Educated: A Memoir

Frustrating, aggravating, educating--I could not stop listening once I started. It is so well written and narrated that it totally absorbs you. There are many useful insights to be gained by Westover's evaluation of her tragic relationship with her family and her radical religious upbringing. Those relationships affected every aspect of her life for more than 30 years. I am grateful that the author was able to set that tortured life aside to share this with us.I have recommended this book to women of all ages. It should be required reading for everyone.

Wonderful insight into family. Most likely, without intending to, the author helps us understand the crazy policies and fear currently crawling out of our country. The brilliance here is in the writing, each word calculated to offer readers thoughts to ponder.

Read it or listen to it, doesn’t matter - absorb this superb work one way or another. It’s a brilliant work that will go far - I could easily imagine turning it into a movie to reach even more people. Tara is a writer of great potential with an intelligence that is shining on every page.

Outstanding memoir. I can see why it has received the attention and awards it has. Very much deserved. My heart just ached for Tara for what she endured the whole way through the book. I am in awe of the physical and emotional strength she developed from the time she was very young. The narrator is compelling, as well. I imagine that Tara sounds very much like her.

A well written reflective story. It brilliantly illustrates, through this personal story, how we develop our perceptions and beliefs over time and how difficult it is to change misconceptions. Through Tara’s insights and perseverance we understand why there are many different beliefs in this country and the world and how education and varied life experiences open the mind to a safer more accepting reality.

This is an amazing story that’s well written with a great narration. Highly recommend!

Fantastic memoir! A MUST read!

I thought this would be an inspiring morning read, but it was more a story of struggle with very descriptive physical and mental abuse that doesn’t diminish through the end of the book. An incredible story nonetheless, but I felt I carried the weight of the story with me all day. Not for the lighthearted reader.

This book was very interesting. In the climate of advancement and technology who would think that there are some children out there not receiving an education due to having zealots for parents. Great topic and written beautifully.

This book was very human. I could feel the unique family dynamics and narrow mindedness of religious beliefs. I enjoyed every second of it.

I absolutely loved this book and the narration. I even downloaded a kindle addition so I could actually experience reading Tara’s words directly. A stunning story about almost every aspect of the human condition!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It was haunting and funny and hard to “put down”. Great read!

Excellent book!!

Astonishing story, amazingly told. Thank you Tara for sharing your life with us. I admire you!!! Chapeau bas! Narrator fantastic!!

An excellent read, goes to show you that no matter how many obstacles you have in front of you, if you work had almost anything is possible. Truly an inspirational read. Totally recommend this book

I didn’t know what to expect when I started this book. It didn’t take me long to decide that I loved it! I found all of the psychological aspects interesting and heart breaking. I think this book is more about resilience and overcoming the odds than it is about education, although that is a big deal. I relate to the author more than I thought I would. The family dynamics may be over different topics, but unfortunately, I bet many people can relate.

I thought this book was fantastic. There were so many elements to it, I will have to listen again to grasp them all.

Progressive. Provoking. Promising.

If it didn’t have “memoir” on it it would have easily been fiction; simply for the wild truths. The amount of obstacles, physically and mentally, that Tara managed to overcome are without a doubt awesomely inspiring. There’s not much more to say than that.

Very interesting story but didn't need to be as long or drawn out. The characters were vivid though some seemed to be introduced then of very little relevance. I will say, I am often very annoyed by the narrator and I thought this narration was excellent and well-suited.

Excellent, we did this true story in our book club, lots of topics to talk about.

Excellent narration and story. Highly recommend!

Excellent story and narration

This was a really great read. My only criticism would be it felt a bit repetitive at times. However, I did thoroughly enjoy it and the narrator was great!

A Must read for every book club!

So very good! Wow! What an education in and out of the classroom.

A tragic and mesmerizing memoir of humanity that is occurring right now in modern times. This book will have you grasping to define right and wrong through perspectives beyond your own.

best book in 2020!

Very hard to hear but even harder to stop listening.

Incredible story

An exceptional story. I enjoyed every minute of this audio book. I highly recommend it!

great listen

It was a good book. I did feel like I had to really pay attention so had to back it up a couple of times but I liked it. It would get a little slow at times but would quickly pick up so stay with it! I would recommend it!

What an amazing story!

