Educated

 I confess that despite being an avid reader, I have not read too many memoirs over the years. I love autobiographies and biographies, but they have quite a different tone and purpose. Educated, by Tara Westover, was a haunting read, largely because of the recent history of it all. There is a raw honesty of the author's confusion, vulnerability and fear mingled with a deep and abiding love for those exerting a dangerous power and influence. I was unfamiliar with the history of Mormon survivalists, which in itself was an education, and deeply saddened by the suffering of all members of the family who either rejected or were forbidden to access a health system which could have provided care and ultimately a better quality of life for physical injuries and/or mental illness. 
It was uncomfortable reading, knowing that the people featured were not fictional characters, but family members. Remarkably, this book avoided both self-pity and arrogance. Rather, the author highlighted the life-changing events that set her free, pointing always to education. Like Malala, Tara is an ambassador for education and its power to heal, change lives and provide a future. 
​HIghly, highly recommended.