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Is it hard to be a young person in today's American society? 'Educated' by Tara Westover holds the answer to this question. If you were fascinated by this incredibly touching autobiography, you should check out 17 books like 'Educated.'
A quick refresher: Tara Westover's memoir begins with her childhood in Southern Idaho, where she grew up in a Mormon survivalist family, working in unsafe conditions and living in extreme poverty. With limited exposure to the outside world, formal education came much later in her life. Her story continues through her university studies and eventual PhD from the University of Cambridge.
Tara describes her father as a "disaster" and the family as distrustful of the Western government's education system, and yearns for a different life. Her experience at Brigham Young University and later as a PhD student at Cambridge documents her will to endure, self-discovery, and the rich possibilities available through education.
Seeking more life-changing memoirs? Books similar to 'Educated' remind us of the extraordinary strength of the human spirit.
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Quick list: Top seven books like 'Educated'
Here are seven memoirs that will inspire, empower you, and challenge you to reflect on your own path:
'Born a Crime' by Trevor Noah — Be inspired by how a comedian's upbringing in apartheid South Africa shaped his resilience and wit.
'I Am Malala' by Malala Yousafzai — An account of a brave Pakistani girl who stood up for education, at the risk of her life.
'Wild' by Cheryl Strayed — One woman's journey of healing during a trek of over 1,100 miles through a beautiful, rugged wilderness.
'The Sound of Gravel' by Ruth Wariner — An escape from a polygamist colony and the cycle of abuse that characterized her childhood.
'Heartland' by Sarah Smarsh — A raw depiction of what it was like to grow up poor in rural Kansas and fight for a better life.
'The Glass Castle' by Jeannette Walls — A heartbreaking, yet inspiring, account of survival in an exceedingly dysfunctional family.
'The Distance Between Us' by Reyna Grande — A searing memoir about the struggle of poverty and family separation in pursuit of the American Dream.
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Not in the mood for memoirs right now? If you're craving something more dramatic and addictive, try 'Powerless' — a romantasy story packed with tension, power games, and slow-burn romance.
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17 books like 'Educated' that will keep you hooked
If 'Educated' touched your heartstrings, then you have come to the right place. We’ve come up with a curated list of 17 memoirs for 'Educated' fans. Each book is a unique, emotionally resonant story that engages with 'Educated's themes of resilience and self-discovery.
1. 'Born a Crime' by Trevor Noah
In his memoir, 'Born a Crime,' Trevor Noah discusses his life as a child of mixed-race heritage growing up in South Africa during apartheid. Written with equal parts humor and stark honesty, Noah recounts the challenges he faced growing up in a society that was deeply divided. The memoir discusses his themes of identity, resilience, and education.
It tells a powerful story of the human spirit and fortitude in times of systemic struggle.
Similarities between the books
Both address overcoming the challenges of society and family.
They touch on a theme of education being a tool for change.
Each book explores ambiguous family life dynamics.
2. 'I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban' by Malala Yousafzai
The memoir 'I Am Malala' is not just memories or thoughts, it's Malala's fight story for Pakistani women to have the right to education. It covers the attempt on her life for her outspokenness and social activism.
Malala endured years of hardship and danger for simply attending school and advocating for girls' right to education.
She never eased her resolve to advance the rights of girls to attain the power that comes with an education, even in the face of violence. Her message and inspiring tale of bravery and tenacity is clear: Education has the capacity to confront deeply embedded social structures that oppress people.
Similarities between the texts:
Both focus on education.
They show the dangers of resisting oppressive structures.
Each book is about developing personal strength in the face of challenges.
3. 'Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail' by Cheryl Strayed
Cheryl Strayed chronicles her unflinching and emotional story as she sets off alone on a 1,100-mile journey along the Pacific Crest Trail. Cheryl is seeking to heal herself in the aftermath of her mother's death, a painful divorce, and a habit of self-hatred, all with little hiking experience and a very large backpack. Cheryl faces numerous physical and internal struggles, and ultimately finds healing and strength in the wilderness.
