Author: Tara Westover
Publisher: Random House
Rating: 5/5
Comment about the book “Educated” by Tara Westover
The book “Educated” is an autobiography, describing Tara’s life from childhood until the moment of her PhD. Her path is indeed remarkable: she set her feet on a classroom for the first time when she was 17 and, despite her environment, she achieved a PhD from Cambridge!
While reading the book I frequently evoked the style of Mark Twain. Yes, this book is as good as that!
Buck’s Peak
While reading it, I became curious about the exact place of the action. I googled it, of course! Salta Lake City is about 123 miles south of Buck’s Peak. Looking at the map, you realize how isolated that place is, at the bottom of the mountain.
A little west of Buck’s Peak we find Clifton, and it is easy to spot some junk yards. This place reminded me of the Amish communities and others pictured in movies like “Footloose”. Yeah, I am that old! 🙂
Mental disease
Throughout the book there are frequent mentions to her father and mother’s mental disease. Furthermore, it seems to me that other members also suffer some degree of mental disease, with symptoms of megalomania, fanatism and even violence. The unprotected work of dismantling vehicles, in my opinion, may have worsened the situation, or even be the cause of it, because of exposure to neurotoxic products.
Paradox
The way Tara describes her educational path is inspiring. She went from an informal education based in religious writings to a formal education based in the systematic doubt and scientific principles. And, in between, she tells us all her strife for freedom.
Only a very sharp intelligence would be able to achieve the level Tara attained. Admirable!
Finally, in a sense, I suspect this book is one more cathartic moment for Tara.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Educated” is a brilliantly written book. It tells a true story, admirable, intense and eloquent. It is worth reading it.