Discovering Stories of Triumph: Books Similar to “Educated”
Are you one of the many readers who were captivated by Tara Westover’s memoir, “Educated,” and are now seeking more inspirational and compelling stories to add to your reading list? If so, you’re in luck. In this blog post, we’re going to introduce you to a selection of books that share similar themes of resilience, self-discovery, and overcoming adversity. These books are sure to leave a lasting impression, just like “Educated” did.
“Memoirs of a Geisha” by Arthur Golden
Arthur Golden’s “Memoirs of a Geisha” is an enthralling memoir that invites you into the world of Chiyo, a young girl who is sold into slavery and trained to become a geisha in Japan. This book is a captivating exploration of Japanese culture, tradition, and history. It has received accolades for its vivid descriptions, compelling characters, and powerful themes.
If you found “Educated” by Tara Westover engaging, then “Memoirs of a Geisha” is definitely worth your time. Both books share a common theme of self-discovery and the triumph over adversity, all while emphasizing the significance of education and personal growth.
One striking similarity between these two books is their exploration of identity. In “Educated,” Westover grapples with her sense of self while navigating the conflicting beliefs and values of her family and the outside world. Similarly, in “Memoirs of a Geisha,” Chiyo struggles to reconcile her own desires and ambitions with the expectations placed upon her by society and her profession.
Another common thread between these two books is their exploration of power dynamics within relationships. In “Educated,” Westover’s relationship with her family is fraught with tension and control, while in “Memoirs of a Geisha,” Chiyo must navigate the complex power dynamics between geishas, their patrons, and the men who run the geisha houses.
Both books also offer readers a glimpse into different cultures and ways of life. While “Educated” takes place in rural Idaho, “Memoirs of a Geisha” transports readers to the bustling streets of Kyoto, Japan. Through Golden’s vivid descriptions of the geisha world, readers gain insight into the intricacies of Japanese culture, from the art of tea ceremonies to the importance of honor and respect.
Despite their differences in setting and subject matter, both “Educated” and “Memoirs of a Geisha” are powerful stories of resilience, perseverance, and the human spirit. They offer readers a glimpse into the lives of individuals who have overcome incredible obstacles to find their own sense of identity and purpose.
“The Glass Castle” by Jeannette Walls
Jeannette Walls’ memoir, “The Glass Castle,” is a powerful and moving story of resilience and survival. It tells the story of Walls’ childhood, growing up in poverty with her dysfunctional family, and her journey to overcome the obstacles that stood in her way. If you enjoyed reading “Educated” by Tara Westover, then you might be interested in exploring other books that share similar themes and experiences.
One book that comes to mind is “The Glass Castle” by Jeannette Walls. Like “Educated,” “The Glass Castle” is a memoir that explores the author’s difficult upbringing and her struggle to break free from the constraints of her past. Walls grew up in a family that was constantly on the move, living in poverty and struggling to make ends meet. Her parents were unconventional and often neglectful, leaving their children to fend for themselves.
Despite these challenges, Walls was determined to succeed. She worked hard in school and eventually went on to attend Barnard College in New York City. Along the way, she had to confront the trauma of her past and come to terms with the choices her parents had made.
“The Glass Castle” is a powerful and emotional read that will resonate with anyone who has experienced adversity in their life. Walls’ writing is honest and raw, and she doesn’t shy away from the difficult moments of her past. But at the same time, there is a sense of hope and resilience that runs throughout the book.
Another book that shares similar themes with “Educated” is “Hillbilly Elegy” by J.D. Vance. Like Westover, Vance grew up in a working-class family in rural America. His memoir explores the challenges he faced growing up in a culture of poverty and addiction, and his journey to escape that cycle and achieve success.
Vance’s story is one of perseverance and determination. Despite the odds stacked against him, he was able to attend Yale Law School and become a successful lawyer and writer. But along the way, he had to confront the trauma of his past and come to terms with the choices his family had made.
“Hillbilly Elegy” is a powerful and thought-provoking book that offers a unique perspective on the challenges facing working-class Americans. Vance’s writing is honest and insightful, and he doesn’t shy away from the difficult truths of his past.
Finally, another book that shares similar themes with “Educated” is “The Sound of Gravel” by Ruth Wariner. Like Westover, Wariner grew up in a polygamous community and faced numerous challenges as a result. Her memoir explores her journey to break free from that community and build a new life for herself.
Wariner’s story is one of resilience and determination. Despite the obstacles she faced, she was able to attend college and become a successful writer and speaker. But along the way, she had to confront the trauma of her past and come to terms with the choices her family had made.
“The Sound of Gravel” is a powerful and emotional read that will resonate with anyone who has experienced adversity in their life. Wariner’s writing is honest and raw, and she doesn’t shy away from the difficult moments of her past. But at the same time, there is a sense of hope and resilience that runs throughout the book.
In conclusion, if you enjoyed reading “Educated” by Tara Westover, then you might be interested in exploring other books that share similar themes and experiences. “The Glass Castle” by Jeannette Walls, “Hillbilly Elegy” by J.D. Vance, and “The Sound of Gravel” by Ruth Wariner are all powerful and moving memoirs that offer unique perspectives on overcoming adversity and achieving success.
