Educated
A quick review of Educated gives a sample of what the book covers.
Introduction
"Educated" by Tara Westover is a memoir that chronicles her remarkable journey from growing up in a strict and abusive household in rural Idaho to eventually earning a Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge. The book delves into themes of education, family loyalty, and self-invention, offering a poignant exploration of the transformative power of education and the resilience of the human spirit.
Chapter 1: Choose the Good
Summary: Tara Westover introduces her family and her upbringing in the mountains of Idaho. Her father, Gene, is a strict Mormon fundamentalist who distrusts the government and avoids modern medicine. Her mother, Faye, is a midwife and herbalist. The children are homeschooled in a loose and sporadic manner, with education largely ignored in favor of manual labor and survivalist practices.
Chapter 2: The Midwife
Summary: The focus shifts to Tara's mother, who becomes a midwife after a series of dreams. Despite having no formal training, she gains a reputation for her work. Tara assists her mother, learning about herbal medicine and midwifery. This chapter highlights the tension between the family's distrust of conventional medicine and their reliance on Faye's increasingly dangerous practices.
Chapter 3: Cream Shoes
Summary: Tara reflects on her childhood, describing her yearning for normalcy and acceptance. She recalls an incident involving a pair of cream-colored shoes that she coveted but could not afford. This chapter underscores the financial hardships and isolation of Tara's upbringing.
Chapter 4: Apache Women
Summary: Tara begins to question her father's worldview after witnessing his dangerous and reckless behavior. Gene's paranoia and erratic decisions, such as refusing medical treatment after a serious accident, put the family's safety at risk. Tara starts to see the cracks in her father's authority and the limitations of her isolated life.
Chapter 5: Honest Dirt
Summary: Tara’s brother Tyler becomes a pivotal figure in her life when he decides to pursue higher education. His departure for college inspires Tara and plants the seed of possibility that there might be a different life outside of Buck's Peak. This chapter explores the beginning of Tara’s intellectual awakening and her desire for a formal education.
Chapter 6: Shield and Buckler
Summary: Tara faces increasing conflicts with her father as she starts to assert her independence. Gene's authoritarianism clashes with Tara's growing sense of self, leading to explosive arguments. This chapter details the physical and emotional abuse Tara endures, as well as her efforts to reconcile her loyalty to her family with her desire for autonomy.
Chapter 7: The Lord Will Provide
Summary: Tara decides to leave home and attend college, despite having no formal education. She struggles to pass the ACT but eventually gains admission to Brigham Young University. This chapter highlights Tara’s determination and the significant challenges she faces as she transitions from her sheltered life to the broader world of academia.
Chapter 8: Tiny Harlots
Summary: Tara's experiences at BYU are marked by a profound culture shock. She is unfamiliar with basic historical events and social norms, which makes her feel out of place and ashamed. However, she finds support from professors and classmates who recognize her potential. This chapter emphasizes the transformative power of education and the importance of mentorship.
Chapter 9: The Work of Sulfur
Summary: Tara returns home during breaks from college, only to find herself increasingly alienated from her family. Her father's control and her brother Shawn's abusive behavior intensify. Despite these challenges, Tara excels academically, earning scholarships and opportunities to study abroad. This chapter explores the growing rift between Tara’s two worlds.
Chapter 10: The Two Westovers
Summary: Tara’s time at Cambridge University marks a turning point in her life. Under the mentorship of Professor Jonathan Steinberg, she begins to understand the value of her unique perspective and gains confidence in her intellectual abilities. This chapter illustrates Tara’s journey of self-discovery and her struggle to reconcile her past with her present.
Chapter 11: The Hand of God
Summary: Tara returns to Idaho and confronts her family about the abuse she has endured. Her parents and siblings deny her claims and accuse her of being possessed by the devil. This chapter is a painful exploration of the cost of breaking away from family and the emotional toll of seeking the truth.
Chapter 12: The Choosing
Summary: Tara faces a difficult choice between her family and her education. She decides to cut ties with her parents in order to protect herself and continue her academic pursuits. This chapter underscores the theme of self-invention and the sacrifices required to forge one's own path.
Chapter 13: The Subjunctive
Summary: Tara completes her Ph.D. at Cambridge, marking the culmination of her educational journey. She reflects on the distance she has traveled, both physically and emotionally, from her childhood home. This chapter highlights the transformative power of education and the resilience of the human spirit.
Conclusion
"Educated" is a powerful memoir that chronicles Tara Westover's extraordinary journey from a secluded, fundamentalist upbringing to academic success. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of education and the importance of self-invention. Through determination and resilience, Tara overcomes immense obstacles to find her own voice and forge her own path, ultimately earning a place among the most inspiring stories of personal triumph.
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