this amazing book. It brought back a lot of memories from my own childhood. My childhood was nowhere near as dramatic or excruciating as hers, but I too grew up in a huge fundamentalist homeschool family. It was deeply dysfunctional and my mother was severely depressed. My parents had me “do school,” but my education was almost entirely up to me, and I had to fight for it. As the oldest daughter, my mom didn’t think I should spend so much time on my studies. One day when I was about 13, she said that from now on, I would only be allowed 2 hours per day to study and practice violin in my room. For the rest of the day, I was expected to be downstairs “with the family” helping take care of the younger kids. I told her that 2 hours was a ridiculously short amount of time, and I wasn’t going to do it. She got angry and went to my father, who echoed her command. I was usually a very obedient girl, but I flatly told him no as well. Finally, after repeating the command over and over, they seemed to realize how unreasonable it was.

She’s extraordinary. Her father was mentally ill as was her brother. She’s fortunate she’s so bright.

Her book was amazing but honestly watching her interviews and seeing her emotional strength and what a great outlook she has on her whole experience is even more amazing.

This is one of the most dangerous childhood to live and the most challenging path to get out. I am glad Tara managed.

This was one of the best books I’ve ever read. It was truly amazing

I finished reading this book today. I admire Tara and I'm grateful I got to read her inspiring story. Her ability to grow to trust her own voice after many years of being emotionally/psychologically manipulated, was a powerful read for me. I cried after I put this book down. I feel like her story will stay with me for my lifetime. Thank you Dr. Westover!

This was one of the most amazing, most disturbing books I’ve ever read.

"Educated" is the best memoir I have read in years! I did not see nor hear any YT videos until after I read this book, firstly. I am inspired by Tara's fortitude during her self confrontations to grapple her physical sufferings while enduring family social tumults to eventually find long awaited support by some family conflicted similarly as she persued her PhD! Her singing voice echoes the very essance of her journey with pure dignity from where she began in the Idaho mountains to the accomplshed woman she is presently!

What poise and intelligence. Very inspirational. Getting book today

Reading her book I became unaware of the passing of time; it is so well written and intriquing.

This was our book for book club . . . we had a VERY spirited discussion. This book elicits strong emotions.

Such a great book and unique experience. So sad that Tara had to be estranged from her family in order to be her own person. We are lucky when our own families let us stay real to who we are.

Amazing! REAL Hope for individuals. Proud of this woman.

Best book I've read in a long, long time....her dad created a crazy existence

One of the most brilliant minds! A true philosopher! I loved the book, I loved the strength, intelligence, and persistence she utilized to achieve her success! 🙏

Glad she mentions Gaslighting. So many parents manipulate their children’s memories and experiences to suit their own needs. It’s now wonder so many people raised by narcissists have trust issues.

I recommend this book . I'm inspired by her story and hearing her speak in video for the first time didn't get disappointed

Great story, well told. I read this in a day because it was so compelling! The odds of Tara Westover earning a PhD at Cambridge were overwhelmingly against her. The odds of two of her brothers also earning PhDs -- off the charts! One thing this book makes crystal clear -- her father isn't a stupid person; deranged and stupid are two very different things.

What an amazing and courageous woman! Loved the book.

Very interesting book. Father Westover has a narcissistic personality disorder. Also, raging misogyny. Amazing the hold our families have over us.