Explore this shelf

Books like Educated

If you loved Educated by Tara Westover, these books share its strongest themes, tone, pacing, or atmosphere.

Top Shelf Score88Cover of When Breath Becomes Air

When Breath Becomes Air

Paul Kalanithi

'When Breath Becomes Air' shares profound themes of confronting mortality and finding meaning in life, paralleling Tara Westover's journey in 'Educated'. Both memoirs offer introspective accounts of personal struggle and transformation, appealing to readers interested in life's deeper questions and the pursuit of knowledge.

Find it on Bookshop
Shelf Score88Cover of I Am Malala

I Am Malala

Malala Yousafzai

'I Am Malala' and 'Educated' share a core narrative about the power of education as a transformative force against adversity. Both memoirs highlight the authors' fierce determination to overcome societal constraints, providing an inspiring message of empowerment that is likely to resonate deeply with readers of Westover's work.

Find it on Bookshop
Shelf Score86Cover of The Glass Castle

The Glass Castle

Jeannette Walls

Both 'Educated' and 'The Glass Castle' are memoirs featuring young women who navigate difficult childhoods within dysfunctional families. The themes of resilience and personal growth resonate strongly across both works, making them highly compatible for readers seeking inspiration through personal adversity.

Find it on Bookshop
Shelf Score83Cover of Born a Crime

Born a Crime

Trevor Noah

Both 'Born a Crime' and 'Educated' are memoirs that explore themes of identity and resilience against oppressive backgrounds. Trevor Noah's comedic yet deeply reflective narratives align well with Tara Westover's journey from isolation to education, making them compellingly similar in tone and theme.

Find it on Bookshop
Shelf Score83Cover of The Liars' Club

The Liars' Club

Mary Karr

'The Liars' Club' shares the autobiographical format with 'Educated,' as both authors reflect on challenging family dynamics. Mary Karr's story also highlights personal struggle and self-discovery, appealing to readers interested in transformative life narratives.

Find it on Bookshop
Shelf Score84Cover of A Child Called It

A Child Called It

Dave Pelzer, David J. Pelzer

Both 'Educated' and 'A Child Called It' focus on personal resilience and transformation through adverse childhood experiences. They share themes of survival and the pursuit of education, enhancing their emotional and inspirational appeal. This connection makes it likely that readers of Westover's memoir will also find Pelzer's story impactful.

Find it on Bookshop
Shelf Score82Cover of The Color of Water

The Color of Water

James McBride

James McBride's 'The Color of Water' and Tara Westover's 'Educated' both explore challenging family dynamics and identity. Each memoir weaves personal history with broader cultural narratives, showing how backgrounds influence aspirations and self-discovery, making them relatable to readers looking for deep, reflective stories.

Find it on Bookshop
Shelf Score80Cover of A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius

A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius

Dave Eggers

Both 'A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius' and 'Educated' deal with profound personal loss and the struggle to find one's place in the world afterwards. They articulate the challenges of life transitions and familial responsibilities, resonating with readers interested in human resilience against grief and adversity.

Find it on Bookshop
Shelf Score69Cover of The Year of Magical Thinking

The Year of Magical Thinking

Joan Didion

'The Year of Magical Thinking' importantly addresses themes of loss, grief, and reflection, paralleling Tara Westover’s journey of personal growth amidst family challenges. Joan Didion's poignant narrative will resonate with readers who appreciate deep emotional explorations of life’s complexities.

Find it on Bookshop
Shelf Score66Cover of Why Not Me

Why Not Me

Jason Brader, Jason Brader Cscs

Both 'Educated' and 'Why Not Me' are transformative memoirs detailing personal struggles and the journey towards self-improvement. Each author utilizes their life experiences to convey resilience and the pursuit of education as a means of overcoming adversity, resonating with readers seeking motivation.

Find it on Bookshop