This memoir speaks to numerous readers as it is a captivating tale of resilience and self-discovery. A New York Times bestseller, 'Wild' serves as an inspiring testament to finding personal growth that comes from confronting life's hardest moments.
Similarities between the books:
Both books address how adversity can help you grow
They have lessons on how to overcome personal challenges
Each book shows how adventuring alone can lead to growth
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4. 'The Sound of Gravel' by Ruth Wariner
The Sound of Gravel
Ruth's memoir describes her childhood in a polygamous colony in Mexico where her grandfather was one of the founders. Wariner experienced awful living conditions marked by overt abuse and poverty. Her life worsened further after her father was killed, and her mother married a man who continued the cycle of abuse that had followed Wariner and her family throughout their lives.
Finally, with the help of her brother and her stepfather's fourth wife, she escapes from the polygamist colony and begins her leap to freedom and self-liberation.
Similarities between the books:
Both include a story about surviving a repressive environment.
They feature narratives of family, personal struggle, and resilience.
Each book tells the story of education and its role in freedom.
5. 'Heartland' by Sarah Smarsh
Heartland
In 'Heartland,' a candid and moving memoir about impoverishment in rural Kansas, writer Sarah Smarsh offers a harrowing look at how her family lived in poverty. In the American heartland, Sarah's family survived on welfare and food stamps to supplement the working-class labor that didn't lift them out of their circumstances, all trying to thrive in a world that pushed them down.
While respecting the dignity of those who are impoverished, this memoir challenges readers to face the tough realities of class and opportunity in America. A Chicago Tribune Literary Prize winner and a finalist for the National Book Award, it clearly conveys the fight for economic progress, survival, and the search for a better life in the face of overwhelming challenges.
Similarities between the books:
Both books are about overcoming extreme poverty.
They share a mission of advocating for the value of education.
Each book depicts resiliency in difficult times.
6. 'The Glass Castle: A Memoir of a Dysfunctional Family' by Jeannette Walls
The Glass Castle
Jeannette Walls tells the story of a painful childhood lived in a nomadic, dysfunctional family. Both of Walls' parents were talented, artistic individuals living a life of idealism and nonconformity. The choices that they made created instability and immense poverty.
Walls' alcoholic father had a personality that was generous one moment, yet violent the next, and her mother was emotionally unavailable. As a result, Walls and her siblings were often left to fend for themselves.
Despite their neglect and turmoil, the Walls children found their inner strength, rallied around one another, chose to pursue an education, and vowed to escape their upbringing.
Similarities between the books:
Both describe the challenges of growing up in a dysfunctional family.
They champion the importance of education in rediscovering your identity and independence.
Each book explores the theme of how becoming oneself is a journey.
7. 'North of Normal' by Cea Sunrise Person
North of Normal
Cea Sunrise Person shares her remarkable childhood in the Canadian wilderness. Cea was born to a teenage mother who was part of the counterculture movement of the 1960s. She grew up in a teepee in northern Alberta with her offbeat family, including her grandfather, who grew marijuana.
The family life changed dramatically when Cea's mother began dating a new boyfriend. Cea and her family began moving frequently and taking up residence wherever they could. Cea recounts her experience of looking for stability and self-identity amidst a life that had more than its share of hardship, trauma, and family dysfunction.
Similarities between the books:
Both books depict isolation from mainstream society.
They both show how it's possible to overcome chaotic life circumstances.
Each book grapples with a theme of searching for stability and identity.
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8. 'Crying in H Mart' by Michelle Zauner
Crying in H Mart
'Crying in H Mart' by Michelle Zauner is an intimate memoir that examines Zauner's mixed ethnicity, paneer foods, and the loss of her mother to cancer. The title refers to a grocery chain across North America that specializes in Asian products, where Zauner could escape to a safe place with the flavors of her own culture.
Originally an essay the author published in The New Yorker, the memoir is focused on Zauner's feelings of loss and healing after her mother's death in 2014, told with raw honesty and flashes of dark humor. 'Crying in H Mart' will resonate with anyone who has lost a loved one.
Similarities between the books:
Both explore a theme of identity.
They address the topic of personal growth.
Each book deals with grief and renewal.