This book was very well written and extremely difficult to listen to. It was painful and infuriating and heartbreaking and hopeful and important.

I really enjoyed this book!

I'd recommend this book, interesting and thought provoking. Written well and narrated well.

Captivating and engrossing. Anyone who grew up as a sheltered child, especially in a strictly conservative and especially a highly religious environment will find parallels to their own childhood. Echoes of my own past resounded throughout this narrative. Sometimes I yelled at the narrator when Tara did something that I knew she should not, or when she was self-destructive. Listen for yourself.

Great book. Very interesting plot and it was really easy to get into it and almost feel like I’m in the book myself.

Great book! Highly recommended!

Very enlightening. Wonderful book.

I sometimes felt this story couldn't be real how absurd some of the things her dad did and the way they lived. The fact that she physically and emotionally, not only survived but thrived is a true testament to a person's drive. I loved this book and will reread it again.

oh. my. goodness!! I LOVED this book! My mind was blown almost every step of the way. Excellent example of how we can be the ones in true control of life and choices.

Fascinating and so unbelievable that this is a true story. Our book club loved it!

This book was by far one of my favorite books to listen to. It totally absorbed me. It was thought provoking. It stays with you when it’s finished. Her writing and descriptions are superb. The struggle she incurred and abuse in her mind is so horrific . She is absolutely a brilliant human who survived endured torture and prevailed. Loved this and the person reading it was fantastic

Very good read!

Illuminating in so many ways.

The author just comes off as whiny. She even admits that her memories and her journal entries of several incidents are inaccurate, but then expects the reader to whole-heartedly accept her version of events when it is convenient for her.

Amazing story!

Very good book. So many questions arise about society, God, children, mental health and overall global prosperity. Highly recommend!

I don’t read a lot of non-fiction, but this book reads like fiction. It’s great and unbelievable that it’s true.

Great book and captivating and the narrator was amazing. Tara’s story gave a great insight to her (and probably many others) struggles with religion and family dynamics. I’m sure it was a painful journey to tell her story and I thank her for sharing it.

Gripping story that held me beginning to end even if I found the ride a little exhausting. I got emotionally wrapped up in Tara's story and more than once caught myself holding my breath. I even got angry at her for her repeated efforts to make it work with her family as I'd have given up long ago. Terrific book. Highly recommend. I do tend to not like it when narrators affect the tone of their opposite gender. It usually sounds comical to me and I'd rather just hear the reader's voice.

Great writing, narrating and a gripping story. It’s a fascinating rags to riches ethnography and I highly recommend.

Great book! Definitely recommend!

Most captivating and emotionally moving memoir I've read in a long while. Couldn't stop listening.

I wish I had known how traumatizing this book would be. I would not have read it. I found myself curled up in a fetal position after I was done. That does speak to the descriptiveness of the writer. In my opinion, the relentless abuse faced by the author was not balanced with a healing journey of recovery. So even though she emerged from the pit of hell, I felt like I was still covered in her shame and stigma.

Very interesting how mind control works.

Its as good as they say... I spent the the whole book shouting out loud "when are you going to wake up and smell the coffee?".

Beautifully written, fascinating story! I’ve loved listening to this narrator before, and she did an excellent job with this book as well!

Once you start, you WILL NOT be able to stop it. A life we will be discussing for decades to come.

Excellent narration!!!! Fascinating story and told superbly. It’s one of only a very few I go back to listen to because it’s just that good. The details all the way to the cover of the book are just spot on in getting and keeping ones attention

Great book! This is an amazing story about the struggles with family beliefs and ones own beliefs. The events told here were shocking, An emotional journey that grapples with loyalty, Love and faith. A must read.

Couldn’t get enough of this memoir! Brilliant writing. A story that truly touches upon so much. Powerful.

An epic true story of triumph and the power of the human soul!

This memoir was compelling, heart wrenching and enlightening all at once. It brought to light a whole different way of life that many of us can’t even imagine. Tara is a superb writer and a strong person who found her way through all her family abuse and strong beliefs and followed a different path to become a scholar. I love strong women characters and Tara is certainly one. The narrator is amazing as well. Loved this book. If you don’t read it, you’ll miss out...

Very good read/listen. Very heavy, had to listen in sections and listen to something else in between, but a very good book!

