I’m not a fan of flowery book reviews that seek incorporate strings of superlatives, even though many of them are clever and well-written. Now that I’ve said that, I’m in a bind I suppose.
I just finished reading Tara Westover’s memoir, Educated and I’m feeling compelled to suggest that
anyone who knows how to read and is a member of a family might consider delving into it.
It’s hard to put my finger on why I feel that way. Perhaps
it had such a powerful impact on me because I read the whole thing in less than
a 24-hour period. I’m glad I turned out the light 30-some pages from the end
last night because it would have been difficult to sleep if I’d kept on
reading.
Perhaps it is because these days, it is easy to google an
author, observe the interviews she has given, and come away feeling as if you
have some insights into who this person is.
Perhaps it is because I have longed questioned radical
religion and been puzzled about the harm it is capable of causing.
Perhaps it is because I have these feminist leanings that
recoil when I see how some members of the masculine gender view the opposite
sex and feel compelled to exert power in
a frightening way.
Perhaps it is because I’m blown away by Westover’s skill as
a writer and by her willingness to defy some of the conventions writers are
asked to abide by if they are to be successful.
It’s a book that will make you think: about family
relationships, the real nature of education, the role a set of beliefs play in
a life, and the amazing resilience of human beings.
No comments:
Post a Comment