Imagine you are seventeen years old and have never set foot in a classroom, neither do you have a birth certificate or medical records as your father does not believe in doctors or hospitals. According to the state and federal government, you and your family do not exist. This is your life when your parents are survivalists preparing for the End of Days, hoping that when the World of Men fails, your family would continue, unaffected.
As she grew older, Tara’s father became more radical, and her brother, more violent. At seventeen Tara decided to educate herself. Her struggle for knowledge would take her far from her Idaho mountains, over oceans and across continents, to Harvard and then on to Cambridge University where she earned her doctorate. Only then would she wonder if she’d travelled too far. Or if there was still a way home. This is Tara’s life, her story and you’ve never read anything quite like it.
‘Educated’ reflects upon the transformative powers of education and leaves the reader with a richer understanding of life. I defy you not to feel optimistic for the future after reading this book and meeting the fascinating woman behind it. Join Chorleywood Bookshop and Tara Westover on Thursday 5th April, 7.30pm at The Junction, WD3 5SG to hear her unique and remarkable coming of age story first hand.
Tickets are £8.00, book ‘Educated’ will be just £12.00 on the night (RRP £14.99).
