Who is Tara Westover?

Tara Westover is an American author, educator, and speaker. She is best known for her memoir, "Educated," which chronicles her experience growing up in a fundamentalist Mormon family in rural Idaho and her eventual journey to higher education.

Westover's memoir has been praised for its honesty, intelligence, and insights into the challenges of growing up in a closed and isolated community. It has been translated into more than 30 languages and has sold millions of copies worldwide.

In addition to her writing, Westover is also an accomplished speaker. She has given talks at TED conferences, universities, and other venues around the world. She is a passionate advocate for education and for the importance of critical thinking.

Name	Born	Occupation	Nationality
Tara Westover	September 29, 1986	Author, educator, speaker	American

Tara Westover's story is an inspiring example of the power of education to transform lives. Her memoir has helped to raise awareness of the challenges faced by children who grow up in isolated and fundamentalist communities. It has also inspired many people to pursue their own educational goals, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Tara Westover

Tara Westover is an American author, educator, and speaker. Her memoir, "Educated," chronicles her experience growing up in a fundamentalist Mormon family in rural Idaho and her eventual journey to higher education.

Memoir
Education
Family
Mormonism
Idaho
Survival
Inspiration

These key aspects provide a comprehensive overview of Tara Westover's life and work. Her memoir, "Educated," is a powerful and inspiring story that has resonated with millions of readers around the world. It is a story about the importance of education, the power of critical thinking, and the resilience of the human spirit.

1. Memoir

Tara Westover's memoir, "Educated," is a powerful and inspiring story that has resonated with millions of readers around the world. It is a story about the importance of education, the power of critical thinking, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Childhood and Family
Westover's memoir begins with her childhood in a fundamentalist Mormon family in rural Idaho. She describes her parents' beliefs and practices, which included homeschooling, faith healing, and a distrust of the outside world. Westover's childhood was often difficult and isolating, but she also learned the value of hard work and self-reliance.
Education and Transformation
As Westover got older, she began to question her family's beliefs and practices. She eventually left home to attend Brigham Young University, where she began to explore new ideas and perspectives. Westover's education was a transformative experience, and she eventually earned a PhD from Cambridge University.
Writing and Advocacy
Westover's memoir, "Educated," is a powerful and moving account of her journey from a fundamentalist Mormon upbringing to a life of education and intellectual freedom. Westover has also become an advocate for education and for the importance of critical thinking. She has spoken at TED conferences and universities around the world, and she has written articles for The New York Times and The Washington Post.
Legacy and Impact
Tara Westover's memoir, "Educated," has had a profound impact on readers around the world. It has helped to raise awareness of the challenges faced by children who grow up in isolated and fundamentalist communities. It has also inspired many people to pursue their own educational goals, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Tara Westover's memoir is a powerful reminder of the importance of education and the power of critical thinking. Her story is an inspiration to us all.

2. Education

Education played a pivotal role in Tara Westover's life, enabling her to break free from the confines of her fundamentalist upbringing and pursue her intellectual and personal growth.

Formal Education
Westover's formal education began when she enrolled at Brigham Young University. There, she was exposed to new ideas and perspectives that challenged her previous beliefs. She eventually earned a PhD from Cambridge University, a testament to her determination and perseverance.
Self-Education
In addition to her formal education, Westover also engaged in extensive self-education. She read widely, attended lectures, and sought out opportunities to learn from others. Her self-education was essential to her intellectual development and her ability to critically examine her own beliefs.
The Power of Critical Thinking
Education empowered Westover to develop critical thinking skills. She learned to question assumptions, evaluate evidence, and form her own opinions. These skills were essential to her journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
Education as Liberation
For Westover, education was a liberating force. It allowed her to escape the limitations of her upbringing and to create a life of her own choosing. She became an advocate for education, believing that everyone deserves the opportunity to learn and grow.

Tara Westover's story is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of education. Education can open doors to new possibilities, empower individuals to think critically, and liberate them from the constraints of their circumstances.

3. Family

Family played a central role in Tara Westover's life, shaping her upbringing, beliefs, and eventual journey to higher education. Her memoir, "Educated," provides a unique glimpse into the complex dynamics of a fundamentalist Mormon family and its impact on an individual's development.

