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Educated

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Educated

By: Tara Westover
Narrated by: Julia Whelan
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

Selected as a book of the year by Amazon, The Times, Sunday Times, Guardian, New York Times, Economist, New Statesman, Vogue, Irish Times, Irish Examiner and RED Magazine.

The multi-million copy best seller.

A Book of the Decade, 2010-2020 (Independent).

Tara Westover and her family grew up preparing for the End of Days but, according to the government, she didn’t exist. She hadn’t been registered for a birth certificate. She had no school records because she’d never set foot in a classroom and no medical records because her father didn’t believe in hospitals.

As she grew older, her father became more radical and her brother more violent. At 16, Tara knew she had to leave home. In doing so she discovered both the transformative power of education and the price she had to pay for it.

From one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people of 2019.

Shortlisted for the 2018 BAMB Readers' Awards.

Recommended by Barack Obama, Anthony Beevor, Blake Morrison and Nina Stibbe.

©2018 Tara Westover (P)2018 Random House Audiobooks Relationships Women Inspiring Feel-Good Thought-Provoking

Critic Reviews

"An amazing story, and truly inspiring. The kind of book everyone will enjoy. IT’S EVEN BETTER THAN YOU’VE HEARD." (Bill Gates)
All stars
Most relevant  
The multiple layers of this book are simultaneously bared and interwoven in a way which is very accessible despite most likely being beyond any frame of reference available to most readers.

There is a restrained steadiness in the telling of the story which is effective in keeping the reader engaged for the entire journey.

Westover’s personal journey and accomplishments are truly remarkable, particularly when set against the backdrop of her family life and circumstances, in that ‘jagged little patch of Idaho.’

A ‘jagged little patch of Idaho’ = a remarkable story of transformation

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It was my first audio book ever and I loved it. One of the highlights for me is the vivid narrative, descriptions that you can see, and a overarching theme of how education touches lives.

vivid narrative

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As an avid book reader and also audible listener it’s a big call but this is my no1 recommendation of all time ❤️❤️❤️❤️ truly inspiring story and beautifully written. Thankyou for puting this into the world 🙌🏼

Can’t give it enough stars

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I wanted to keep driving just so i could listen for longer. sensational book brought to life by Julia Whelan

sensational triumph in the face of adversity

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This book is extraordinary. The simplicity of life in all its rawness. Julia is the perfect narrator enabling you to engage easily with the author as herself. Tara language is wonderful unraveling her story with brave clarity. I loved this and highly recommend everyone take time to listen.

Exceptional

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This novel flows from start to end. It is an exceptionally well written story that slowly pulls the reader in. As incident adds to incident we begin to understand the full reality of the authors childhood.

The reading by Julia Whelan was perfect.

I very rarely give a book five stars but this one ticks every box.

Exceptional

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a very harsh story thrat resonates to many childhoods
deeply moving clearly thought highly recommended

relateable

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Incredible story that at times seemed unbelievable for anyone to survive through such a traumatic upbringing . Against all odds - educated in so many many ways.

Incredible

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A moving biography of a child's survival in an isolated & deranged world full of emotional & physical abuse as well as mental illness. The fact that Tara didn't attend school in all of her formative years but ended up at Cambridge & Harvard is an amazing testament to the resilience of the human spirit & her tenacity & drive. it's the perfect book for a wholesome book club discussion.

An inspiring & engaging bio

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This book resonates so much with my own past that I could not put it down & listened to it while driving, working, cleaning....Many feelings in Tara’s book are made clear & simple, feelings that I have had myself for years, being estranged from my own family, but could not put into words. I listened to the last chapter so many times now, I can’t tell you how many. It is a courageous book & one that will stay with me forever. I give it a 10 stars

Will stay with you long after you have read it

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