9. 'Unbroken' by Laura Hillenbrand
Unbroken
'Unbroken' is the incredible true story of Louis Zamperini, who was an Olympic runner and a World War II bomber crew member. After surviving a plane crash that left him stranded in the Pacific Ocean for 47 days, Zamperini spent more than two years as a prisoner in Japanese POW camps. His story vividly depicts how hope and resiliency can help someone through the worst experiences imaginable.
'Unbroken' is a perennial New York Times bestseller that tells the story of struggle, persistence, and redemption. It is the tale of a triumphant human spirit in the greatest of adversity, later made into a movie directed by Angelina Jolie.
Similarities between the books:
Both texts present extraordinary narratives about resilience.
They include the characters' personal struggles and how they overcome them.
Each book covers journeys of extraordinary transformation and growth.
10. 'The Escape Artist' by Helen Fremont
The Escape Artist
Helen Fremont leads readers through themes of trauma, memory, and family in her memoir 'The Escape Artist'. She grew up in a house of secrets as she discovered the hidden survival tales of her parents during the Holocaust and persecution by the Nazis. By telling her story, Fremont addresses love and resilience and seeks healing in the retellings of her family's past.
Similarities between the books:
Both depict family trauma.
They explore themes of memory and identity.
Each book shows the power of resilience and healing.
11. 'A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier' by Ishmael Beah
A Long Way Gone
In his compelling memoir 'A Long Way Gone,' Ishmael Beah recounts his harrowing past as a child soldier during the civil war in Sierra Leone. Beah was introduced to violence at a young age and was forced to adapt and learn quickly after being taken from everything he once knew and experiencing firsthand the brutality of being a soldier.
His story of innocence to survival is heartwarming and yet heartbreaking, examining the experiences a child has and how they can be based around violence.
Beah's autobiography shows his escape and the process of recovering from a traumatic life and his war experiences, highlighting the resilience and strength of the human spirit. The memoir elaborates on the impact of war on a child while showing that, in some instances, resilience, self-discovery, and the recovery process can lead to some personal growth.
Similarities between the books:
Both books are about conquering hardship.
They address resilience and self-discovery.
Each book touches on themes of recovery and growth.
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12. 'The Glass Universe: How the Women of the Harvard Observatory Took the Measure of the Stars' by Dava Sobel
The Glass Universe
In 'The Glass Universe,' Dava Sobel looks at the female scientists from the Harvard Observatory who broke social and academic barriers to make contributions to astronomy through their persistence, dedication to expanding knowledge, and passion for astronomy. Although their work mainly went unnoticed, it redefined our understanding of stars.
Sobel reflects on the contributions of these women and the hard fight they endured to be accepted in the field of science and academia, showcasing their grit and defiance against the dominant scientific narratives and gender barriers. 'The Glass Universe' is a powerful story about the force of curiosity, the desire to know, and the determination to persevere, despite the obstacles faced.
Similarities between books:
Both books are about confronting social, cultural, and family pressure.
They consider the desire for knowledge.
Each book is about the power of pursuing an education.
13. 'When Breath Becomes Air' by Paul Kalanithi
'When Breath Becomes Air' is Paul Kalanithi's emotional memoiran emotional memoir that details the author's life journey from medical student to neurosurgeon, while dealing with his incurable lung cancer. This reflective story about life, death, and questioning meaning in life considers timeless ideas about the human condition.
As Kalanithi reflects upon death's unlikely arrival, his meditations on pondering mortality, personal growth, learning, and finding meaning in life are relatable and deeply moving. At its heart, this is an emotional memoir.
Similarities between the books:
Both books address the pursuit of meaning.
They consider a theme of finding self-identity through education.
Each has much to say about coping with life's difficulties.
14. 'Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis' by J.D. Vance
Hillbilly Elegy
In his memoir 'Hillbilly Elegy,' J.D. Vance provides an account of his childhood and adolescence growing up in the economically depressed regions of Appalachia, which involved family addiction, consistent poverty, and troubling instability. Drawing on his memories of youth, Vance analyzes cultural and political issues in Appalachia while emphasizing the values of love, responsibility, and tough love that led to his success.
