educated by Tara Westover
I read educated by Tara Westover on the recommendation of friends and family, and not only am I thankful for their recommendations but I would argue that if there is one story educators should take the time to read outside of their classrooms this year, this is it. Westover’s novel is a memoir related to her journey in learning, but the descriptions she offers and the memories she examines are so terrifyingly vivid that it can become difficult to comprehend her experiences as a reality. As someone so incredibly fortunate to be raised surrounded by so much love and laughter, many of Westover’s memories were not only horrifying to me, but also felt strange, as though there was an impossibility related to the choices her family made. More than the horror associated with her family’s actions, I felt a deep admiration for the strength and courage that Westover describes as she chooses to prioritize her learning, and herself. When we see others experience, or hear of others experiencing, less than desirable situations it can sometimes be easy to suggest that they ought to make different choices to better remedy their situation. educated by Tara Westover provides honest insight into the challenges individuals face when they desire to change their circumstances, and the power associated with the opportunity to learn. As a teacher it reinforced aspects of my educational philosophy that focus on the impact of personal experiences and perceptions on learning, the power of education and access to information, and the role of learning in students’ lives as it takes place beyond the walls of a classroom. Readers should be aware that this novel describes experiences which may be sensitive, especially family violence and unsafe labour.
Read It Wright 