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What Members Thought

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
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Wow, this book exposes the reader to a dysfunctional family with mental illness in the rural mountains of Idaho. The family may be fanatically Morman, but that is part of the family dynamics and not the focus of the story. I was surprised that it wasn't more about the survivalist life style.
Likes:
* Butterfly Express, mother's very successful 22 year old business of essential oils, tinctures, minerals, diffusers and jewelry
(view spoiler)
Dislikes:
* Val and LaRee Westover refuse ...more
Likes:
* Butterfly Express, mother's very successful 22 year old business of essential oils, tinctures, minerals, diffusers and jewelry
(view spoiler)
Dislikes:
* Val and LaRee Westover refuse ...more

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.

I avoided this book for so long. Now I’m unsure why. It was a well written slightly terrifying book.
I do not doubt Tara Westover lived this story.
On the flip side I don’t doubt her family has vastly different memories. That is just how life happens.
I hope everyone finds their own peace in the end.
I do not doubt Tara Westover lived this story.
On the flip side I don’t doubt her family has vastly different memories. That is just how life happens.
I hope everyone finds their own peace in the end.

This book is staying with me long after i have finished it. How one woman overcame isolation, her negative self-image as a result of family brainwashing, and her lack of education. Her family, led by survivalist parents who were well outside society and usual behaviour, did not support her when she was injured by her brother, kept her away from school and medical help, and continued to deny that the violence happened. Not only did she overcome, but educated herself enough to escape, and soar, so
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These are the memoirs of a girl raised in rural Idaho by Mormon parents who don't believe in government, public education or western medicine. Her mom had good intentions of homeschooling the children, but got worn out by the time she got to her youngest children and this girl is the youngest of seven. The story of the young girl living in this environment and how she eventually got herself accepted to BYU even though she had zero formal education was very interesting. Imagine taking a college l
...more

I found this to be a great read and it left me with 1)questions and 2) a desire to know the Westover family. Working in higher education brings lots of students my way - their stories could fill volumes yet I am newly surprised by each one. Tara Westover's story of survival, resilience, and self-authorship moved me. Highly recommend.
...more

Jan 25, 2019
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