In today’s edition of Things You Might Not Have Seen, I will talk about the memoir Educated by Tara Westover.
When I started this book, I didn’t realize that it was non-fiction. I had heard so many people praising the book, that I wanted to see it first myself. The writing is compelling and gripping. It is raw and emotional.
I think saying that the book reads like a great fiction would be woefully ignorant. Educated is the true life account of a woman’s struggle with family abuse, and how her education allowed her to finally break free. Despite getting her PhD under extraordinary circumstances, we watch Tara struggle trying to stay connected with her family.
What this memoir says truthfully is this: You might recognize the abuse, you might even learn what to do to keep yourself safe, but you still can’t stop loving your family. It is ok to want a better life for yourself. It is also ok to grieve weakening of family ties.
By the end of the book, you might have a few revelations. You might realize what education can provide:
It can stop financial dependency.
It can stop others from dictating your lifestyle.
It can stop others from dictating your own thoughts.
That is powerful.. and you can only realize this is significant, once you take a step back from the situation.
You can only understand what you are missing, once the chains weighing you down emotionally, mentally and psychologically are slackened. Once your thoughts are allowed to breathe on their own. Getting an education gives you that chance.
Education is a privilege, in every sense of the word. Don’t ever take it for granted.
I hope that you liked today’s blog post. Check out Educated by Tara Westover, if you haven’t already. I wish you good health and happiness, today, and always.
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