Educated: Book Review

Educated

By Tara Westover

Digital Copy from Netgalley

What a inspiration. Anyone who is a scholar, educator, or believes in education will be amazed how this little girl had no education.

 Her brother, Tyler encouraged her to self teach herself. The family didn’t believe in education.  The only way to get out of the house was to prepare for the tests. Hopefully get herself to college.]

Because how the family lived. The only thing they could look forward to was a hard life. She didn’t want to be a stay at home mother, pregnant and barefoot. But, what obstacles at home to get through. Unfortunately, she was isolated from the rest of the world. The education she learned from home. Was learned from her parents, and the environment   But, often times because she was off the grid. She had a difficult time fitting in. Intellectually, and common sense. Eventually she did get by. 

When she went to college the other students at Cambridge. Either thought she was stupid, or was playing dumb. They thought she was either anti-Semitic, because she didn’t know what the Holocaust was, or even Civil Rights Movement.Unfortunately since she was born. Her father believed the government is evil. Her father Didn’t believe in medical help when several accidents occurred. Her brother trying to kill her. -Think of Ruby Ridge. She still earned her PHd at Cambridge. I was rooting for her all the way. While I was reading, Educated.

She had a terrible upbringing. She was unable to attend school. The family owned a Junk Yard. It had dangerous scraps around the yard.  The machinery they used were archaic, and unsafe. There weren’t any safety equipment, or safety helmets. They had to empty gasoline from old engines. Drain them before it could be compressed, and compacted-Very dangerous. Her Brother was terribly injured, as well as the father. 

Her father was very paranoid. Thought the government would lock them up. Her father believed the world was coming to the end. Her father didn’t safeguard them, or protect them. So, if they were against government you can’t imagine what happened to the family. Many accidents. Unfortunately the father was determined never to take him, or his children to the hospital when there were minor accidents, and major accidents.  Tara was hurt many times. Instead of going to the hospital. They would go home to their Mom to give them herbal mixtures.

Her mother became involved with Midwifery, and herbal mixtures. There is plenty of inconsistencies. At times Tara wrote that they had a TV and radio. Or some of the brothers and sisters did go to school, but she didn’t. Then other times not. There is plenty of times in the book she questions her memories.

Once, Tara went to Cambridge everything changed. She learned that not everything her father told her was true. He made up lies, tried to prove conspiracy theories. The family ties became strained. Especially when confronted the problems with Shawn( her abusive brother).

Shawn, once got hurt many times. From the first accident you could see a change in his mood and behavior. From the second, and third accident he’s behavior got worse. Tara didn’t know how to deal with her brother. He could be combative, nasty, aggressive. The entire family would turn a blind’s eye to his cruelty. She was considered a “Whore” by her brother Shawn.

I recommend it highly. The writing style makes it an easy read. But really, it is not an easy book to read because of the hard life she, and her family lead. As I’m reading. It is playing as a movie through my head. Once, you get beyond that. I think you will be able to read it. Recommend seeing the documentary, Ruby Ridge.