In Tara Westover’s memoir, “Educated,” she invites readers on an extraordinary journey of self-discovery and resilience. Born into a strict and isolated household in rural Idaho, Tara grows up without access to formal education, healthcare, or even basic knowledge of the world beyond her family’s land. However, against all odds, she manages to escape her oppressive upbringing and eventually earns a Ph.D. from Cambridge University. As the author reflects on her remarkable transformation, she challenges societal norms, explores the power of education, and confronts the complexities of family bonds. Through her captivating narrative, Westover presents a compelling exploration of personal growth and the potential for liberation through education.
Chapter 1: Childhood in Buck’s Peak
In Chapter 1 of “Educated” by Tara Westover, the author describes her childhood growing up in Buck’s Peak, a rural, secluded community in Idaho. The chapter provides insight into the unique dynamics and challenges faced by Westover and her family.
Westover introduces her parents, Gene and Faye Westover, and their adherence to a strict Mormon faith that emphasized self-sufficiency and isolation from mainstream society. She describes the grueling work demanded of her family members, who spent most of their time working in the family scrapyard and preparing for the approaching apocalypse. Westover, being the youngest of seven children, recounts her early life in the rugged environment without access to proper education or medical care.
The harsh physical and psychological conditions of Buck’s Peak town are detailed in this chapter. Westover highlights the numerous accidents and injuries her family faced, which were often treated with herbal remedies rather than professional medical care. The author describes the constant struggle between her mother’s herbalistic remedies and her father’s mistrust in medical intervention, leading to a neglect of serious injuries and dangerous situations.
The chapter also paints a picture of the extreme domestic violence present in her household. Westover recalls instances of her brother Shawn’s abusive behavior, revealing a disturbing pattern of aggression and control within her family.
Overall, Chapter 1 provides a powerful introduction to Westover’s upbringing in a rural, isolationist community. It showcases the profound challenges faced by her family, setting the stage for the transformative journey of education and self-discovery that Westover embarks upon later in the book.
Chapter 2: The Power of Education
Chapter 2: The Power of Education of the book “Educated” by Tara Westover explores the author’s early experiences with education and the transformative influence it had on her life.
In this chapter, Westover shares her memories of growing up in a rural Idaho household with parents who adhered to strict and unconventional beliefs. Her father, Gene, had a deep distrust of government and formal education. He viewed public schools as tools of oppression and believed they corrupted children’s minds. As a result, Tara and her siblings did not receive a traditional education and were instead taught to prioritize family, self-reliance, and his interpretation of the Mormon faith.
However, as Tara reached her teenage years, she began to long for something beyond the limited world she knew. Her older brother, Tyler, influenced her by sharing his experiences at school and encouraging her to seek opportunities outside their isolated community. Intrigued by the idea of education, Tara studied at home in secret, using textbooks she bought and surreptitiously attending classes outside her father’s knowledge.
As Tara gained knowledge through her self-guided studies, she started to question her father’s teachings and the limitations they imposed on her life. Education became her gateway to freedom and self-discovery. It opened her eyes to an expansive world beyond her family’s narrow beliefs, sparking a deep hunger for more knowledge.
This chapter illuminates the transformative power of education and how it molds Tara’s understanding of herself and the world. It sets the foundation for her quest for learning, independence, and ultimately, her journey towards a different life beyond her family’s expectations.
Chapter 3: Seeking Knowledge
Chapter 3 of “Educated” by Tara Westover describes her relentless pursuit of knowledge despite the lack of formal education in her childhood. Tara is born into a large and strict Mormon family in the mountains of Idaho, isolated from mainstream society. As her siblings and parents work in their father’s scrapyard, Tara daydreams about escaping her narrow world and receiving an education.
When Tara is eight years old, her older brother, Tyler, secretly teaches her how to read. This newfound literacy opens up a whole new world to Tara. She starts devouring books and discovers a love for learning. However, her parents disapprove of her reading non-religious material and continue to pressure her to conform to their fundamentalist beliefs.
As Tara grows older, she becomes increasingly determined to gain knowledge and expand her horizons. In her teenage years, she enrolls in classes at Brigham Young University, a Mormon-affiliated school, where she confronts new challenges such as adjusting to a social setting and facing her insecurities about her lack of formal education. However, her biggest hurdle arises when she takes a class on history and struggles to grasp basic concepts due to her limited prior education.
Despite setbacks, Tara perseveres and seeks guidance from a professor who recognizes her potential and encourages her to continue pursuing an education. Determined to succeed academically, Tara spends countless late nights teaching herself the basics she missed and ultimately earns passing grades. Her determination and thirst for knowledge gradually push her to question the beliefs and restrictive mindset imposed on her by her family, setting the stage for her continued transformation in the subsequent chapters of the book.