Captivating and inspiring story. Couldn’t stop listening.

Excellent all around.

I really enjoyed the book and the narration was great. The story is compelling. If you enjoyed The Glass Castle, you'll like Educated.

Stunning book! Narrator is gripping in style and tone.

Inspirational life story

This story was absolutely amazing!

I was raised Mormon in the White Mountains in Arizona... very small area with little diversity other than Native Americans and an immense white populous. The only African American child I had ever seen was adopted by one of two doctors. I broke away when I moved to Seattle where I, too, received an "education" - yet always more to grow. I loved, loved this story and understand her extreme struggles - although my comparison is nothing to hers. Tara is an absolute inspiration and I wish the world for her and her extended family. AMAZING story.

I you love the Glass Castle you will love this story also! Well written, well read!

LOVE LOVE LOVE!! Great book. IT was so interesting. I want to meet this person! This would be a great movie!!

Fabulous. Great discussion for my book club.

This narrator is wonderful! She also narrated “The Great Alone” about Alaska. I recommend!

Loved this book, especially because it's tragically true. Narrator was great and able to effectively differentiate voices.

Amazing story!

One of the best books I’ve “read” in a long time.

Amazing journey and inspiring story.

Hard to believe this is nonfiction!

Crazy book. Gotta love religious survivalists. Great style of writing. She really makes you understand what it’s like to be on both sides of her life.

Although there are dark moments in an all to true story? The writing and triumph is amazing and worth reading

My favorite reads are memoirs/biographies, and this one did not disappoint. It is, at times, unbelievable what the author endured. However, it is her enduring formidable spirit that kept me unable to stop listening. I am still astounded at the level of education she achieved and how it changed her life. I would recommend this book.

Gripping and haunting. So very glad I read this book. But I will admit that the author's repeated battles with herself and her family- always striving for their approval, acceptance and love will make your heart ache. Amazing that Tara Westover emerged on the other side, (although w lifelong bruises) so well adapted, with a solid understanding that it is not her fault she was raised by a manic depressive parent, surrounded by dysfunctional definition that love is conditional. Tara, as you have grown to realize, love is the opposite, true love is unconditional. The narrator was a wonderful choice.

Gripping.

Loved this book! Couldn’t stop listening.

Fantastic. Couldn’t stop listening

Such a good book!!

I liked this book and the many layers to it. Interesting and eye-opening read. I appreciated her disclosure at the beginning that this book didn't disparage the Mormon religion because her experience definitely doesn't reflect the religion but a more extreme form. But makes me appreciate the book and her experience even more, how even good things taken too far and out of context can be damaging.

Loved this book! Amazing story of strength, resilience and overcoming ones history. So engaging could not put it down. Excellent writing.

This book is amazing and had a huge impact on me. It should be required reading for 8-9th graders. Explains how abuse and mental illness in families continues for years due to denial. I admire Tara immensely for her courage to endure, confront and seek help. She has proven that change can happen even during horrid circumstances. Heroic and inspiring!!!! 5 star in every way!

Extraordinary journey

Amazing!!!

This was an excellent read. The loyalty to her family was troubling. As much as she suffered, she continued to try and understand it all.

Interesting story that gives you insight into the radical right. Her voice is loud and clear; her journey is inspiring. The narrator becomes the author.

Loved to listen this increadible story about a girl who grew up in a very radical mormon family and got the strenght and determination to get out and grow as a an educated free woman. Very well written and narrated.

Excellent read. A bit of a slow start, but had me spell bound as it went on. Insight into the life of a young Mormon woman who struggles with the clashing beliefs of her upbringing and her increasing secular view of the world, including an absusive situation that her family turns a blind on. This will grip your heart and mind.

Beautiful descriptions of feelings, I was able to feel with her and recognised a lot of my own story. Love the end.

This is the kind of book that sticks with you. I finished the book 3 days ago and I’m still processing. I find myself thinking about the lives depicted in this memoir, particularly the author who is the sharing her own story. I’m still shocked by her strict religious upbringing in the mountains, and how each one of her family members responded to Father and Mother’s treatment. I thank the author for sharing her life story thus far and giving me much to ponder…

Loved this story- I hated for it to end!

Such an engaging and moving story throughout.

Wow, beautifully written and exceptional story.

