Books similar to "Educated"
Discovering your next great read has never been easier! If you like "Educated" by Tara Westover, you're in the right place. Our curated list features books that share similar themes, styles or vibes.
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The Glass Castle
by Jeannette Walls
"The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls is a memoir that chronicles the author's unconventional upbringing in a dysfunctional family. Like "Educated," it explores themes of resilience, the quest for knowledge, and the struggle to find one's own identity amidst difficult family circumstances. Jeannette's journey from poverty and instability to building a successful life, despite her parents' refusal to conform to societal norms, mirrors Tara Westover's pursuit of education and personal growth against familial odds.
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Wild
by Cheryl Strayed
Cheryl Strayed's memoir "Wild" follows her solo journey hiking the Pacific Crest Trail as a path to self-discovery and healing after personal losses. Similar to "Educated," it is a story of redemption and transformation achieved through inner strength and the desire to overcome one's past. Strayed's narrative illustrates how embarking on a challenging and uncertain journey can lead to profound personal change, echoing Westover's quest for education and freedom from her restrictive roots.
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Hillbilly Elegy
by J.D. Vance
J.D. Vance's "Hillbilly Elegy" provides a personal reflection on the decline of middle-class America, particularly in Appalachia. The memoir draws parallels with "Educated" in its depiction of overcoming socioeconomic challenges and a tumultuous family environment. Vance's journey from a troubled youth to Yale Law School showcases a similar trajectory to Westover's escape from her dysfunctional home through education and self-discovery.
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The Liars' Club
by Mary Karr
In "The Liars' Club," Mary Karr recounts her gritty childhood in Texas with an eccentric family. Comparable to "Educated," Karr's memoir dives deep into family dynamics, mental illness, and the enduring impact of childhood trauma. Her keen observations and emotional depth provide a vivid exploration of resilience and survival, similar to Westover’s narrative. The raw portrayal of a challenge-filled upbringing and the drive to forge a better path resonate with readers of "Educated."
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Glass House: The 1% Economy and the Shattering of the All-American Town
by Brian Alexander
Brian Alexander's "Glass House" investigates the socioeconomic decline of Lancaster, Ohio, offering a broader look at the challenges faced by working-class Americans. While not a memoir, its themes of disenfranchisement and the struggle against adversity are in line with "Educated." The book examines how external economic forces impact individual lives and communities, akin to the personal obstacles Westover faces, providing a societal context to personal perseverance.
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The Man Without a Face: The Unlikely Rise of Vladimir Putin
by Masha Gessen
Written by Masha Gessen, this non-fiction work explores the improbable ascent of Vladimir Putin. Though about geopolitics, the book similarly discusses confronting powerful, often oppressive structures, a theme present in "Educated". Gessen's analysis of how individuals resist and navigate oppressive environments parallels Westover's struggle with her family and cultural pressures, echoing the themes of self-empowerment and resistance.
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This Boy's Life
by Tobias Wolff
Tobias Wolff's memoir "This Boy's Life" details his turbulent adolescence in a dysfunctional family, marked by hardship and identity conflicts. Similar to "Educated," it explores themes of personal development and the struggle to break free from a challenging past. Wolff's journey towards self-realization and his efforts to redefine his future amidst adversity echo Westover's narrative of overcoming familial and societal expectations to forge her own path.
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Half Broke Horses
by Jeannette Walls
"Half Broke Horses" by Jeannette Walls is a "true-life novel" based on the life of her grandmother, Lily Casey Smith. It shares commonalities with "Educated" as it portrays a strong, outspoken woman overcoming numerous challenges through resilience and wit. The narrative captures the spirit of self-invention and determination reminiscent of Westover’s story of surmounting the odds imposed by her family and isolation to achieve education and self-reliance.
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The Distance Between Us
by Reyna Grande
Reyna Grande’s memoir, "The Distance Between Us," tells the story of her life as an immigrant, detailing her difficult childhood and eventual journey to America. It bears similarity to "Educated" as it recounts overcoming adversity to achieve personal growth and education. Reyna faces familial separation and cultural challenges, paralleling Westover's narrative of separation from her past beliefs and family to pursue her dreams.
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The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates
by Wes Moore
Wes Moore's memoir features two men with the same name from similar backgrounds, with divergent paths based on crucial decisions and opportunities. It mirrors "Educated" through its themes of destiny shaped by courage, decision-making, and the impact of external influences. Moore's exploration of life, choices, and the potential for change echoes Westover's journey towards educational and personal transformation, highlighting the power of determination in overcoming adversity.