Tara Westover's family is a fascinating and complex one.
Tara Westover was born in 1986 to Gene and LaRee Westover, devout Mormons living in the isolated foothills of Idaho. Tara's father was a survivalist who believed that the end of the world was imminent, and he raised his children to be self-sufficient and distrustful of outsiders. Tara's mother was a herbalist and midwife who homeschooled her children and taught them to value their independence.
Tara's family was often at odds with the outside world. They refused to send their children to school, and they lived without electricity or running water. Tara's father was also a polygamist, and he had several wives and children. Tara's childhood was filled with both love and hardship, and she often felt like an outsider in her own family.
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Tara eventually left home to attend Brigham Young University, and she later earned a PhD from Cambridge University. She has written a memoir about her experiences, called "Educated," which became a New York Times bestseller.
Tara's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of education and the strength of the human spirit.
Tara Westover Family
The Westover family is a complex and fascinating one. Tara Westover's memoir, "Educated," provides a unique glimpse into the lives of this extraordinary family.
- Isolated
- Survivalist
- Polygamous
- Independent
- Distrustful
- Religious
- Resilient
The Westovers lived in a remote area of Idaho, and they were largely isolated from the outside world. They were also survivalists, and they prepared for the end of the world. Tara's father was a polygamist, and he had several wives and children. The Westovers were also very independent, and they relied on themselves for everything. They were distrustful of outsiders, and they homeschooled their children.
Despite the challenges they faced, the Westovers were a resilient family. They loved each other, and they supported each other through thick and thin. Tara's story is a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit.
1. Isolated
The Westover family was isolated in many ways. They lived in a remote area of Idaho, far from any major towns or cities. They also homeschooled their children and did not allow them to participate in extracurricular activities or socialize with other children outside of the family.
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- Geographical isolation: The Westovers lived in a remote area of Idaho, far from any major towns or cities. This made it difficult for them to access education, healthcare, and other essential services.
- Social isolation: The Westovers did not allow their children to participate in extracurricular activities or socialize with other children outside of the family. This made it difficult for the children to develop social skills and learn how to interact with others.
- Educational isolation: The Westovers homeschooled their children and did not allow them to attend public school. This meant that the children did not have the opportunity to learn about the outside world or develop critical thinking skills.
- Religious isolation: The Westovers were members of a fundamentalist Mormon sect that did not believe in mainstream society. This made it difficult for them to relate to people outside of their religious community.
The isolation of the Westover family had a profound impact on their lives. It made it difficult for them to access education, healthcare, and other essential services. It also made it difficult for them to develop social skills and learn how to interact with others. As a result, the Westover children were ill-prepared for life outside of their family.
2. Survivalist
The Westover family was a survivalist family. This meant that they prepared for the end of the world by stockpiling food, water, and other supplies. They also trained themselves in survival skills, such as how to hunt, fish, and grow their own food.
- Preparing for the end of the world
The Westovers believed that the end of the world was imminent, and they prepared for it by stockpiling food, water, and other supplies. They also trained themselves in survival skills, such as how to hunt, fish, and grow their own food.
- Living off the land
The Westovers lived off the land as much as possible. They grew their own food, raised their own animals, and hunted and fished for their own meat. They also collected firewood and other resources from the surrounding wilderness.
- Being self-sufficient
The Westovers were self-sufficient and relied on themselves for everything. They did not rely on the government or other institutions for help. They also did not trust outsiders, and they were wary of strangers.
- Protecting their family
The Westovers were fiercely protective of their family. They believed that it was their duty to keep their family safe from harm, and they were willing to do whatever it took to protect them.
The Westovers' survivalist lifestyle had a profound impact on their lives. It taught them to be self-reliant, resourceful, and independent. It also taught them the importance of family and community.
3. Polygamous
Polygamy is the practice of having multiple spouses. It is a controversial practice that is illegal in most countries, including the United States. However, polygamy is still practiced by some religious groups, including the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS Church), of which the Westover family was a part.
