Educated
What is the book about as a whole?
The book is about Tara Westover’s story.
The book is divided into three parts: Childhood, Struggle with religion, finding her own voice and understanding.
The author used this memoir to tell her story.
What is being said in detail, and how?
The author described a complex family and it’s internal struggle of faith, religion, education, and relationships.
The author described her experience when she shared with her family she wants to go to college, and the huge reaction from the parents made her feel guilty for wanting to go to school.
The author also recalled abusive relationship with one of her brother, where her brother put her head into the toilet and dragged her across the floor while other sibling watched.
Is the book true, in whole or in part?
The book is true to the author’s recollection as well as memories of her family who helped her finished the book.
Why does the author think it is important to know these things?
The author is sharing her life story and how she view it as an education to herself.
I believe that the author believe that her story would encourage other people who share similar experiences.
Impressions
I can feel that the author was really honest and was not boasting about her story. It wasn’t about how hard she has worked, and no one can deny she worked hard as she fight to get her PhD, but it was about how different part of her life contributes to who she is now.
I also find her real authentic when she talks about her panic attacks and how she almost quit her PhD program.
It was really hard for me to imagine the life that she had with her family.
Who Should Read It?
Anyone who is interested in the struggle between religion and education should read it.
Anyone who has complex relationships with their parents, siblings, or sibling-in-laws.
Anyone who is interested to know the story of the author who grew up in a Mormon household with parents who do not believe in public school education.
How the Book changed me
The book has made me more curious about my educational journey and as well as other people’s stories. There are so many we don’t know until we take the time to get to know someone.
This book also helped me understand and be more open to my own struggle with living my life according to the will of the Lord as a believer of Jesus Christ while conducting my life in relationship with those who do not share the same faith as me.
My Top 3 Quotes
Missteps came from ignorance, not intention.
The thing about having a mental breakdown is that no matter how obvious it is that you are having one, it is somehow not obvious to you.
Curiosity is a luxury reserved for the financially secure.
