Summary: In today’s article, I have compiled 20 of the best books similar to Educated for readers who love inspiring memoirs about overcoming adversity. Here are my top 3 favorites:
- The Sound of Gravel by Ruth Wariner
- North of Normal by Cea Sunrise Person
- Breaking Night by Liz Murray
Books like Educated share powerful true stories of resilience, self-discovery, and the life-changing power of education. They offer a raw look at overcoming adversity and breaking free from restrictive environments, inspiring readers to reflect on their own growth and the strength of the human spirit.
TOP 20: Best Books Similar to Educated
- The Sound of Gravel by Ruth Wariner
- North of Normal by Cea Sunrise Person
- Breaking Night by Liz Murray
- The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
- Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
- I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
- Unfollow by Megan Phelps-Roper
- The Liars' Club by Mary Karr
- Wild by Cheryl Strayed
- Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance
- Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight by Alexandra Fuller
- The Color of Water by James McBride
- The Last Days by Ali Millar
- Educating by LaRee Westover
- Breaking Free by Rachel Jeffs
- Stolen Innocence by Elissa Wall
- A Piece of Cake by Cupcake Brown
- The Glass Eye by Jeannie Vanasco
- The Only Girl in the World by Maude Julien
- The Rules Do Not Apply by Ariel Levy
1. The Sound of Gravel
- Author: Ruth Wariner
- About: Ruth Wariner recounts her upbringing in a polygamist Mormon colony in Mexico, detailing the challenges of poverty, abuse, and her eventual escape.
- Style of writing: Candid and heartfelt, offering an intimate glimpse into her tumultuous childhood.
- Length: Approximately 352 pages.
- Year written: 2016.
- Emotional impact: Deeply moving, leaving a lasting impression of resilience and the quest for freedom.
- Difficulty level: Moderate; accessible language with mature themes.
- Why read it: Provides insight into life within a polygamist community and the strength required to break free.
2. North of Normal
- Author: Cea Sunrise Person
- About: Cea Sunrise Person shares her unconventional childhood in the Canadian wilderness, raised by hippie grandparents who shunned societal norms.
- Style of writing: Vivid and descriptive, painting a clear picture of her unique upbringing.
- Length: Approximately 368 pages.
- Year written: 2014.
- Emotional impact: Evokes a mix of wonder and empathy, highlighting the challenges of nonconformity.
- Difficulty level: Moderate; engaging narrative with reflective insights.
- Why read it: Offers a perspective on alternative lifestyles and the journey towards self-acceptance.
3. Breaking Night
- Author: Liz Murray
- About: Liz Murray chronicles her journey from being homeless in New York City to attending Harvard University, overcoming immense obstacles along the way.
- Style of writing: Raw and inspiring, capturing the struggles and triumphs of her life.
- Length: Approximately 352 pages.
- Year written: 2010.
- Emotional impact: Profoundly uplifting, showcasing the power of determination and education.
- Difficulty level: Moderate; straightforward prose with impactful storytelling.
- Why read it: Demonstrates the transformative power of perseverance and the importance of education.
4. The Glass Castle
- Author: Jeannette Walls
- About: Jeannette Walls recounts her unconventional and poverty-stricken upbringing with her nomadic and dysfunctional family.
- Style of writing: Matter-of-fact and clear-eyed, with not an ounce of self-pity or bitterness.
- Length: Approximately 288 pages.
- Year written: 2005.
- Emotional impact: A moving and unforgettable memoir that is sad, inspiring, funny, and haunting.
- Difficulty level: Moderate; engaging narrative with reflective insights.
- Why read it: Provides a remarkable memoir of resilience and redemption, offering insight into a deeply dysfunctional yet uniquely vibrant family.
5. Born a Crime
- Author: Trevor Noah
- About: Trevor Noah shares his experiences growing up as a mixed-race child during apartheid in South Africa, highlighting the challenges and humor he found along the way.
- Style of writing: Humorous and insightful, blending personal anecdotes with social commentary.
- Length: Approximately 304 pages.
- Year written: 2016.
- Emotional impact: Both entertaining and thought-provoking, leaving readers with a deeper understanding of apartheid's complexities.
- Difficulty level: Moderate; accessible language with profound themes.
- Why read it: Offers a unique perspective on race and identity through the lens of humor and personal experience.
6. I Am Malala
- Author: Malala Yousafzai
- About: Malala tells her story of standing up for girls' education in Pakistan, surviving a Taliban attack, and becoming a global advocate for education.
- Style of writing: Inspirational and earnest, conveying her passion for education and justice.
- Length: Approximately 368 pages.
- Year written: 2013.
- Emotional impact: Deeply inspiring, highlighting courage in the face of extreme adversity.
- Difficulty level: Moderate; straightforward narrative with profound messages.
- Why read it: Emphasizes the importance of education and the impact one individual can have on the world.