Strict Upbringing
Westover's family adhered to a strict set of religious beliefs and practices, including homeschooling, faith healing, and a distrust of the outside world. This upbringing isolated Westover from mainstream society and instilled in her a deep sense of loyalty to her family.
Parental Influence
Westover's parents had a profound influence on her. Her father, a survivalist and former Green Beret, instilled in her a strong work ethic and a distrust of government and institutions. Her mother, a herbalist and midwife, taught her the importance of self-reliance and the power of nature.
Sibling Relationships
Westover had a complex relationship with her siblings. She was close to some of her siblings, but she also experienced conflict and estrangement with others. Her memoir explores the challenges and dynamics of sibling relationships within a fundamentalist family.
Breaking Away
As Westover grew older, she began to question her family's beliefs and practices. This led to tension and conflict within the family. Eventually, Westover made the difficult decision to leave home and pursue her own education. Her journey to higher education was a challenge, but it also allowed her to break free from the constraints of her upbringing.

Tara Westover's story highlights the complex and often conflicting roles that family can play in an individual's life. Family can provide love, support, and a sense of belonging, but it can also be a source of conflict, control, and isolation. Westover's memoir is a powerful reminder of the importance of critical thinking and the courage to follow one's own path, even when it means breaking away from family.

4. Mormonism

Mormonism, also known as the Latter Day Saint movement, played a significant role in shaping Tara Westover's childhood and early life. Her memoir, "Educated," provides a unique glimpse into the beliefs and practices of a fundamentalist Mormon family and their impact on an individual's development.

Religious Beliefs and Practices
Mormonism is a complex and evolving religion with a unique set of beliefs and practices. Westover's family adhered to a fundamentalist interpretation of Mormonism, which emphasized strict adherence to religious doctrine, homeschooling, faith healing, and a distrust of the outside world.
Community and Isolation
Mormon communities often provide a strong sense of belonging and support. However, Westover's family lived in a remote area and had limited contact with outsiders. This isolation contributed to Westover's feelings of alienation and her eventual decision to leave home.
Education and Intellectualism
Mormonism places a high value on education, but it also emphasizes the importance of religious doctrine over secular knowledge. Westover's family discouraged her from pursuing higher education, believing that it would lead her away from the faith.
Gender Roles and Patriarchy
Mormonism has a patriarchal structure, with men holding most positions of authority. Westover's memoir explores the challenges and limitations faced by women within this system.

Tara Westover's story highlights the complex and often conflicting roles that religion can play in an individual's life. Mormonism provided Westover with a sense of community and belonging, but it also limited her intellectual and personal growth. Her memoir is a powerful reminder of the importance of critical thinking and the courage to follow one's own path, even when it means breaking away from one's religious upbringing.

5. Idaho

Tara Westover's memoir, "Educated," is a powerful and inspiring story of a young woman's journey from a fundamentalist Mormon upbringing in rural Idaho to a life of education and intellectual freedom. Idaho played a significant role in shaping Westover's childhood and early life, and her memoir provides a unique glimpse into the culture and values of this remote and often misunderstood state.

Westover's family lived in a small town in the mountains of Idaho, far from the nearest city. Her parents were devout Mormons who homeschooled their children and lived a simple, self-sufficient life. Westover's childhood was filled with hard work, religious devotion, and a deep connection to the natural world. However, it was also marked by isolation and a lack of access to education and healthcare. Despite these challenges, Westover developed a strong work ethic and a love of learning. She eventually left home to attend college, and went on to earn a PhD from Cambridge University.

Westover's memoir has shed light on the challenges and complexities of life in rural Idaho. It has also highlighted the importance of education and critical thinking in overcoming adversity. Westover's story is a reminder that even in the most remote and isolated places, there is always hope for a better future.

6. Survival

Tara Westover's memoir, "Educated," is a powerful and inspiring story of survival. Westover grew up in a fundamentalist Mormon family in rural Idaho, where she was homeschooled and isolated from the outside world. Despite these challenges, Westover eventually left home to attend college and went on to earn a PhD from Cambridge University. Her memoir is a testament to the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity and to the importance of education in breaking the cycle of poverty and isolation.

