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patrickthornley's review against another edition
4.0
We don’t get to choose our family but they shape the course of our lives. A fascinating dive into the life of a woman who despite the challenges of growing up in an isolated Mormon family manages to succeed in self discovery. The power of the influence of those around us is palpable and reminds me that the way in which we treat others can make or break. Love should not be conditional but how easy is this to practice when our values shift in alignment? Thoroughly enjoyed.
jlsjourneys's review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely incredible. Westover writes a compelling story that with a lot of emotional insight. It’s rare that a memoir is a page turner for me, but this one was. Heartbreaking.
hebgraham's review against another edition
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 against another edition
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 against another edition
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 against another edition
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 against another edition
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.