- Religious beliefs
The FLDS Church believes that polygamy is a commandment from God. They believe that men are commanded to have multiple wives, and that women are commanded to be obedient to their husbands. This belief is based on a literal interpretation of certain passages in the Bible, such as Genesis 16:1-3 and Deuteronomy 21:15-17.
- Social and economic benefits
Polygamy can provide certain social and economic benefits to its practitioners. For example, it can increase the number of children in a family, which can provide a source of labor and support. Additionally, polygamy can help to ensure that all of a man's wives are taken care of, both financially and emotionally.
- Challenges and risks
Polygamy can also pose certain challenges and risks to its practitioners. For example, it can lead to jealousy and conflict between wives. Additionally, polygamous families are often isolated from mainstream society, which can make it difficult for members to access education, healthcare, and other essential services.
- Legal and ethical concerns
Polygamy is illegal in most countries, including the United States. This is because polygamy is seen as a form of abuse and exploitation, particularly of women and children. Additionally, polygamy can lead to other problems, such as incest and child marriage.
The Westover family's experience with polygamy is a complex one. Tara Westover has spoken about the challenges and hardships that she faced growing up in a polygamous family. However, she has also spoken about the love and support that she received from her family. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to practice polygamy is a personal one.
4. Independent
The Westover family was fiercely independent. They relied on themselves for everything, and they did not trust outsiders. This independence was both a strength and a weakness.
- Self-reliance
The Westovers were self-reliant and did not rely on the government or other institutions for help. They grew their own food, raised their own animals, and hunted and fished for their own meat. They also collected firewood and other resources from the surrounding wilderness.
- Resourcefulness
The Westovers were resourceful and able to make do with what they had. They were not afraid to work hard and they were always willing to learn new skills. This resourcefulness helped them to survive in a remote and isolated environment.
- Isolation
The Westovers' independence also led to isolation. They did not trust outsiders, and they were wary of strangers. This isolation made it difficult for them to access education, healthcare, and other essential services.
- Vulnerability
The Westovers' independence also made them vulnerable. They were not prepared for life outside of their family, and they did not have a support system to rely on. This vulnerability made them susceptible to abuse and exploitation.
The Westover family's independence was a complex and multifaceted thing. It was both a strength and a weakness. It allowed them to survive in a remote and isolated environment, but it also made them vulnerable to abuse and exploitation.
5. Distrustful
The Westover family was deeply distrustful of outsiders. This distrust was rooted in their religious beliefs, their experiences with the outside world, and their survivalist mentality.
- Religious beliefs
The Westovers were members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS Church), which is a polygamous sect that believes that the end of the world is imminent. The FLDS Church teaches its members to be wary of outsiders, as they are seen as a threat to the community.
- Experiences with the outside world
The Westovers had few positive experiences with the outside world. They were often met with prejudice and discrimination, and they came to believe that outsiders were dangerous and untrustworthy.
- Survivalist mentality
The Westovers were survivalists, and they believed that they needed to be prepared for the end of the world. They stockpiled food and supplies, and they trained themselves in survival skills. This survivalist mentality made them even more distrustful of outsiders, as they saw them as a potential threat to their family's safety.
The Westovers' distrust of outsiders had a profound impact on their lives. It made them isolated and fearful, and it prevented them from accessing education, healthcare, and other essential services. Ultimately, their distrust of outsiders was a major factor in their decision to leave the FLDS Church and to seek a new life for themselves.
6. Religious
Religion played a central role in the life of the Westover family. They were members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS Church), a polygamous sect that believes that the end of the world is imminent.
- Beliefs and practices
The FLDS Church has a number of unique beliefs and practices, including polygamy, the practice of marrying multiple wives. The Westovers were devout members of the church, and they followed its teachings strictly.