Chapter 4: Admission to College
Chapter 4 of “Educated” by Tara Westover is titled “Admission to College” and focuses on Tara’s journey towards pursuing an education. After witnessing her brother Tyler leave for college, Tara becomes increasingly drawn to the idea of leaving her secluded Idaho home to attend school herself.
Tara faces numerous challenges in her pursuit of an education, primarily from her family’s deeply ingrained mistrust of formal schooling and the outside world. Her father, Gene, believes that the government and education system are corrupt, making Tara hesitant to even consider applying to college. However, her mother, Faye, secretly encourages her academic ambitions.
With Faye’s support, Tara begins to teach herself algebra and gradually improves her skills through self-study. She then decides to take the ACT exam, believing it to be a practice test, but she surprises herself by scoring well.
Encouraged by her strong ACT performance, Tara decides to apply to Brigham Young University (BYU). However, her father is vehemently opposed to the idea, fearing that a college education will lead her astray from their family’s religious beliefs. Nevertheless, Tara goes ahead with the application, driven by her determination to break free from the constraints of her isolated upbringing.
Despite facing emotional obstacles within her family, Tara ultimately receives an acceptance letter from BYU. This moment is both exciting and terrifying for her, as it symbolizes the first step towards a life that deviates from the narrative she was born into. Tara’s admission into college marks a significant turning point in her life and sets the stage for her ongoing struggle to navigate between her newfound thirst for knowledge and the loyalty she feels towards her family and their way of life.
Overall, Chapter 4 of “Educated” highlights Tara’s aspiration for education, the familial opposition she faces, and her triumphant acceptance into college, setting the stage for the transformative journey that lies ahead.
Chapter 5: Struggles and Triumphs at BYU
Chapter 5: Struggles and Triumphs at BYU of the book Educated by Tara Westover explores Tara’s experiences during her time at Brigham Young University (BYU), a Mormon university in Utah.
Tara enters BYU with great enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. However, her excitement is soon clouded by her unfamiliarity with the academic world and her struggle to fit in among her peers. Coming from a rural, isolated environment and having had limited access to education, Tara is unprepared for the rigor and demands of university life.
Tara describes her encounter with a professor who assigns her to read a history textbook. Having grown up in a household with a deeply skewed view of history, Tara struggles to comprehend the new perspective that the textbook presents. She realizes that her education, until this point, has been incomplete and distorted.
As Tara tries to navigate the academic challenges, she also faces conflicts with her family. Her parents are skeptical of her pursuit of education, considering it a deviation from the path prescribed by their fundamentalist beliefs. Tara’s relentless pursuit of knowledge, her refusal to conform to their expectations, and her increasing independence strain her relationship with her family.
Despite these struggles, Tara’s time at BYU also brings moments of triumph. She discovers her passion for learning and begins to excel academically. She gains recognition from her professors and peers, and this validation encourages her to continue pushing herself further.
Chapter 5 highlights Tara’s determination to overcome obstacles, both academic and familial, as she embarks on her path to education. It sets the stage for the transformation she will undergo throughout her journey and reveals the enormous challenges she faces in her quest for knowledge and self-discovery.
Chapter 6: Reconnecting with Family
Chapter 6 of “Educated” by Tara Westover explores her turbulent relationship with her older brother, Shawn, and the subsequent reconnection with her estranged family members.
Tara describes how Shawn’s violent nature and temper dominated her childhood, causing fear and trauma within the family. Despite this, Shawn often acted as a protector and companion to Tara, offering a sense of security amidst their unpredictable and isolated lifestyle. However, as she grows older, Tara begins to question her brother’s intentions and increasingly becomes aware of the dangers he poses.
After leaving home for college, Tara is exposed to a new world and different perspectives, causing her to question the legitimacy of her past experiences. This leads her to attempt to reconnect with her family, hoping to mend their broken relationships. She particularly desires to reconcile with her mother, who struggled with her own mental health issues.
Upon returning home for a visit, Tara realizes that her attempts at reconciliation are met with resistance. Her older sister, Audrey, tells her that her presence causes discomfort among their parents, as she represents a threat to the stability of their shared narrative. Tara’s siblings also emphasize that her education and pursuit of knowledge have deeply divided the family.
This rejection is heartbreaking for Tara, as she had hoped that her education would bring her closer to her family. However, she recognizes that her growth and desire for independence challenge the deeply ingrained beliefs and dynamics within her family. Despite the pain, Tara makes the difficult decision to prioritize her own well-being and continue pursuing her education, accepting that her path may lead to further estrangement from her family.
Chapter 7: Falling Apart
In Chapter 7: Falling Apart of the book “Educated” by Tara Westover, the author details a series of unfortunate events that deeply impact her family. The chapter begins with Tara’s older brother, Luke, suffering a horrific accident while working on the family farm. Despite the severity of his injuries, their father, Gene, staunchly refuses to seek medical help, opting instead for homemade remedies and their mother’s faith healing practices.
