Who is Tara Westover?

Tara Westover is an American author, educator, and speaker. She is known for her memoir, Educated, which recounts her upbringing in a survivalist family in rural Idaho and her subsequent journey to higher education.

Westover was born in 1986 to Gene and LaRee Westover. Her parents were members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) and raised their children in a fundamentalist Mormon community. Westover's father was a survivalist who believed that the end of the world was imminent. He forbade his children from attending school or receiving medical care, and he taught them to be self-sufficient.

Despite her father's beliefs, Westover was determined to get an education. She secretly taught herself to read and write, and she eventually enrolled in Brigham Young University. She went on to earn a PhD in history from Cambridge University, and she is now a professor at Harvard University.

Westover's memoir, Educated, has been praised for its honesty and insight. It has been translated into over 30 languages and has sold over 3 million copies worldwide. Westover has also been the subject of numerous articles and interviews, and she has appeared on several television and radio programs.

Westover's story is an inspiring example of the power of education. It shows that it is never too late to learn and that anything is possible if you set your mind to it.

Name	Born	Occupation
Tara Westover	1986	Author, educator, and speaker

Tara Westover

Memoir: Educated
Upbringing: Survivalist family
Education: PhD in history from Cambridge University
Occupation: Professor at Harvard University
Awards: National Book Award for Nonfiction
Influence: Inspiration for others

Tara Westover's memoir, Educated, has been praised for its honesty and insight. It has been translated into over 30 languages and has sold over 3 million copies worldwide. Westover has also been the subject of numerous articles and interviews, and she has appeared on several television and radio programs.

Westover's story is an inspiring example of the power of education. It shows that it is never too late to learn and that anything is possible if you set your mind to it.

1. Memoir

Tara Westover's memoir, Educated, is a powerful and inspiring account of her journey from a survivalist upbringing in rural Idaho to becoming a successful academic. The book has been praised for its honesty and insight, and it has been translated into over 30 languages and has sold over 3 million copies worldwide.

Educated is not just a memoir; it is also a meditation on the power of education. Westover shows how education can transform lives, and she argues that it is essential for everyone to have access to quality education.

The connection between Educated and Tara Westover is profound. The book is a reflection of Westover's life, and it is a testament to her strength and determination. Educated is a powerful reminder that anything is possible if you set your mind to it.

2. Upbringing

Tara Westover's upbringing in a survivalist family had a profound impact on her life and her subsequent journey to higher education. Her parents were members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) and raised their children in a fundamentalist Mormon community. Westover's father was a survivalist who believed that the end of the world was imminent. He forbade his children from attending school or receiving medical care, and he taught them to be self-sufficient.

Isolation
Survivalist families often live in isolated areas, far from mainstream society. This isolation can lead to a lack of access to education, healthcare, and other essential services. Westover's family lived in a remote area of Idaho, and she was not allowed to attend school until she was 17 years old.
Self-reliance
Survivalists believe that they need to be self-sufficient in order to survive the end of the world. This can lead to a distrust of government and other institutions. Westover's father taught his children to be self-sufficient, and he discouraged them from seeking help from outsiders.
Education
Survivalists often have a negative view of education. They believe that schools teach children to be worldly and rebellious. Westover's father forbade her from attending school, and he taught her that the only important education was the Bible.
Religion
Survivalists often have strong religious beliefs. They believe that the end of the world is coming, and they are preparing for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Westover's family was deeply religious, and they believed that they were living in the end times.

Tara Westover's upbringing in a survivalist family was a challenging experience. However, it also taught her the importance of self-reliance and determination. Westover's journey from a survivalist upbringing to becoming a successful academic is an inspiring example of the power of education and the human spirit.

3. Education

Tara Westover's PhD in history from Cambridge University is a significant accomplishment that has had a profound impact on her life and career. Westover's journey to Cambridge was a long and challenging one. She grew up in a survivalist family in rural Idaho, and she was not allowed to attend school until she was 17 years old. Despite these obstacles, Westover was determined to get an education. She secretly taught herself to read and write, and she eventually enrolled in Brigham Young University. She went on to earn a PhD in history from Cambridge University, and she is now a professor at Harvard University.

Westover's PhD in history from Cambridge University has given her the knowledge and skills to become a successful academic. She has published numerous articles and books, and she has lectured all over the world. Her work has helped to shed light on the history of the American West, and it has inspired others to pursue their own educational goals.

Westover's story is an inspiring example of the power of education. It shows that it is never too late to learn and that anything is possible if you set your mind to it.

