Tara Westover story is a powerful testament to the transformative power of education and resilience. Born in a Mormon survivalist family in Clifton, Idaho, she was raised in an environment where traditional schooling was shunned.
Despite this, Tara defied all odds to become one of the most influential memoirists of our time. Her bestselling book, Educated: A Memoir, chronicles her journey from isolation to academic success, earning her recognition and financial prosperity.
Early Life and Upbringing
Tara Westover was born on September 27, 1986, in Clifton, Idaho, to Gene and Faye. Her parents were strict adherents of the Mormon survivalist lifestyle, believing that traditional schooling was unnecessary and even dangerous. Tara father, Gene, was a firm believer in preparing for the end of the world, which led to a life far removed from mainstream society.
Tara Westover family had limited contact with the outside world, and her siblings, including Tony, Shawn, Tyler, Luke, Audrey, and Richard, shared this isolated upbringing. She didn’t attend school until she was 17, as her father taught her and her siblings at home.
But this education was sporadic and not at all aligned with standard educational practices. Tara’s desire to learn more led her to pursue self-education, reading encyclopedias, and later finding the courage to apply to Brigham Young University (BYU), a pivotal moment in her life.
Quick Information
| Attributes | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Tara Westover |
| Date of Birth | September 27, 1986 |
| Nationality | American |
| Residency | London, UK |
| Siblings | Six |
| Spouse | Drew Mecham |
| Age | 38 Years |
| Notable Work | Educated: A Memoir |
| Awards | National Humanities Medal |
| Theme | Education, Resilience, Personal Growth |
| Profession | Author |
| Net Worth | $4 Million |
Tara Westover Family
Tara Westover family played a central role in her early years, but it was also a source of conflict as she pursued her dreams of education. Her father, Gene, was fiercely protective and skeptical of modern institutions, including public education.
Her mother, Faye, supported Gene beliefs but was also involved in the family home-based herbal medicine business. The family dynamics were strained as Tara grew older and began to challenge her upbringing. She faced significant emotional challenges.
It including estrangement from some of her siblings, especially Shawn, whose abusive behavior led to Tara’s decision to distance herself from certain family members. However, her relationship with Tony and others in the family remained more intact, although the differences in beliefs often caused tension.
Tara’s memoir, Educated, explores these complex familial relationships in depth, shedding light on the struggles she faced while trying to balance her desire for education with the pressure to stay loyal to her family’s values.
Education Journey and Academic Success
Tara’s journey into formal education began at the age of 17 when she applied to Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah. With little formal schooling and no high school diploma, Tara’s early years at BYU were challenging. However, her natural curiosity and determination allowed her to thrive academically.
At BYU, Tara earned a Bachelor degree in History and later went on to earn a Doctorate in History of Ideas from the University of Cambridge in 2014, after completing a rigorous academic journey that included studying at Harvard University. Her education was transformative, not just in terms of academic success, but in how it reshaped her identity and worldview.
Her memoir, Educated: A Memoir, is a testament to the power of self-education and perseverance. It also explores the conflicts Tara faced as she tried to reconcile her education with her family’s values.
Tara Westover Age & Husband
Tara Westover is currently 38 years old. Despite her challenging upbringing, she has built a successful career as a memoirist and public speaker. She’s known for her advocacy on issues like education, personal growth, and resilience.
Tara is married to Drew Mecham, a research fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School. The couple has kept their relationship relatively private. But Drew support has been an important part of Tara journey, especially as she navigated her emotional and intellectual struggles in the face of her family.
It opposition to her career and lifestyle choices. Tara’s relationship with Drew reflects her desire for personal autonomy and the formation of a supportive partnership grounded in shared values.
Tara Westover’s Career and Memoir
Tara Westover’s memoir, Educated: A Memoir, became a global bestseller, with over 16 million copies sold. The book, which chronicles Tara’s escape from her Mormon survivalist family, self-education, and eventual success in academia, resonated with readers worldwide.
The memoir earned multiple awards, including a National Book Critics Circle Award and a spot on the Time 100 Most Influential People list. It was also selected as an Amazon Editors’ Pick and named one of Apple’s Best Memoirs of the Year.
Beyond her writing, Tara has made appearances on major platforms, including BBC News and The New York Times, where she’s discussed her experiences and the transformative power of education. She’s become a prominent public speaker, advocating for education and resilience as a means of overcoming adversity.
Tara Westover Net Worth
Tara Westover’s net worth is estimated to be $4 million, a significant achievement for someone who started life with almost no formal education or financial resources. A large portion of her wealth comes from her memoir sales, which earned her between $3 million to $3.5 million.
Additionally, Tara’s public speaking engagements have contributed significantly to her earnings, estimated at $300k–$500k per year.
| Earnings Source | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Memoir Sales | $3M–$3.5M |
| Public Speaking | $300k–$500k |
| Media Appearances | $100k–$200k |
| Writing Projects | $100k–$200k |
| Other Sources | $100k–$300k |
Tara’s financial success underscores the remarkable nature of her journey. Despite her humble beginnings, she has become a celebrated figure in the literary world and beyond.
Awards and Recognitions
Tara Westover’s work has been highly recognized across various platforms. Some of the most notable awards and recognitions include:
- National Humanities Medal
- Time 100 Most Influential People
- PEN/Jean Stein Book Award
- National Book Critics Circle Award
- Amazon Editors’ Pick
- Apple’s Best Memoir of the Year
Her accolades highlight not just her literary success, but also her influence as an advocate for education and resilience.
Social Media Overview
Tara Westover maintains an active presence on social media, with notable followings on platforms like Twitter (79k followers), Facebook (80k followers), and Instagram (21k followers).
Through these channels, Tara shares updates about her work, public speaking engagements, and insights into her journey of self-discovery. Her posts often highlight themes of resilience, personal growth, and overcoming adversity.
| Social Profiles | Links | Followers |
|---|---|---|
| Click Here | 79k | |
| Click Here | 80k | |
| Click Here | 21k |
FAQ’s
Here are the FAQs in H3 format:
What is Tara Westover’s net worth?
Tara Westover’s net worth is approximately $4 million, primarily from memoir sales and public speaking engagements.
Did Tara Westover ever marry?
Yes, Tara Westover is married to Drew Mecham.
What is Tara Westover’s age?
Tara Westover is currently 38 years old.
Is Tara Westover still in touch with her family?
Tara has been estranged from parts of her family due to conflicting beliefs, but she maintains relationships with some siblings.
What is Tara Westover doing now?
Tara continues to write, speak publicly, and advocate for education and personal growth.
What themes does Tara Westover focus on in her work?
Her work centers on education, resilience, personal growth, and overcoming adversity.
Conclusion
Tara Westover’s journey from a Mormon survivalist family to a Harvard-educated historian and bestselling author is a profound reminder of the power of education and resilience. Her memoir, Educated: A Memoir, continues to inspire readers around the world.
It showing that transformative personal growth is possible no matter the obstacles. Today, Tara’s net worth reflects her hard-earned success, and her story remains a beacon of hope for anyone facing adversity in their own lives.
Alaric Arias is the passionate writer behind The Celebrity Niche, bringing a wealth of experience to the world of celebrity stories. With an eye for detail, he shares the latest updates on relationships, biographies, and news about your favorite stars. Alaric’s engaging style invites readers to connect with the fascinating lives of celebrities in a fresh and entertaining way.