Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover is this year’s required reading for Steinhardt’s Class of 2023.
Chosen by the university for NYU Reads, the memoir will also be discussed in Steinhardt’s New Student Seminar, a course that offers students a way to explore their role in community using the reading as a guide.
In Educated, Westover recounts how the desire to learn helped her rise above the staggering challenges of her upbringing.
Raised by an overbearing, survivalist father and a mother who found personal salvation in work as a midwife and herbalist, Tara recounts a childhood of psychological and physical abuse, where, despite her obstacles, she managed to find her way to Brigham Young University.
“Educated shows us that success is possible regardless of your background,” said Delmy Lendof, Steinhardt’s associate dean for students affairs. "I hope the book will inspire our new students to reach beyond the subjects they are familiar with and embrace the amazing diversity of learning opportunities that NYU has to offer.