Tara Westover Family: An In-Depth Look At Her Background And Journey

Tara Westover's family has played a significant role in shaping her life and the narrative of her bestselling memoir, "Educated." Growing up in rural Idaho, Tara's upbringing was vastly different from that of most children in America. Her family, deeply rooted in survivalist beliefs, eschewed formal education and relied on their own understanding of the world. This article delves into the complexities of Tara Westover's family dynamics, their influence on her personal growth, and how these factors contributed to her remarkable journey toward education and self-discovery.

In this exploration, we will discuss Tara's relationship with her family members, the challenges she faced, and how her experiences have resonated with readers worldwide. Additionally, we will examine the broader implications of her story in the context of education, mental health, and familial relationships. Tara Westover’s narrative is not just a personal account; it is a reflection on the importance of education and the struggles many face in pursuit of knowledge.

Join us as we unpack the layers of Tara Westover's family background, the impact of their beliefs on her life choices, and how she ultimately broke free from those constraints to forge her own path. This comprehensive look will provide insights into not just her family, but also the themes of resilience, identity, and empowerment that are prevalent throughout her journey.

Table of Contents

• Biography of Tara Westover
• Family Background and Dynamics
• Childhood Experiences and Challenges
• Journey to Education
• Impact of Family on Tara's Identity
• Themes in "Educated"
• Broader Implications of Tara's Story
• Conclusion

Biography of Tara Westover

Tara Westover was born on September 27, 1986, in Clifton, Idaho. She is the youngest of seven children in a family that practiced a strict version of Mormonism. Her parents, Gene and LaRee Westover, were survivalists who believed in self-sufficiency and eschewed conventional education and medical care. Tara's upbringing was marked by a lack of formal schooling, as her family was committed to homeschooling, which was often limited to practical survival skills.

Despite these challenges, Tara developed a passion for learning. She eventually broke away from her family's beliefs, pursuing higher education despite the obstacles in her path. Her memoir, "Educated," published in 2018, chronicles her journey from her isolated upbringing to earning a PhD from the University of Cambridge.

Family Background and Dynamics

Tara Westover's family background is integral to understanding her memoir and her life choices. Her father, Gene Westover, was a fervent believer in survivalism, which shaped the family's lifestyle. The Westovers lived off the grid and were skeptical of government institutions, particularly education and healthcare. This belief system fostered a sense of isolation from the outside world.

Her mother, LaRee, initially took on the role of a traditional homemaker, but later became a midwife and herbalist. This shift provided some structure to their lives but did not alleviate the family's detachment from conventional society. The dynamics within the family were complicated, with loyalty to family being paramount, often at the expense of personal growth and safety.

Sibling Relationships

Tara's relationships with her siblings were influenced by their shared upbringing. Some were more aligned with their father's beliefs, while others, like Tara, began to question these norms. This divergence created tension within the family, particularly as Tara pursued education and independence.

• Tyler: The oldest sibling who encouraged Tara’s desire for education.
• Emily: A sister who shared some of Tara's experiences but ultimately remained closer to the family's beliefs.
• Aaron: A brother with a troubled relationship with Tara, especially as he became more involved in the family's survivalist practices.

Childhood Experiences and Challenges

The childhood experiences of Tara Westover were marked by a lack of formal education and exposure to the outside world. Instead of attending school, Tara and her siblings were homeschooled, often focusing on practical skills rather than academic subjects. This environment fostered a sense of curiosity in Tara, but it also limited her understanding of broader societal norms.

One of the most significant challenges Tara faced was the absence of a formal education. The family’s ideology viewed traditional schooling as unnecessary and even harmful. Consequently, Tara grew up without the foundational knowledge that many children acquire in school, leading to feelings of inadequacy when she later entered academia.

Health and Safety Issues

Additionally, the family's aversion to medical care resulted in numerous dangerous situations. Tara and her siblings often suffered injuries without receiving proper medical attention. This lack of safety awareness further complicated their upbringing and contributed to the family's isolation.

• Frequent injuries from working in hazardous environments.
• Refusal to seek medical help for serious ailments.
• Emotional trauma stemming from family dynamics and isolation.

Journey to Education

Tara Westover's journey toward education is a remarkable aspect of her life story. After minimal formal teaching, she decided to pursue higher education, an endeavor that required immense courage and determination. At 17, she took the bold step of studying for the ACT, a standardized test for college admission.

Her acceptance into Brigham Young University (BYU) marked a significant turning point in her life. At BYU, Tara faced the challenge of adapting to an academic environment that was entirely foreign to her. She struggled initially, grappling with the foundational knowledge that her peers possessed. However, her dedication to learning propelled her forward.

Graduate Studies

After completing her undergraduate degree at BYU, Tara Westover went on to earn a master's degree from the University of Cambridge and later a PhD from the University of Cambridge. This academic success is a testament to her resilience and determination to overcome the limitations imposed by her upbringing.

• Acceptance into Brigham Young University.
• Awarded a scholarship for graduate studies at the University of Cambridge.
• PhD in History from the University of Cambridge.

Impact of Family on Tara's Identity

The impact of Tara Westover's family on her identity is a central theme in her memoir. The conflicting values between her family's beliefs and her pursuit of education created an internal struggle that she had to navigate. Tara’s journey involved reconciling her love for her family with her need for independence.

As she gained knowledge and understanding of the world, Tara began to see her family's belief system in a new light. This realization led to strained relationships, particularly with her father, who remained steadfast in his survivalist ideology. The emotional toll of these conflicts is a significant aspect of her narrative.

Reconciliation and Healing

Ultimately, Tara’s story is not just about breaking free from her family's beliefs but also about healing and understanding. As she reflects on her experiences, she acknowledges the complexity of her relationships and the love that still exists, despite the challenges.

• Struggles with familial loyalty versus personal growth.
• Emotional consequences of questioning familial beliefs.
• Journey toward reconciliation and understanding.

Themes in "Educated"

Tara Westover's memoir, "Educated," explores several themes that resonate deeply with readers. These themes highlight not only her personal journey but also broader societal issues related to education, mental health, and family dynamics.

Some of the prominent themes include:

• Education as Empowerment: The transformative power of education in shaping identity and future opportunities.
• Family and Loyalty: The complexities of familial