2025 Reading Challenge discussion

This thread is to discuss the Tara Westover book, Educated.

Pages: 334 pages

Length: 1 month

Participants: Candie, Ilona, Jeffrey, Nicoletta, SarahKat

Everyone reads at their own pace during a Buddy Read. Because participants can be at different parts of the book at different times, it is extremely important to mark spoilers so that the book is not ruined for someone who is not as far along as others!!!

Mark spoilers by placing {spoiler} before the text and {/spoiler} after the text but use the < and > instead of the { and }.


Happy Buddy Reading!

Thanks Ilona!

I'm actually almost done with this. It became available at the library so I jumped on it because it generally has a month-long wait list.

I'm not sure I've ever felt such an emotional connection to a memoir. It's not usually my genre, except for the likes of David Sedaris and Jenny Lawson.

I also do not read that many memoirs, but this one was pretty good. I like how she is very clear about the fact that her memories might not be accurate, and compares them with those of her brothers.
I did have some trouble following the timeline in the beginning, it felt like she was jumping around quite a bit. There were also some things that I found very difficult to read: (view spoiler)[Luke's accident resulting in burned legs and the accident that leaves her dad severely burned. Both times I had to close the book for a while and find some courage to continue reading (hide spoiler)].

Ilona wrote: "I also do not read that many memoirs, but this one was pretty good. I like how she is very clear about the fact that her memories might not be accurate, and compares them with those of her brothers..."

I liked that about the book too! It is so interesting to read different accounts of the same event. Memory is so fluid and not incredibly trustworthy. And I like that she was honest about it.

I had to put the book down a few times as well. The times you mentioned as well as almost any time involving Shawn. (view spoiler)[ His head injuries were all pretty difficult to read, but his abuse was even more disturbing. I am glad Tara finally got to a point in her life where she could admit to herself and everyone else that that is what was happening. (hide spoiler)]

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Finally got around to writing a review. I really did love this book. The review doesn't have any spoilers for events really, but the feelings discussed could be considered spoilery.

Just finished it!
I have never enjoyed a memoir so much as this one!