4. Occupation

Tara Westover's position as a professor at Harvard University is a significant accomplishment that reflects her dedication to education and her commitment to sharing her knowledge with others. Her journey to Harvard was a long and challenging one, but she never gave up on her dream of getting an education.

Teaching
As a professor at Harvard University, Westover teaches courses on the history of the American West. She is passionate about teaching and enjoys sharing her knowledge with her students. She is also committed to helping her students learn and grow.
Research
In addition to teaching, Westover is also a prolific researcher. She has published numerous articles and books on the history of the American West. Her research has helped to shed light on this important period of American history.
Public engagement
Westover is also committed to public engagement. She frequently gives lectures and interviews, and she writes articles for popular publications. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge with a wider audience and inspiring others to learn more about history.
Mentorship
Westover is also a dedicated mentor to her students. She is passionate about helping them succeed in their academic and professional careers. She provides guidance and support to her students, and she is always willing to go the extra mile to help them reach their goals.

Westover's position as a professor at Harvard University is a testament to her hard work and dedication. She is an inspiring role model for students and scholars alike. She is a passionate advocate for education, and she is committed to making a difference in the world.

5. Awards

Tara Westover's memoir, Educated, won the 2018 National Book Award for Nonfiction. This prestigious award is given to the best nonfiction book published in the United States each year. Educated was selected for its powerful and inspiring story, its insights into the human condition, and its beautiful writing.

The National Book Award for Nonfiction is one of the most important literary awards in the United States. It is given by the National Book Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports literature and reading. The award is judged by a panel of experts in the field of nonfiction, and it is considered to be one of the most prestigious awards a nonfiction author can receive.

Winning the National Book Award for Nonfiction is a significant achievement for Tara Westover. It is a testament to her talent as a writer and the importance of her story. Educated has been praised by critics and readers alike, and it has been translated into over 30 languages. Westover's story is an inspiration to us all, and it shows that anything is possible if we set our minds to it.

6. Influence

Tara Westover's memoir, Educated, has inspired millions of people around the world. Her story is a powerful reminder that anything is possible if you set your mind to it. Westover's journey from a survivalist upbringing in rural Idaho to becoming a successful academic is an inspiring example of the power of education and the human spirit.

Westover's story has resonated with people from all walks of life. She has been praised by critics and readers alike, and her book has been translated into over 30 languages. Westover has also been the subject of numerous articles and interviews, and she has appeared on several television and radio programs.

Westover's influence is not limited to her writing. She is also a dedicated advocate for education and literacy. She frequently speaks to students and educators about the importance of education, and she has worked to promote access to education for all.

Tara Westover is an inspiration to us all. Her story shows that anything is possible if we set our minds to it. She is a powerful advocate for education and literacy, and she is making a difference in the world.

Tara Westover FAQs

This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about Tara Westover, her memoir Educated, and her work as an advocate for education.

Question 1: What is Tara Westover's background?

Tara Westover was born in 1986 to survivalist parents in rural Idaho. She was raised in a fundamentalist Mormon community and was not allowed to attend school or receive medical care. Despite these challenges, Westover secretly taught herself to read and write, and she eventually enrolled in Brigham Young University. She went on to earn a PhD in history from Cambridge University, and she is now a professor at Harvard University.

Question 2: What is Educated about?

Educated is a memoir that tells the story of Tara Westover's journey from a survivalist upbringing to becoming a successful academic. The book explores themes of education, family, and the power of the human spirit.

Question 3: What is Tara Westover's message?

Tara Westover's message is that anything is possible if you set your mind to it. She believes that education is the key to unlocking potential and that everyone deserves access to quality education.

Question 4: What is Tara Westover's impact?

Tara Westover's memoir, Educated, has inspired millions of people around the world. Her story is a powerful reminder that anything is possible if you set your mind to it. Westover is also a dedicated advocate for education and literacy, and she is making a difference in the world.

Question 5: Where can I learn more about Tara Westover?

You can learn more about Tara Westover by visiting her website, reading her memoir Educated, or listening to her interviews.

See related content: Tara Westover Biography

Conclusion

Tara Westover's journey from a survivalist upbringing to becoming a successful academic is an inspiring example of the power of education. Her story shows that anything is possible if we set our minds to it.

Westover's memoir, Educated, has resonated with millions of people around the world. It is a powerful reminder that we all have the potential to achieve great things, regardless of our circumstances. Westover's story is a call to action for us all to invest in education and to create a more just and equitable world.