Tara is deeply disturbed by the situation, torn between her love for her brother and her growing skepticism of her family’s way of life. As Luke’s condition deteriorates, Tara takes it upon herself to confront her father about getting proper medical assistance. However, Gene becomes increasingly volatile, accusing Tara of betraying their family and punishing her physically.
Meanwhile, Tara’s mother, Faye, grows increasingly disillusioned with her marriage as the pressures of caring for Luke overwhelm her. Faye secretly takes a job as a midwife, and her determination to help others despite her husband’s disapproval inspires Tara.
Eventually, Tara convinces her father to allow a neighbor, Mary, who has medical training, to visit and examine Luke. After Mary insists on taking Luke to the hospital, Gene begrudgingly agrees. The family’s worst fears are confirmed when Luke is diagnosed with a severe brain injury and requires immediate surgery.
This chapter showcases the profound rupture within the Westover family due to their rigid adherence to their father’s extreme beliefs. It highlights Tara’s increasing defiance and her search for truth and autonomy. As the family faces this crisis, the fractures in their relationships become more apparent, setting the stage for further challenges and transformation later in Tara’s journey.
Chapter 8: Finding Freedom and Identity
Chapter 8 of “Educated” by Tara Westover, “Finding Freedom and Identity,” delves deeper into the author’s struggle to find her sense of self and freedom from the constraints of her family’s ideologies and her father’s abusive behavior.
Tara starts this chapter by reflecting on her childhood visits to her paternal grandmother’s house. She fondly remembers feeling a sense of acceptance and love from her grandmother, who was more understanding and empathetic compared to her father. These visits serve as an escape for Tara from the constant pressure and abuse she faces at home.
As Tara grows older, she becomes increasingly aware of the limitations set by her family’s beliefs and the expectation that she will eventually marry. Around this time, Tara meets a young man, Charles, who introduces her to new perspectives and opens her eyes to the possibilities beyond her isolated world. Charles challenges Tara’s belief that the outside world is evil and helps her consider the idea of pursuing an education.
However, Tara’s pursuit of education becomes a source of conflict within her family. Her father is vehemently against the idea and her mother, while supportive, struggles to stand up against him. Tara’s decision to apply to Brigham Young University (BYU) further strains her relationship with her family, and she finds herself caught between her desire for education and her longing for parental approval.
Nevertheless, Tara ultimately attends BYU and discovers a newfound sense of freedom and identity through education. She immerses herself in her studies, finding solace in the pursuit of knowledge. This newfound independence also comes with a sense of loss, as Tara realizes that her education will further distance her from her family and the life she once knew.
In Chapter 8, Tara’s journey towards self-discovery becomes evident as she navigates the tensions between her own aspirations and the expectations of her family. It becomes clear that education will be a pivotal force that shapes Tara’s future and her path to liberation.
After Reading
In conclusion, Tara Westover’s memoir “Educated” highlights her remarkable journey from a childhood in a strict and abusive household to her pursuit of education and liberation. Through her relentless determination and thirst for knowledge, she escapes the confines of her rural Idaho upbringing and overcomes numerous obstacles, including her family’s resistance to formal education. As Westover grapples with the challenges of embracing her newfound independence and intellectual growth, she grapples with the complexities of loyalty and identity. Ultimately, “Educated” is a powerful testament to the transformative power of education and the resilience of the human spirit.
1. Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor E. Frankl: After reading “Educated” by Tara Westover, this book offers a powerful perspective on resilience and finding purpose amidst adversity. Frankl, a Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist, explores the importance of meaning in life and how it can sustain individuals in the face of unimaginable challenges.
2. Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind” by Yuval Noah Harari: In “Educated,” Westover’s journey of self-discovery expands her understanding of the world. “Sapiens” takes readers on a captivating journey through the history of humankind, challenging traditional narratives and providing thought-provoking insights into our collective past. This book will encourage reflection and broaden perspectives.
3. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” by Carol S. Dweck: After witnessing Westover’s transformation from a limited worldview to one of personal growth and possibility, “Mindset” delves into the power of our beliefs. Dweck explores the impact of having a fixed or growth mindset on our ability to learn, achieve, and adapt. This book offers practical advice for developing a growth-oriented mindset.
4. The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho: In “Educated,” Westover’s pursuit of knowledge sets her on a transformative path. “The Alchemist” beautifully weaves a tale of self-discovery, as the protagonist embarks on a quest for his own destiny. This allegorical novel encourages readers to follow their dreams, embrace change, and seek their own personal legends.
5. Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking” by Susan Cain: Westover’s journey demonstrates the strength of finding one’s own voice. “Quiet” explores the power of introversion in a society often favoring extroverted traits. Cain challenges commonly held beliefs and highlights the unique contributions introverts bring to the world. This book celebrates introversion and encourages self-acceptance, providing valuable insights for readers seeking to understand themselves or others better.
