Tara Westover's Shocking Family Secrets & "Educated" Memoir

21 May, 2025

Can a childhood defined by isolation and distrust lead to a life of academic brilliance? Tara Westover's journey, chronicled in her bestselling memoir "Educated," is a testament to the power of self-discovery and the pursuit of knowledge against all odds. Her story is one of resilience, a defiance of expectations, and a painful reckoning with family and the past.

Born on September 30, 1986, in Clifton, Idaho, a small town with a population of just 259, Tara Westover's early life was anything but conventional. She was the youngest of seven children born to Mormon survivalist parents, Val and Laree Westover (also known as Faye and Gene respectively). The family lived off the grid, steeped in survivalist beliefs and a deep distrust of the outside world, particularly doctors, hospitals, public schools, and the federal government. This suspicion was ingrained by her father, who spent considerable time discussing apocalyptic scenarios with his children. While her mother practiced herbalism and alternative healing methods, driven by her husband's resistance to formal medical care, Tara grew up without a birth certificate, never seeing a doctor, and never attending school.

Category	Information
Full Name	Tara Westover
Date of Birth	September 30, 1986
Place of Birth	Clifton, Idaho, USA
Nationality	American
Occupation	Historian, Memoirist, Author
Spouse	Drew Mecham
Parents	Val Westover (Mother), Laree Westover (Father)
Siblings	Audrey (sister), Shawn, Luke, Tony, Richard, Tyler
Education	Brigham Young University (BA), University of Cambridge (MPhil, PhD)
Notable Work	Educated (Memoir)
Awards & Recognition	Finalist for Los Angeles Times Book Prize, PEN/Jean Stein Book Award, National Book Critics Circle Award
Website	Tara Westover Official Website

The family dynamic was complex and, at times, deeply troubling. Tara's memoir recounts her experiences with an older brother, Shawn (a pseudonym), who she alleges subjected her to physical and emotional abuse, including dragging her by the hair, choking her, twisting her limbs, and verbally assaulting her. She writes that her parents often turned a blind eye to this abuse, creating an environment of fear and silence. Other siblings included Audrey (sister), Luke, Tony, Richard, and Tyler.

Despite the lack of formal education, Tara yearned for knowledge. Growing up without ever setting foot in a classroom, she defied her family's expectations by enrolling at Brigham Young University (BYU) at the age of 17. This decision marked the beginning of her extraordinary journey of self-education and intellectual liberation. Her upbringing had provided her with limited access to learning resources and no exposure to modern medicine, making her academic pursuits all the more remarkable.

At BYU, Westover faced significant challenges. She lacked the foundational knowledge that her peers possessed, struggling with basic concepts in history, math, and science. However, her determination and intellectual curiosity propelled her forward. She immersed herself in her studies, working tirelessly to catch up and excel. Her hard work paid off, and she graduated from BYU with a bachelor's degree.

Fueled by her newfound passion for learning, Westover pursued further education. She was awarded a Gates Cambridge Scholarship and went on to earn a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree from the University of Cambridge. She continued her studies at Cambridge, eventually earning a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in history. Her academic achievements are a testament to her extraordinary intellect and unwavering commitment to education, despite the obstacles she faced early in life.

Tara Westover's memoir, "Educated," is not simply a chronicle of her academic achievements; it is a profound exploration of family, identity, and the transformative power of education. The book delves into the complexities of her upbringing, the challenges she faced in reconciling her past with her present, and the difficult choices she had to make in order to forge her own path. She crafts an indelible portrait of her family, detailing her father Gene's devout Mormon beliefs and the pervasive influence of his survivalist worldview.

The memoir also sheds light on the role of her mother, Val Westover, in the family. While her father held rigid views that rejected modern medicine and formal schooling, her mother pursued alternative healing methods, studying herbalism and other remedies. This created a unique dynamic within the family, where traditional medical care was often eschewed in favor of natural remedies.

