If you enjoy reading books by Tara Westover then you might also like the following authors:
Jeannette Walls writes powerful memoirs that stick with you. Her book, “The Glass Castle,” recounts her unconventional and often harsh childhood with parents who were loving but wildly irresponsible.
As a little girl, she cooked hot dogs by herself when her parents didn’t step in. Her father, a dreamer with big ideas, often promised to build them a magical glass house, but his plans always fell apart.
The book shows her journey from a chaotic upbringing to creating a stable life for herself. Fans of Tara Westover’s “Educated” might find inspiration in Walls’ story of resilience and self-reliance.
Cheryl Strayed is a memoirist who writes with raw honesty and emotional depth. Her book “Wild” tells the story of her solo hike along the Pacific Crest Trail, a journey she undertook to heal after her mother’s death and the unraveling of her marriage.
As she faces physical challenges on the trail, like losing her boots and encountering dangerous wildlife, she also confronts the pain and mistakes of her past. It’s a story about pushing forward, even when everything inside of you feels broken.
Readers who enjoyed Tara Westover’s exploration of personal growth in “Educated” might find “Wild” equally compelling for its focus on resilience and self-discovery.
Mary Karr is known for her raw and honest memoirs. Her book, “The Liars’ Club,” paints a vivid picture of her chaotic childhood in a small Texas town. She recounts life with her sharp-tongued, rebellious mother and her father, who spins wild stories at the local bar.
The book dives into the messy, heartbreaking events that shaped her early years, mixing dark humor with moments of warmth. Fans of personal stories that peel back layers of family dynamics might find her work hard to put down.
Elizabeth Gilbert is an author known for her storytelling that often explores personal transformation. Her book “Eat, Pray, Love” follows her journey after a difficult divorce.
She sets out on a year-long trip to Italy, India, and Indonesia, searching for pleasure, spirituality, and balance. In Italy, she indulges in food and learns to enjoy life’s simple moments. In India, she focuses on meditation and inner peace.
In Indonesia, she finds unexpected connections that change her perspective on love and happiness. The book is deeply personal and gives readers a glimpse into her search for meaning and fulfillment.
Anne Lamott is an author known for her honest and heartfelt writing that explores life’s struggles and joys with humor and depth. In her book “Bird by Bird,” she shares her insights about writing and life, drawing from her own experiences.
The book offers practical advice and tells stories about her journey as a writer, including moments of self-doubt and discovery.
Her tone is warm and relatable, and her reflections about creativity and perseverance might resonate with readers who enjoy Tara Westover’s thoughtful storytelling.
Joan Didion is a writer known for her sharp observations and precise storytelling. Her book “The Year of Magical Thinking” offers a deeply personal look at grief and loss. It recounts the year after the sudden death of her husband, John, while also caring for their ill daughter.
Didion reflects on memory, love, and the ways people try to make sense of the unimaginable. The book is raw and honest, with scenes that draw you into her world and make you feel the weight of her experience.
Glennon Doyle is a writer known for sharing her personal experiences in a way that feels honest and raw. Her book “Untamed” is a mix of memoir and reflection, where she talks about breaking away from societal expectations to live her truth.
She writes about her journey of self-discovery, her relationship with her wife, and how she found strength by learning to trust herself. The stories are filled with moments that challenge ideas about love, identity, and being true to who you are.
Trevor Noah is a comedian and storyteller who shares his life growing up in apartheid-era South Africa in his book, “Born a Crime.”
The book is a memoir of his childhood and young adulthood under a system that classified his very existence as illegal due to his mixed-race heritage.
Through a mix of humor and heartfelt moments, Noah talks about his relationship with his fearless mother, navigating poverty, and the harsh realities of systemic racism.
One striking story involves his mother tossing him out of a moving vehicle to save his life during a dangerous encounter—a moment that shows both her bravery and the risks they faced daily.
Sue Monk Kidd writes stories that explore family, identity, and personal growth. Her book, “The Secret Life of Bees,” follows a young girl named Lily Owens who runs away with her caregiver, Rosaleen, in the segregated South of the 1960s.
They find refuge with three sisters who keep bees and produce honey. The story weaves themes of love and forgiveness as Lily uncovers truths about her late mother. It’s filled with vivid details that keep the setting alive.
Maya Angelou was an author, poet, and storyteller who wrote with a voice that felt personal and honest. Her book, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” is an autobiographical account of her early life. In it, she shares the challenges she faced growing up in the segregated South.
The book explores her experiences with racism, identity, and finding her voice after serious hardships. Angelou’s writing gives life to the pain and resilience of her younger self, making her story unforgettable.
Fans of Tara Westover’s “Educated” might appreciate how Angelou grounds her story in real-life struggles while shining a light on perseverance.
Kristin Hannah writes emotional and heartfelt stories that often explore family dynamics and personal resilience. One of her books, “The Nightingale,” tells the story of two sisters in France during World War II.
Each takes a different path to survive and resist the challenges of the Nazi occupation. One risks her life for the resistance, while the other works to protect her family. It’s a moving tale of courage and sacrifice in the face of unimaginable hardship.
Fans of Tara Westover’s focus on strength and survival may find Hannah’s characters relatable and her stories unforgettable.
Michelle Obama, the former First Lady of the United States, shares her personal journey in her memoir, “Becoming.” The book takes you through her childhood growing up on the South Side of Chicago, her time at Princeton and Harvard, and her career as a lawyer.
It also shines a light on her experiences balancing life as a mother and her role in the White House. Her reflections on finding her voice and navigating life’s challenges are both relatable and inspiring.
Brené Brown is an author and researcher who explores topics like vulnerability, courage, and human connection. In her book “Braving the Wilderness,” she examines what it means to truly belong and how that can feel even when you stand alone.
She shares personal stories and research, showing how stepping into discomfort and embracing authenticity leads to stronger connections in life. Fans of Tara Westover’s introspective and self-discovery-focused storytelling might find Brené’s work insightful and relatable.
Hillary Rodham Clinton is a former First Lady, Senator, and Secretary of State who has also made a mark as an author. In her memoir “Living History,” she reflects on her life, from her early years in Illinois to her experiences in the White House.
The book shares stories about her family, her work as a lawyer, and her role in shaping policies. Clinton also writes about the challenges she faced during her time as First Lady and her efforts to address issues like health care and education.
Her personal narrative offers a look at both her public and private life with honesty and detail.
Sherman Alexie is a storyteller known for bringing personal experiences to life through his writing. His book “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” follows Junior, a teenager growing up on the Spokane Indian Reservation.
Junior decides to attend an all-white high school outside the reservation, where he struggles with identity, friendships, and the weight of his heritage. The story mixes humor with moments of deep honesty, highlighting the challenges of navigating two very different worlds.