Great, read like a Train!

I love what it’s talking about the Bible

What a tribute to this woman for surviving and escaping this craziness. Best of luck to her to live a life she chooses, free from regret. She has nothing to regret in her escape.

Well written. Kept me very interested and engaged. Really puts into perspective how much some individuals have to overcome in their life to become who they are meant to be. Also a good look at how mental health issues are a family disease and they affect the lives of all members well into adult hood

Excellent!!!

An excellent autobiography but I wonder why the author does not discuss the Mormon religion with respect to her father and the entire families corrupt belief system. In my view it all stems from Mormonist beliefs.

Took me by surprise! What a sad story. Thankfully, a minuscule percentage of Americans. Hi o

i think it's good I love the narrator's song

I really enjoyed Davenport’s hunt for the crazy murderer. Kept my attention all the way to the end. Narrator was excellent

Great listen! Fascinating!

I caught myself cringing as I listened to the torment Tara went through on different levels affecting her physically, emotionally, psychologically and socially. I wondered if I should have stopped at certain points but am glad I went through it. The book beautifully narrated the inner struggles she faced as she went through a tortured life. It left me wanting her to succeed and I believe you would too as you read / listened to her struggles. Amazing story.

Wow what a story

What an excellent book with a somewhat happy ending. The abuse physical and mental this woman went through is unimaginable unless you’ve been through it yourself!!! It did make me shudder at times when reading it. Highly recommended !!!!

You can't fix other people's stupid, but Tara's journey was amazing. This book kept my attention throughout.

A fascinating read from start to finish.

The book allowed me to rethink my guilt of family disconnects. I empathize with the story and the turmoils and joys of a growing, changing family. The beliefs for this young women were to narrow and terms of acceptance unacceptable. The timeline was well explained as Tara matured into a grown woman. The narrator did a good job emphasizing areas at issue and changing tones to represent characters. There were some sad thought provoking moments when I realized how dangerous a belief could be especially if it is forced on others.

Fantastic book from start to finish. It's more than a coming of age story, It's a story about self realization and the loss that comes with it. It's an against all odds story that is griping and fantastical. It's a primer on cult-like behavior and how unaddressed mental illness can tear apart a family. The author's voice is important and I hope she continues to write about these topics. A must read for everyone. Narration was one of the best I've heard which greatly added to my enjoyment.

Amazing book. Thanks, Tara for sharing your story!

I have never experienced such strong emotions when reading . Excellent. It just took her so long...

This was truly the most authentic and awe inspiring books I have ever read. A life journey like this had to be documented and shared. I started writing my own book and memoir after reading this and it made me feel so much more courageous and fired up to do so.Honestly, the overwhelming message through was that regardless of your “education” and family restraints you can do anything and overcome any situation. I would love to sit down and have a cup of tea with Tara one day in person. I feel like she has exposed so much of her inner strength and needs a huge hug and thank you.

great book

Did not appreciate the book.

Loved it. Great story of fortitude.

what a fantastic story, the writer is beautifully articulate

Wow. Sad to say I related but so glad I wasn’t the only one. Thank goodness for education!

I had a very hard time believing a lot of this story.

Loved it! Fascinating this story and resilience

Loved loved loved it..

A wonderful story, very intense at times, but very real (it is about a real person after all).

I loved the message and only made sense at the very last chapters of the book! But overall a great book and very well written .

This was an incredibly tough read for me, not because of the writing, but because of the story. This book is about abuse and denial and the strength to overcome.

Best narrator EVER! LOVED THE BOOK.

A little slow, but definitely made you want to know the ending. Need to break the book up with something light.

Great read, highly recommend

Excellent book! Hard story, painful, unbelievable at times but makes one think a lot about family and values. Wonderful narrator.

Vey interesting story thatbjust draws you in and before you know it you have been listening it all in one weekend.. Especially intrresting in these times to see how radicalisation of society can be rooted in fear, mental illness and economical factors.

A great story...well told and expertly narrated.

Captivating from start to finish.

This book felt like the publisher took all of the author's journals and published it! It felt long and drawn out and I wanted to feel sorry for the family but things kept going wrong and I felt my hand going up to my face too many times. I wonder what did the author learn from all this and what does she do now that shes out of that horrible situation...