In "Educated," Westover unflinchingly examines the psychological and physical abuse she endured at the hands of her brother Shawn. Her account is both harrowing and deeply personal, offering a glimpse into the dynamics of a family grappling with violence and dysfunction. Her bravery in sharing her story has resonated with readers around the world, sparking important conversations about abuse, trauma, and the challenges of family relationships.

The book's revelations have also had a significant impact on Westover's family. Her parents, particularly her mother, have responded to the memoir with mixed emotions. Laree Westover, Tara's mother, has even written her own memoir, titled "Educating," which presents an alternative view of life in the Franklin County family portrayed in Tara's bestselling book. This has further complicated the family dynamic and raised questions about memory, perspective, and the challenges of reconciling differing accounts of the past. "She knows me least" is how the family feels five years after the release of "Educated," reflecting a deep yearning for reconciliation.

Despite her academic success and critical acclaim, Westover acknowledges the ongoing struggles she faces in reconciling her past with her present. She recognizes that in order to truly be happy, she must reclaim her memories and her personal history with those she has left behind. This is a complex and emotionally fraught process, as she navigates the challenges of maintaining relationships with family members who hold vastly different perspectives on her life and experiences.

“Educated” debuted at number one on the New York Times bestseller list and remained on the list in hardcover for more than two years. It was also a finalist for several national awards, including the Los Angeles Times Book Prize and the PEN/Jean Stein Book Award. Her work has been translated into multiple languages and has been widely praised for its powerful storytelling, insightful analysis, and unflinching honesty.

Tara Westover's story is not just a personal one; it is a reflection of broader themes of social and cultural significance. Her experiences growing up in a survivalist family, isolated from mainstream society, raise important questions about education, access to healthcare, and the role of government intervention. Her journey to self-discovery and intellectual liberation is an inspiration to anyone who has ever felt constrained by their circumstances or limited by their upbringing.

Westover’s isolation from other people, even her extended family (except at church), created a unique world that she later had to reconcile with the broader society she encountered at university. The rigid views of her parents, Gene and Faye Westover, concerning modern medicine and formal schooling presented significant hurdles for Tara as she began her pursuit of higher education. The injuries she sustained while working in her father's scrapyard, compounded by the violent assaults from her older brother, further highlight the struggles and problems she faced as a child.

Ultimately, Tara Westover's memoir, "Educated," is a compelling and deeply moving account of a young woman's journey from a life of isolation and limited opportunity to a world of intellectual freedom and self-discovery. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of education and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Despite the challenges she faced, she has managed to disentangle herself from her family's expectations, overcome trauma and depression, and achieve the highest level of education one can attain.

Tara Westover's husband, Drew Mecham, has been a significant source of support throughout her extraordinary journey. He has stood by her side as she has navigated the complexities of her family relationships and pursued her academic goals. Their partnership reflects the importance of having a strong support system when facing difficult challenges.

Today, Tara Westover continues to write, speak, and share her story with audiences around the world. Her work has inspired countless individuals to pursue their dreams, overcome obstacles, and embrace the transformative power of education. She stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved through determination, resilience, and a commitment to lifelong learning. In March 2023, she continues to be a voice for those who have been marginalized or silenced, advocating for access to education and the importance of critical thinking. Her birthdate is sometimes noted as September 27, 1986, however, the most frequently cited date remains September 30, 1986. As an American historian and memoirist, she continues to make significant contributions to both literature and scholarship.

The characters in "Educated" are vividly portrayed, each playing a crucial role in shaping Tara's experiences. Understanding how they cope with the book's revelations and the resulting media attention provides further insight into the complexities of family dynamics and the challenges of reconciliation. The memoir serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy, understanding, and the pursuit of truth, even when it is painful or difficult.

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The Incredible Journey Of Tara Westover And Her Extraordinary Family

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What does Tara Westover’s family say about ‘Educated’? It’s complicated

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