Books
by Tara Westover
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Educated |
The author grew up in rural Idaho in a Mormon family obsessed by their preparation for the imminent End of Days. Mind control, violence and manipulation, entangled with deep family love, hold the seven siblings in the grip of their charismatic parents and those who escape face huge costs. It's sometimes horrifying (awful scenarios repeat themselves depressingly often), but the determination shown as they strive to break away and learn to use their own minds and their considerable intellect are inspiring.
(Victoria Grey-Edwards - bwl 90 Autumn 2018) |
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Educated |
Born into a cult - her father a fanatic, her brother violent - Wilcox had no schooling but worked in her father's Wreaking Yard. She managed by a heroic effort to get an education. In her first class the Holocaust was mentioned and she had no idea what it was. Her dormant brain then came to life and academically she triumphed, ending with a Cambridge Ph.D. This memoir is also a testament to the triumph of the human spirit against almost impossible odds. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
(David Graham - bwl 92 Spring 2019) |
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