Often times we are influenced by the memories we create and learn from. Educated by Tara Westover is a prime example of how our upbringings define our way of life.

Upon reading this book I had high expectations for it because of how critically acclaimed it was and how many recommendations I had received. I honestly did not think it would hold my attention because I don’t read non-fiction books or memoirs very often, but this book shattered all my previous assumptions. Westover does an amazing job of highlighting the most defining moments of her life. You can see why she chose to share these certain memories with the audience because it gives the reasoning as to why her perseverance is so admirable and brave. She writes them with such remembrance you can truly understand and imagine what she went through.

This book shows how the limitations that were set around her were there for her to break and move on from as a stage of growth. With each emotional memory she shares, you feel a sense of empathy and understanding of how she might have felt in those moments. Her life is truly heartbreaking and to see her grow in an environment that tried to prevent her growth was truly inspiring.

I would recommend this to anyone who is trying to get themselves into the non-fiction genre because the way everything is placed out in the book allows for a steady and swift pace of reading without having the feeling that you will get bored of it soon.