This memoir critiques the exploitation of the economically distressed class and reveals the underlying issues faced beyond what the region has suffered. It is a deeply touching and evocative story of how Vance emerged from pathological family dysfunction and personal hardships to achieve success.
Similarities between the books:
Both books are about the author's journey emerging from poverty and an unstable family.
They show how one can overcome dysfunctional family dynamics.
Each demonstrates how one's environment can have implications for one's future.
15. 'The Color of Water' by James McBride
The Color of Water
'The Color of Water' is a beautifully written memoir that touches on James McBride’s life living and growing in a biracial family in Brooklyn and Queens. As the son of a white Jewish mother and a Black father, James faced the issues of race and class prejudice throughout his life. That experience shaped his own identity and view of the world. He tells his personal history with wisdom and even humor.
This memoir is an inspiring declaration of the human spirit's resilience and capacity to find comfort and healing through the spoken word. 'The Color of Water' speaks to anyone who has struggled with their identity and is therefore an essential book about self-discovery and how our families influence who we become.
Similarities between the books:
Both books are about finding resilience through social and family-fueled struggles.
They discuss how our younger days shape our older ones.
Each considers how where we grow up impacts our future.
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16. 'Rocket Boys' by Homer Hickam
Rocket Boys
In 'Rocket Boys,' (also known as 'October Sky'), Homer Hickam recalls growing up in a coal-mining town with dreams of building rockets despite the limitations and expectations of the world around him.
Pursuing his interest in rockets led Hickam to NASA, showcasing to readers that education and determination can lead to unique opportunities, even in the most unexpected circumstances. This memoir seeks to inspire readers through the journey of pursuing dreams and show how education has the ability to change lives.
Similarities between the books:
Both books show how personal growth can come from education.
They feature stories about pursuing ambitions beyond where you start from.
Each shares a theme of challenging social and familial limitations.
17. 'The Distance Between Us' by Reyna Grande
The Distance Between Us
Reyna Grande's memoir 'The Distance Between Us' tells the story of her childhood in Mexico and her separation from her parents after they migrated to the United States, as well as her own eventual journey to join them. Grande's memoir recounts a story of poverty, familial separation, and the power to keep going into the unknown.
This story is a strong narrative about the hardships of immigrant families and the pledge to overcome whatever obstacles are in their way. Grande's memoir is a vital chronicle of pursuing hope for a better life, where education plays a central role in that hope.
Similarities between the books:
Both books share a message of finding success in the face of adversity.
They discuss using education as a vehicle for transcending challenging circumstances.
Each memoir shows that hardship can lead to personal growth.
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Frequently asked questions about books like 'Educated'
What's the central message of 'Educated'?
The central message of 'Educated' is that education is the ultimate answer to escaping hardship. Tara Westover's progression from isolation and ignorance to becoming a credentialed scholar is an example of how learning can disrupt generations of control, oppression, and isolation leading to personal progress, independence, and self-discovery.
What religion is the book 'Educated' based on?
The religion in 'Educated' is based on the Mormon faith, more specifically, the fundamentalist sect of Mormonism practiced by Tara Westover's family. It was their survivalist theology that shaped her childhood, dampened her trust in formal education and distrust of government institutions, and fostered her isolated and unique experience.
Why is the book 'Educated' so popular?
'Educated' captivates readers with its emotional, unfiltered account of triumph over extreme hardship, exploring identity and the power of education. Tara Westover's transition from a restrictive and abusive childhood to attaining a PhD from the University of Cambridge gives the book its universal appeal.
Is 'Educated' worth reading?
Yes, 'Educated' is Tara Westover's powerful memoir recounting her resilience and quest for education as she navigates the emotions of moving away from family beliefs.
Is Tara Westover's story real?
Indeed, 'Educated' is a true memoir that tells the story of Tara Westover's life. It chronicles her time growing up in an isolated and strict Mormon survivalist family, her quest for an education, and her journey of self-discovery. Thus, the book is an honest, emotional, and fact-based account of overcoming hardship and pursuing knowledge.