7. Unfollow
- Author: Megan Phelps-Roper
- About: Megan Phelps-Roper recounts her upbringing in the Westboro Baptist Church, known for its extreme ideologies and public protests. She details her journey from devout believer to questioning member, ultimately leading to her departure and advocacy for empathy and open dialogue.
- Style of writing: Reflective and candid, offering deep insights into her personal transformation and the complexities of indoctrination.
- Length: Approximately 304 pages.
- Year written: 2019.
- Emotional impact: Profoundly moving, providing a nuanced perspective on leaving behind a life entrenched in extremism and the challenges of redefining one's identity.
- Difficulty level: Moderate; accessible prose that delves into complex emotional and ideological themes.
- Why read it: Offers a unique and intimate look into the mindset of a controversial religious group and underscores the power of empathy and open-mindedness in bridging ideological divides.
8. The Liars' Club
- Author: Mary Karr
- About: Mary Karr reflects on her turbulent childhood in a small Texas town, dealing with family dysfunction, mental illness, and personal trauma.
- Style of writing: Gritty and poetic, blending humor with raw honesty to depict complex family dynamics.
- Length: Approximately 320 pages.
- Year written: 1995.
- Emotional impact: Deeply affecting, leaving readers with a profound sense of empathy and understanding of resilience in the face of adversity.
- Difficulty level: Moderate; rich, descriptive language that captures the nuances of her experiences.
- Why read it: Provides a compelling narrative of overcoming a chaotic upbringing, highlighting the strength of the human spirit.
9. Wild
- Author: Cheryl Strayed
- About: Cheryl Strayed recounts her solo hike along the Pacific Crest Trail as a way to heal from personal tragedies, including her mother's death and her own divorce, leading to profound self-discovery.
- Style of writing: Introspective and evocative, blending adventure narrative with deep personal reflection.
- Length: Approximately 336 pages.
- Year written: 2012.
- Emotional impact: Inspiring and cathartic, encouraging readers to reflect on their own journeys and the healing power of nature.
- Difficulty level: Moderate; engaging storytelling with profound insights into personal growth.
- Why read it: Highlights the transformative power of confronting one's past and embracing challenges to find inner strength.
10. Hillbilly Elegy
- Author: J.D. Vance
- About: J.D. Vance explores his upbringing in a poor Appalachian family, examining the social and economic challenges facing white working-class Americans and his journey to escape the cycle of poverty.
- Style of writing: Analytical and personal, combining memoir with sociological analysis to discuss broader cultural issues.
- Length: Approximately 272 pages.
- Year written: 2016.
- Emotional impact: Thought-provoking and enlightening, offering a nuanced perspective on a often-overlooked segment of American society.
- Difficulty level: Moderate; accessible prose that tackles complex social issues.
- Why read it: Provides insight into the struggles of the white working-class and the factors influencing social mobility.
11. Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight
- Author: Alexandra Fuller
- About: Alexandra Fuller provides a memoir of her childhood in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), detailing her family's experiences during the civil war and their life on a farm.
- Style of writing: Lyrical and vivid, capturing the beauty and brutality of life in war-torn Africa.
- Length: Approximately 336 pages.
- Year written: 2001.
- Emotional impact: Evocative and haunting, leaving readers with a deep appreciation for the complexities of colonial Africa and family bonds.
- Difficulty level: Moderate; richly descriptive language that immerses readers in the setting.
- Why read it: Offers a unique perspective on a tumultuous period in African history through the eyes of a child.
12. The Color of Water
- Author: James McBride
- About: James McBride chronicles his journey as a biracial individual, delving into his mother's past as a white Jewish woman who married a Black man and embraced Christianity. The narrative alternates between James's experiences and his mother Ruth's history, exploring themes of race, identity, and family.
- Style of writing: Poignant and reflective, seamlessly blending personal memoir with biographical elements.
- Length: Approximately 301 pages.
- Year written: 1995.
- Emotional impact: Deeply moving, offering profound insights into the complexities of racial identity and familial bonds.
- Difficulty level: Moderate; accessible prose that tackles intricate themes.
- Why read it: Provides a compelling exploration of identity and the enduring strength of family love amidst societal challenges.
13. The Last Days
- Author: Ali Millar
- About: Ali Millar recounts her upbringing within the Jehovah's Witnesses, detailing the restrictive nature of the faith and her eventual departure to seek personal freedom.
- Style of writing: Intimate and candid, providing a raw portrayal of life within a controlling religious sect.
- Length: Approximately 320 pages.
- Year written: 2022.
- Emotional impact: Profoundly evocative, highlighting the courage required to break free from indoctrination.
- Difficulty level: Moderate; straightforward narrative with deep emotional undertones.
- Why read it: Offers insight into the challenges of leaving a high-control religious group and the journey toward self-discovery.
14. Educating
- Author: LaRee Westover
- About: LaRee Westover provides her perspective as the mother of Tara Westover, author of Educated, offering insights into their family dynamics and differing viewpoints on education and upbringing.
