Helen Pense answers “This book is disgusting to me. I do not...”

Patricia Barry asked this question about Educated:

This book is disgusting to me. I do not understand why an educated and worldly individual would have difficulty understanding the horrible and violent upbringing that she experienced. It is unbelievable to me that she could not understand the violent situation, yet uneducated upbringing she endured. I have completely misunderstood her manner of education in a life in our country, in this country, how is this possible?

Helen Pense The worldly individual did understand, the young girl who was living it at the time, did not. After all, if your own mother does not acknowledge the a…moreThe worldly individual did understand, the young girl who was living it at the time, did not. After all, if your own mother does not acknowledge the abuse, which is clearly there, how can a young girl living in isolation process what is going on? Tara is a compelling writer who laid out her palate and painted her perception. A person's perception is their truth. Her gut told her this was wrong but why was her mother not confirming her gut?? This can be very confusing for a young person. Her truth was an abusive brother along with a mother who turned a blind eye. Tara faced that truth and decided NOT to accept it simply because this was her family. Her mother was and is in denial but trust human nature, deep down she feels guilty for allowing it to happen. I applaud Tara for turning herself into the educated and true person that she is today. Her memoir can serve as the means to unchain herself from her past. (less)

flag

About Goodreads Q&A

Ask and answer questions about books!

You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.

See Featured Authors Answering Questions

Learn more