Educated

File this under HOLY HELL! That is one insane memoir, you won't be able to stop shaking your head in disbelief as Tara Westover recounts her childhood and formative years growing up in a survivalist Mormon family in rural Idaho. Tara was "homeschooled," but in reality she had to teach herself everything; her mother let her and her siblings "learn at their own pace" and her father thought that anytime spent sitting around whoring after knowledge was time wasted. There was a junkyard to run after all! Tara was mercilessly abused by one of her older brothers and taught from a young age that the Illuminati were controlling everything which is why she had no birth certificate or any records indicating that she even existed. Her family refused to go to formal schools, to doctors (not even for the severe stuff!), or to anything. They were content hoarding supplies for the end of days. As Tara ages she gradually becomes aware that she should leave to figure things out on her own, but it's hard to cut ties with her family, even when they insist on dragging her down. I couldn't put this book down, you have to read it to believe it. The fact that Tara survived a very unconventional and dangerous upbringing is impressive, as is the fact that she has been so successful in her advanced education. A must read!

A Song for Issy Bradley

I almost felt like a voyeur reading this book. It did such an amazing job of capturing this family that I had to keep reminding myself that they were fictional characters and I wasn't peering through a window into someone's life. Carys Bray does an amazing job of bringing to life this dysfunctional Mormon family that has to deal with an unthinkable loss.

Viewed through the eyes of every family member, this story of love, loss, and religion tells a powerful tale. Issy, a four year old girl falls ill and suddenly dies leaving her family to cope with her loss. Her father, Bishop Ian, decides to use this time of mourning as an example for his congregation on how to rise above and trust in Jesus. Issy's mom, on the other hand, finds that she is unable to cope and can hardly get out of bed. Zipporah and Alma take out their anger and sorrow at Issy's sudden death by acting out and pushing the limits of their Mormon faith. Jacob, the closest in age to Issy, harbors a hope that Issy will return from the dead if he only has enough faith. Laugh out loud funny, heart wrenching, and real, this intimate family story will have readers clamoring for more. A wonderful debut and insightful look at the Mormon faith.

I received this book for free from Librarything in return for my honest, unbiased review.