- Style of writing: Personal and reflective, presenting an alternative narrative to a well-known memoir.
- Length: Approximately 420 pages.
- Year written: 2020.
- Emotional impact: Thought-provoking, encouraging readers to consider multiple sides of a complex family story.
- Difficulty level: Moderate; accessible language with nuanced perspectives.
- Why read it: Provides a contrasting viewpoint to Educated, enriching the understanding of family narratives and personal truth.
15. Breaking Free
- Author: Rachel Jeffs
- About: Rachel Jeffs, daughter of the leader of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, recounts her life within the polygamist sect and her eventual escape from its oppressive practices.
- Style of writing: Honest and unflinching, detailing the abuses and control within a closed religious community.
- Length: Approximately 304 pages.
- Year written: 2017.
- Emotional impact: Intensely moving, shedding light on the resilience needed to overcome indoctrination and abuse.
- Difficulty level: Moderate; clear prose addressing heavy and sensitive topics.
- Why read it: Offers a personal account of life within and escape from a notorious religious cult, highlighting the strength of the human spirit.
16. Stolen Innocence
- Author: Elissa Wall
- About: Elissa Wall shares her experience growing up in the FLDS community, focusing on her forced marriage at a young age and her role in bringing legal action against its leader.
- Style of writing: Detailed and courageous, providing an insider's perspective on life within a polygamist sect.
- Length: Approximately 448 pages.
- Year written: 2008.
- Emotional impact: Heart-wrenching and empowering, illustrating the fight against systemic abuse.
- Difficulty level: Moderate; engaging narrative that handles distressing subject matter.
- Why read it: Provides a compelling story of personal bravery and the pursuit of justice against oppressive systems.
17. A Piece of Cake
- Author: Cupcake Brown
- About: Cupcake Brown narrates her descent into addiction and crime following a traumatic childhood, and her remarkable journey to recovery and professional success.
- Style of writing: Gritty and unvarnished, offering a stark portrayal of life's harsh realities and the possibility of redemption.
- Length: Approximately 480 pages.
- Year written: 2006.
- Emotional impact: Deeply affecting, showcasing the capacity for transformation against overwhelming odds.
- Difficulty level: Moderate; candid language with mature themes.
- Why read it: Demonstrates the resilience of the human spirit and the potential for change, regardless of past circumstances.
18. The Glass Eye
- Author: Jeannie Vanasco
- About: Jeannie Vanasco delves into her profound grief following her father's death, exploring her struggles with mental illness and her obsession with her deceased half-sister, also named Jeanne. The memoir intricately weaves themes of love, loss, and identity.
- Style of writing: Poetic and fragmented, offering a raw and intimate portrayal of the author's psyche.
- Length: Approximately 270 pages.
- Year written: 2017.
- Emotional impact: Deeply moving and introspective, leaving readers with a lasting impression of the complexities of grief and mental health.
- Difficulty level: Moderate; the nonlinear narrative requires attentive reading.
- Why read it: Provides a compelling exploration of the human psyche, grief, and the process of healing.
19. The Only Girl in the World
- Author: Maude Julien
- About: Maude Julien recounts her harrowing childhood, where she was subjected to extreme isolation and abuse by her parents as part of a cruel experiment to create a “superhuman.”
- Style of writing: Unflinching and detailed, providing a stark portrayal of her traumatic upbringing.
- Length: Approximately 288 pages.
- Year written: 2017.
- Emotional impact: Profoundly affecting, highlighting the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.
- Difficulty level: Moderate; the subject matter is intense and may be challenging for some readers.
- Why read it: Offers a testament to the strength of the human will and the capacity to overcome extreme circumstances.
20. The Rules Do Not Apply
- Author: Ariel Levy
- About: Ariel Levy shares her personal journey through love, loss, and self-discovery, detailing how she rebuilt her life after experiencing profound personal tragedies.
- Style of writing: Candid and reflective, blending memoir with broader contemplations on life's unpredictability.
- Length: Approximately 224 pages.
- Year written: 2017.
- Emotional impact: Heartfelt and thought-provoking, encouraging readers to reflect on their own lives and the nature of resilience.
- Difficulty level: Moderate; accessible prose with profound insights.
- Why read it: Provides a nuanced exploration of personal loss and the journey toward self-acceptance.
Conclusion
If you loved Educated by Tara Westover, I think you’ll find these books just as powerful, with their stories of resilience, self-discovery, and the life-changing impact of education. While all 20 books on this list are worth reading, The Sound of Gravel by Ruth Wariner, North of Normal by Cea Sunrise Person, and Breaking Night by Liz Murray stood out the most to me. Each one follows a journey of overcoming hardship, breaking free from a difficult past, and forging a new future through strength and determination. Personally, I found these memoirs incredibly moving, and I think they’ll leave a lasting impact on anyone who enjoys stories of survival, unconventional upbringings, and the pursuit of knowledge against all odds.
