#1 NEW YORK TIMES, WALL STREET JOURNAL, AND BOSTON GLOBE BESTSELLER • One of the most acclaimed books of our time: an unforgettable memoir about a young woman who, kept out of school, leaves her survivalist family and goes on to earn a PhD from Cambridge University “Extraordinary . . . an act of courage and self-invention.”—The New York Times NAMED ONE OF THE TEN BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY THE NEW … Times
NAMED ONE OF THE TEN BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW • ONE OF PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA’S FAVORITE BOOKS OF THE YEAR • BILL GATES’S HOLIDAY READING LIST • FINALIST: National Book Critics Circle’s Award In Autobiography and John Leonard Prize For Best First Book • PEN/Jean Stein Book Award • Los Angeles Times Book Prize
Born to survivalists in the mountains of Idaho, Tara Westover was seventeen the first time she set foot in a classroom. Her family was so isolated from mainstream society that there was no one to ensure the children received an education, and no one to intervene when one of Tara’s older brothers became violent. When another brother got himself into college, Tara decided to try a new kind of life. Her quest for knowledge transformed her, taking her over oceans and across continents, to Harvard and to Cambridge University. Only then would she wonder if she’d traveled too far, if there was still a way home.
“Beautiful and propulsive . . . Despite the singularity of [Westover’s] childhood, the questions her book poses are universal: How much of ourselves should we give to those we love? And how much must we betray them to grow up?”—Vogue
NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY The Washington Post • O: The Oprah Magazine • Time • NPR • Good Morning America • San Francisco Chronicle • The Guardian • The Economist • Financial Times • Newsday • New York Post • theSkimm • Refinery29 • Bloomberg • Self • Real Simple • Town & Country • Bustle • Paste • Publishers Weekly • Library Journal • LibraryReads • Book Riot • Pamela Paul, KQED • New York Public Library
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Everyone loves the story of an underdog who not only survives, but excels. This story is that in spades.
This was a very disturbing story of how extremism in religious beliefs can destroy every single member of a family. It is tragic, but the author did manage to extricate herself from the authoritarian torment of her father, but not without permanent damage to her psyche. Extremism in any form is cruel and damaging to everyone it touches. This is a very well written book that was recommended to me by my Granddaughter and I am recommending it to interested readers. It is a very worthwhile story!
Slow going especially the second halfnot sure this was in the top of best seller lists
Only one side of a family story. Scary if this is totally true. Be sure to find out the parents side when done with this book.
An unbelievable true story.
Premise was interesting. However, I found the pace too slow and the main character’s situation (as a child) depressing.
An excellent book. I am amazed that she managed to rise above her beginning. Great read.
Unrealistic
Life is complex. The human spirit can overcome tremendous obstacles.
It is incredible to see how some children are raised and can triumph over so many atrocities. This story is incredulous. Having never been exposed to “preppers”, I found it eye opening and inspirational that she was able to endure and succeed.
A must read for sure!
Tara Westover has shared a story that had the power to change lives. I’m grateful to her for that.
It is amazing that this woman even wrote this book. It is a look at a religious fanatic and how the family is treated and how they survive. So sad and frightening. Well worth a read.
This book shows how people can overcome terrible beginnings to make something of themselves if they are motivated. We should all be thankful for what we have.
I thought this was a fascinating yet tragic story as it is a true story. It was hard to put this down.
One of the best memoirs I have ever read. It reads like a novel. Very moving.
The author may be “educated” but she has no emotional intelligence. She has an education, but is incapable of separating herself from an abusive family. She hasn’t learned the RIGHT things about life.
Poorly written
A well written book which looks at manipulation and gives a glimpse into how one breaks from it.
Excellent read about a young woman who rises above her upbringing, off the grid, with a disturbingly dysfunctional family. Couldn’t put it down!
Outstanding read!