Physical Survival
Westover's family lived in a remote area and often struggled to make ends meet. They grew their own food, raised their own animals, and lived off the land. Westover learned to be resourceful and self-sufficient from a young age. She also developed a strong work ethic and a determination to overcome any obstacle.
Emotional Survival
Westover's childhood was marked by violence, neglect, and emotional abuse. She was often isolated from her peers and had few opportunities to develop healthy relationships. Despite these challenges, Westover found solace in books and learning. She also developed a strong sense of self-reliance and a determination to create a better life for herself.
Intellectual Survival
Westover was homeschooled by her parents, who had a limited education themselves. As a result, Westover had many gaps in her knowledge and was not prepared for college-level work. However, she was determined to learn and to make up for lost time. She spent countless hours studying and eventually earned a PhD from Cambridge University. Her story is a testament to the power of education and to the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity.
Spiritual Survival
Westover was raised in a fundamentalist Mormon family, and her faith played a significant role in her life. However, as she got older, she began to question her beliefs. She eventually left the Mormon Church and embarked on a spiritual journey that led her to a deeper understanding of herself and the world around her. Her story is a reminder that it is possible to find meaning and purpose in life, even after leaving behind the beliefs of one's childhood.

Tara Westover's story is a powerful reminder of the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity. Her memoir is a testament to the importance of education, resilience, and the power of the human spirit.

7. Inspiration

Tara Westover's memoir, "Educated," has inspired countless readers around the world. Her story of overcoming adversity and pursuing her education has resonated with people from all walks of life. Westover's journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of education and the power of the human spirit.

Overcoming Adversity
Westover's childhood was marked by poverty, violence, and neglect. Despite these challenges, she never gave up on her dream of getting an education. Her story is an inspiration to anyone who has ever faced adversity.
The Power of Education
Education played a transformative role in Westover's life. It gave her the knowledge and skills she needed to break free from the cycle of poverty and abuse. Her story is a reminder of the importance of education for all.
The Importance of Critical Thinking
Westover's memoir is a powerful indictment of fundamentalism and extremism. Her story shows the importance of critical thinking and the dangers of blindly following authority. Her story is a reminder that we should always question our beliefs and be open to new ideas.
The Power of the Human Spirit
Westover's story is a testament to the power of the human spirit. Despite all the challenges she faced, she never gave up on her dreams. Her story is an inspiration to anyone who is struggling to overcome adversity.

Tara Westover's memoir is a powerful and inspiring story that has resonated with countless readers around the world. Her story is a reminder of the importance of education, the power of critical thinking, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tara Westover

Here are some frequently asked questions about Tara Westover and her memoir, "Educated":

Question 1: What is Tara Westover's background?

Tara Westover was born in 1986 to a fundamentalist Mormon family in rural Idaho. She was homeschooled and had little contact with the outside world until she left home to attend college at the age of 17.

Question 2: What is "Educated" about?

"Educated" is a memoir that chronicles Tara Westover's journey from her fundamentalist Mormon upbringing to her education at Brigham Young University and Cambridge University. The book explores themes of education, religion, family, and self-discovery.

Question 3: Why has "Educated" been so popular?

"Educated" has been praised for its honesty, intelligence, and insights into the challenges of growing up in a closed and isolated community. It has resonated with readers from all walks of life who have been inspired by Westover's story of overcoming adversity and pursuing her education.

Question 4: What are some of the criticisms of "Educated"?

Some critics have accused Westover of exaggerating or fabricating parts of her story. Others have argued that she is too critical of her family and her Mormon upbringing. However, these criticisms have not diminished the overall popularity of the book.

Question 5: What is Tara Westover doing now?

Tara Westover is currently a professor of history at the New School in New York City. She is also a vocal advocate for education and critical thinking.

In addition to these frequently asked questions, here are some key takeaways from Tara Westover's story:

Education is powerful. It can transform lives and open up new possibilities.
Critical thinking is essential. It is important to question our beliefs and assumptions, and to be open to new ideas.
It is possible to overcome adversity. Even in the most difficult circumstances, it is possible to find hope and to create a better life for ourselves.

Tara Westover's story is an inspiration to us all. It is a reminder that we all have the potential to learn, to grow, and to make a difference in the world.

Continue Reading:

Tara Westover's website: https://tarawestover.com/

The New York Times review of "Educated": https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/20/books/review/educated-tara-westover.html

The Guardian review of "Educated": https://www.theguardian.com/books/2018/feb/08/educated-tara-westover-review-a-harrowing-tale-of-a-fundamentalist-upbringing

Tara Westover

Tara Westover's memoir, "Educated," is a powerful and inspiring story of a young woman's journey from a fundamentalist Mormon upbringing in rural Idaho to a life of education and intellectual freedom. Her story has resonated with countless readers around the world, and her memoir has become a bestseller and a critical success.

Westover's story is a reminder of the importance of education, the power of critical thinking, and the resilience of the human spirit. She has shown us that it is possible to overcome even the most difficult circumstances and to achieve our dreams. Her story is an inspiration to us all.