A Book Review: Educated by Tara Westover

In line with the month’s theme of love, the book explores the depth and complexity of familial love and relationships, set against the Mormon survivalism backdrop. Tara, the author and protagonist, was the youngest of seven. The family lived in the shadow of a mountain in a Mormon pocket of southeastern Idaho.

As Tara narrates the extremity of her upbringing, it questions the idea and boundaries between family and self. We struggle along with her as she grapples with her self-taught beliefs versus what she was brought up to believe.

Educated is a coming-of-age story that is inspirational as we similarly, in our own ways, meander our way around to eventually find our own truths and place in the world.

Reflections: YWLC Book Club’s monthly themed meetings is a lovely way to connect with fellow book lovers over favourite reads, especially in these unprecedented times. This month’s meeting was held over Zoom,so this enabled ladies to dial in from across the region. It was insightful to hear everyone's "lockdown" experiences, and it made me realise that staying sane right now is a well-balanced combination of group calls, exercise and measured human interaction (with masks on, of course!).