Educated

by Tara Westover

[Beth C.]

I knew the premise of the book going in, and was intrigued. However, even the knowing of that could not prepare me for what Tara Westover escaped. And yes, I use the word "escaped" on purpose. She endured an upbringing that would have broken many others - and it could be argued, DID break some of her siblings. Honestly, it could also be argued that it broke all of them - but some were strong enough to put the pieces back together. That is woman was strong enough to go from no formal education AT ALL, get accepted into BYU unaware of what most of her counterparts learned in school already, and go on to graduate, go to Cambridge and Harvard, and eventually get her PhD, is amazing.

As far as the writing, I'm not sure many would be able to take as unflinching a look at their background like this, even WITHOUT the crazy. It is honest and brutal, and yet she does not ask for pity. Just for understanding. She never seems to be whining, there is no extra call for attention - the story just *is*. Her truth, in all its dark and light. I'm guessing the writing of this book may have been, in some way, cathartic for her - and I hope it was. For the rest of us - the readers - it's a glimpse into that shadowy world of cultish preppers...but more of a look at one amazing woman who made it out.