“Wild” by Cheryl Strayed
When it comes to memoirs, few books have captured the attention of readers quite like “Educated” by Tara Westover. The book tells the story of Westover’s upbringing in a strict and abusive household in rural Idaho, where she was denied access to formal education until her late teens. Despite these obstacles, Westover went on to earn a PhD from Cambridge University and become a successful writer.
If you’re a fan of “Educated” and are looking for similar books to add to your reading list, one option is “Wild” by Cheryl Strayed. Like Westover, Strayed’s memoir tells the story of a woman who overcomes adversity through sheer determination and grit.
In “Wild,” Strayed recounts her experience hiking the Pacific Crest Trail alone after the death of her mother and the dissolution of her marriage. The journey was physically and emotionally grueling, but it ultimately helped Strayed find healing and clarity.
One of the things that makes “Wild” such a compelling read is Strayed’s honesty and vulnerability. She doesn’t shy away from sharing the mistakes she made along the way or the difficult emotions she experienced. This rawness makes the book feel authentic and relatable, even if readers haven’t hiked the PCT themselves.
Another similarity between “Educated” and “Wild” is the theme of self-discovery. Both Westover and Strayed embark on journeys that force them to confront their own limitations and beliefs about themselves. Through these experiences, they gain a deeper understanding of who they are and what they’re capable of.
Of course, there are also some key differences between the two books. While “Educated” focuses primarily on Westover’s childhood and early adulthood, “Wild” is more focused on a specific period of time in Strayed’s life. Additionally, while both books deal with heavy subject matter, “Wild” is perhaps a bit more uplifting overall.
If you’re looking for other books similar to “Educated,” there are a few other options worth considering. “The Glass Castle” by Jeannette Walls is another memoir about a difficult childhood and the power of education to transform lives. “Just Like You” by Nick Hornby is a novel that explores themes of class, race, and relationships in contemporary Britain.
Ultimately, what makes books like “Educated” and “Wild” so powerful is their ability to inspire readers to overcome their own obstacles and pursue their dreams. Whether you’re looking for a story of triumph over adversity or simply a compelling read, these books are sure to leave a lasting impression.
“Hillbilly Elegy” by J.D. Vance
When it comes to memoirs, few books have captured the attention of readers quite like “Educated” by Tara Westover. The book tells the story of a young woman who grew up in a strict and abusive household in rural Idaho, but managed to escape and eventually earn a PhD from Cambridge University. It’s a powerful and inspiring tale that has resonated with many readers.
If you’re one of those readers who loved “Educated” and are looking for similar books, then “Hillbilly Elegy” by J.D. Vance is definitely worth checking out. Like “Educated,” “Hillbilly Elegy” is a memoir that explores the author’s upbringing in a working-class family in rural America. But while Westover’s story takes place in the mountains of Idaho, Vance’s takes place in the hills of Appalachia.
Vance’s book is a deeply personal account of his life growing up in a culture of poverty and violence. He writes about his mother’s struggles with addiction, his father’s absence, and the constant chaos and instability of his childhood. But he also writes about the resilience and strength of the people in his community, and how they helped him overcome the odds and achieve success.
One of the things that makes “Hillbilly Elegy” so compelling is Vance’s ability to provide a nuanced and empathetic portrayal of the people and culture he grew up in. He doesn’t shy away from the problems and challenges that exist in these communities, but he also doesn’t demonize or stereotype them. Instead, he offers a complex and nuanced view of a group of people who are often misunderstood and overlooked.
Another book that shares some similarities with “Educated” is “The Glass Castle” by Jeannette Walls. Like Westover, Walls grew up in a dysfunctional and impoverished household, but managed to escape and build a successful career as a journalist. Her memoir is a gripping and heartbreaking account of her childhood, which was marked by poverty, neglect, and abuse.
But despite the difficult subject matter, “The Glass Castle” is also a story of resilience and hope. Walls writes about the ways in which her parents instilled in her a sense of independence and self-reliance, even as they struggled with their own demons. And she writes about the power of education to transform lives, something that she experienced firsthand when she was able to attend college and pursue her dreams.
Finally, for readers who are interested in exploring the theme of overcoming adversity through education, there’s also “The Other Wes Moore” by Wes Moore. This book tells the story of two men named Wes Moore who grew up in similar circumstances – both were raised in poverty in Baltimore, both had absent fathers, and both struggled with school and discipline.
But while one Wes Moore went on to become a Rhodes Scholar and successful businessman, the other ended up in prison for life after being convicted of murder. The book explores the factors that led these two men down such different paths, and offers a powerful meditation on the role that education can play in shaping our lives.
In conclusion, if you’re a fan of “Educated” and are looking for similar books, then “Hillbilly Elegy,” “The Glass Castle,” and “The Other Wes Moore” are all excellent choices. Each of these memoirs offers a powerful and inspiring account of how education can be a transformative force in our lives, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. So, go ahead and add these books to your reading list and embark on a journey of discovery and inspiration.