- Isolation
The FLDS Church teaches its members to be wary of outsiders, as they are seen as a threat to the community. This teaching led the Westovers to isolate themselves from the outside world. They homeschooled their children and did not allow them to participate in extracurricular activities or socialize with other children outside of the family.
- Survivalism
The FLDS Church also teaches its members to be prepared for the end of the world. The Westovers stockpiled food and supplies, and they trained themselves in survival skills. This survivalist mentality made them even more isolated and distrustful of outsiders.
- Education
The FLDS Church does not believe in formal education. The Westovers homeschooled their children, but they did not provide them with a well-rounded education. Tara Westover, the author of the memoir "Educated," did not learn about the Holocaust or the civil rights movement until she was in college.
Religion had a profound impact on the Westover family. It shaped their beliefs, their lifestyle, and their education. It also led them to isolate themselves from the outside world and to distrust outsiders.
7. Resilient
The Westover family is a resilient family. They have faced many challenges, but they have always come out stronger on the other side. Tara Westover, the author of the memoir "Educated," has written about her family's resilience in the face of adversity.
One of the challenges that the Westovers have faced is their isolation. They live in a remote area of Idaho, and they are not allowed to participate in many activities outside of the family. This isolation has made it difficult for them to learn about the outside world and to develop social skills. However, the Westovers have found ways to overcome these challenges. They have homeschooled their children, and they have made an effort to connect with other families in their community.
Another challenge that the Westovers have faced is their poverty. They live on a very limited income, and they often struggle to make ends meet. However, the Westovers have never given up. They have always worked hard to provide for their family, and they have never lost their hope for a better future.
The Westovers' resilience is an inspiration to us all. It shows us that no matter what challenges we face in life, we can overcome them if we never give up.
FAQs about the Westover Family
The Westover family is a fascinating and complex family. Their story has been told in the memoir "Educated" by Tara Westover, which has become a New York Times bestseller. The family has been the subject of much discussion and debate, and there are many questions about their beliefs and lifestyle.
Question 1: What are the Westover family's religious beliefs?
Answer: The Westover family are members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS Church). The FLDS Church is a polygamous sect that believes that the end of the world is imminent. The Westovers believe that they must follow the teachings of the church in order to be saved.
Question 2: Why are the Westovers so isolated?
Answer: The Westovers are isolated because they believe that the outside world is dangerous and corrupt. They do not allow their children to attend school or participate in extracurricular activities, and they do not allow them to socialize with people outside of the family.
Question 3: How do the Westovers make a living?
Answer: The Westovers live on a very limited income. Gene Westover, the father, is a handyman and construction worker. LaRee Westover, the mother, is a midwife and herbalist. The Westovers also grow their own food and raise their own animals.
Question 4: Are the Westovers happy?
Answer: It is difficult to say whether or not the Westovers are happy. They have faced many challenges in their lives, but they have also found joy and fulfillment in their family and their faith.
Question 5: What can we learn from the Westover family?
Answer: The Westover family's story is a reminder that there is more than one way to live. It is also a reminder that we should never give up on our dreams, no matter how difficult they may seem.
Summary of key takeaways or final thought: The Westover family is a fascinating and complex family. Their story is a reminder that there is more than one way to live. It is also a reminder that we should never give up on our dreams, no matter how difficult they may seem.
Transition to the next article section: The Westover family's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of education and the strength of the human spirit. It is a story that will continue to inspire people for years to come.
Conclusion
The Westover family is a fascinating and complex family. Their story is a reminder that there is more than one way to live. It is also a reminder that we should never give up on our dreams, no matter how difficult they may seem.
The Westovers' story has been told in the memoir "Educated" by Tara Westover, which has become a New York Times bestseller. The memoir has been praised for its honest and unflinching portrayal of the Westovers' life. It has also sparked a national conversation about the importance of education and the power of resilience.
The Westover family's story is a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit. It is a story that will continue to inspire people for years to come.