Educated by Tara Westover - 4-4.5 stars and just in awe of her

[Charlotte]

Educated by Tara Westover
4-4.5 stars

I thought this was an amazing book and I can't even imagine the strength it's taken her to write this book.

I dropped it by .5-1 star because I didn't like her writing at the beginning of the book. I struggled through almost the entire first part. There were a couple of sections where I even skipped a couple of paragraphs. I felt like as the book progressed and she got into her more adult years her writing became better. I wonder if part of it is the struggle of remembering parts of her childhood and relating them.

I can empathize with some of her family struggles. I have a brother her is bi-polar and a sister who has bullied me throughout my adulthood. Recently, she's tried to bully and manipulate other members of my family into thinking my mom (her step-mom of almost 50 years) and I are horrible people. I'm fortunate as some members of my family aren't easily manipulated. It's tough when you realize you need to let go of a toxic person in your life... it's tougher when it's a family member. I can't even fathom what I'd feel if it was a parent. I'm impressed with Tara Westover's journey and overcoming everything that she has had to overcome in her life to get to where she is. She is an impressive lady and crazy smart!

Although the beginning was slow, as it got going I really enjoyed it and couldn't put it down. I definitely think it's one of those books that everyone should read. I feel like it will probably be in my top 10 at the end of the year.

[KateNZ]

It was one of my top books last year and I merrily recommend it to everyone. She is a seriously impressive woman. It’s so hard to leave so much of yourself behind though - I’m sure it’s going to continue to be tough for her

[[deleted user]]

Good review. I really loved this book. I think processing that childhood, dealing with mental illness in the family and overcoming the lack of education was so inspiring.