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hebgraham's review
4.0
This book was very difficult to read because of the graphic descriptions of both the physician and emotionally abuse Tara suffered at the hands of her family and the violent experiences of her youth. Selfishly, I wish she had written more about her life after her “education” so I could see more of the good life she has built for herself.
savaging's review
5.0
This author was at BYU the same time I was. At the time, she might have frowned at my 'form-fitting' clothing, but all the same how I wish I had met her.
This book is an amazing accomplishment. Powerful ideas, wonderful prose, and a page-turning story.
I think I'm more judgmental of memoirs than I am with other writing. I have a sharp nose for any whiff of self-pity, eagerness for revenge, or possible distortion that comes from wanting to tell a wilder story. This is unfair because I have myself written all of those errors -- but it's just the way I react to the genre now. I think it's hard to write about yourself, it's hard to see yourself clearly.
And so it was extraordinary to read a memoir about family and faith and abuse and never smell distortion. She describes cruelty with an understanding of what drives people to it. She complicates even the worst characters. Even as she describes abuse, she manages a kind of clear-eyed compassion -- that ultimately extends even to herself.
It was also an intense thing to read during the MeToo movement -- to see how men defend and protect each other, and punish the women who speak the truth.
This book is an amazing accomplishment. Powerful ideas, wonderful prose, and a page-turning story.
I think I'm more judgmental of memoirs than I am with other writing. I have a sharp nose for any whiff of self-pity, eagerness for revenge, or possible distortion that comes from wanting to tell a wilder story. This is unfair because I have myself written all of those errors -- but it's just the way I react to the genre now. I think it's hard to write about yourself, it's hard to see yourself clearly.
And so it was extraordinary to read a memoir about family and faith and abuse and never smell distortion. She describes cruelty with an understanding of what drives people to it. She complicates even the worst characters. Even as she describes abuse, she manages a kind of clear-eyed compassion -- that ultimately extends even to herself.
It was also an intense thing to read during the MeToo movement -- to see how men defend and protect each other, and punish the women who speak the truth.
ashley_nicole_bee's review
5.0
My favorite book of 2020. This not only shows the power of education, but also of dedication to finding the truth and bettering your circumstances through difficult means.
yvonnemcd's review
5.0
I listened to this and I completed it in a few days. It was a tough listen at times, it angered me hugely.
However, it indicates the struggle of loving those close to you, those you call your family and knowing that sometimes its not enough.
Its a must read for someone who may be torn and who may not know that its OK to move away and forward from those you love but who hold you back.
However, it indicates the struggle of loving those close to you, those you call your family and knowing that sometimes its not enough.
Its a must read for someone who may be torn and who may not know that its OK to move away and forward from those you love but who hold you back.
jrmarr's review
5.0
It's been a while since I've read a pure, unadulterated five-star book. I'm not one to read memoirs, but this one was beautifully written, unputdownable and full of such emotional detail that I really feel the loss of the book now I'm finished. Engrossing and heart-wrenching, it gives a vivid insight into abusive relationships, and why it might so hard to wrench yourself free, and yet there is a strain of hope throughout. I am so impressed with this book. I wish I could read it again for the first time.
kurtiskozel's review
4.0
Love, truth, and how we deal with the cultures we were born into and the stars we were born under.
nichughes's review
4.0
This was a tough read at times, with a few scenes making me feel sick with the amount of physical and emotional abuse described. But the author and her memoir are remarkable - to come from her circumstances and achieve such a high level of education (after teaching herself to pass the ACT with no formal schooling) is amazing and to be able to recount such traumatic memories had to be difficult.
ngallion's review
5.0
Excellent memoir about a girl growing up in a fundamentalist Mormon family and slowly realizing the ways in which that has negatively impacted her. I was intrigued throughout this book because Westover’s voice is strong and clear in a way that makes you want to hear her tell more if her story. It’s great and deserves all the attention it’s gotten.
jennrocca's review
4.0
A really fascinating look at a lifestyle that is hard for me to imagine. Definitely hard to imagine in the 21st century. I've read some of the criticisms from her family that they reject her version of events. Even *if* some details of this story are less than 100% accurate, the meaning and significance of her story are unaffected. An engaging read.