Tara Westover is an American author and historian, best known for her memoir Educated (2018). Born in 1986 in a strict, survivalist family in Idaho, Westover was raised without formal education, never setting foot in a classroom until she was 17. Her journey of self-education led her to overcome immense obstacles, including family rejection, and earn a PhD from the University of Cambridge. Educated has been praised globally for its compelling narrative about the transformative power of education and its exploration of family dynamics, identity, and resilience.

Westover’s work has been recognized as a powerful testament to the human spirit’s capacity to seek knowledge and truth, despite oppressive circumstances. The memoir was named one of the best books of 2018 by numerous publications and has been translated into more than 30 languages, earning widespread acclaim for its inspirational story and profound insights into the role of education in personal freedom.