The book opens up a world of internal contradictions and the struggle for one's own identity—and this is only part of its magic. You can read more about it in our Educated book summary. But what do you do when the last page is turned, and you are inspired to read more about strong characters?
We have collected ten books like Educated that will give you similar emotions, inspiration, and deep reflection. These stories of growth, education, and overcoming difficult life circumstances are exactly what you need if you want to continue your journey with such inspiring works.
1. The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
The Glass Castle book by Jeannette Walls is a touching memoir that reveals the author's difficult childhood in an unconventional, chaotic family. Jeannette Walls grew up in an environment where education and social standards were almost unattainable due to her parents' eccentric views.
The author describes her childhood's difficult but vivid moments when her parents forced her and her siblings to overcome incredible hardships while promising a bright future in an imaginary “glass castle.” The similarities with Educated can be seen in the themes of self-determination and the desire to learn and go beyond parental restrictions.
2. All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
“Open your eyes and see what you can with them before they close forever,” this quote accurately conveys the atmosphere of All the Light We Cannot See book, which tells the story of a blind girl, Marie-Laure, who tries to survive in a French city occupied by the Nazis during World War II. In parallel unfolds the story of a German boy, Werner, who grew up in an orphanage and joined the Nazi army. Their fates intersect, creating a powerful contrast between evil and humanity.
Like Educated, this book explores the power of the individual spirit in the face of irreconcilable odds.
3. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
This is the story of two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, who fight for survival in France during World War II. One tries to protect her children, while the other joins the resistance movement, risking her own life. Nevertheless, the stories of both girls vividly describe the formation of their personalities.
The book raises the question of the female spirit's strength and ability to withstand life's trials. The Nightingale book focuses on patriotism and loss, while Educated explores inner transformation through learning and self-discovery.
4. I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
Despite its eccentric title, the subject matter of this book has resonated with millions of readers around the world. This is Jennette McCurdy's confession about living under the rule of a controlling mother who manipulated her career and emotions. Jennette describes her healing journey after her mother’s death and emotional liberation.
The protagonist also goes through a difficult path from neglect to independence. But while Tara in Educated seeks salvation through education, Jennet from the book I'm Glad My Mom Died explores the deep emotional trauma caused by her family and seeks personal healing through public acknowledgment of the truth. You can learn more about how she did that in the I’m Glad My Mom Died book summary.
5. The Women by Kristin Hannah
This book tells the story of women who worked on the front lines during the Vietnam War. They were not only nurses but also fighters for survival in an environment dominated by men, ideologies, and broken human destinies. The war changed everyone, but there were also people who found the strength to move on.
Similar to Educated, Kristin Hannah’s The Women book shows how women can withstand harsh circumstances and remain strong. However, this book focuses on the historical and social context of the war, which is different from the personal journey to self-identification through education in Educated.
6. Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah
In his memoir, Trevor Noah describes his childhood in apartheid South Africa, where his very existence was a crime because of his mixed heritage. Even though the book is full of harrowing stories and sharp social criticism, the author's humor and optimistic attitude help make it easy to read.
Like Educated, this story reflects the struggle for self-determination and finding your way in a world that doesn't understand you. In contrast to Tara's educational approach, Trevor shows how humor and creativity helped him resist inequality. Read our Born a Crime summary to find out the whole story.
7. When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
“I can't go on. I'll go on,” this is how the author of this book describes his struggle with a terrible disease. Paul Kalanithi was a neurosurgeon who found out that he had cancer at the peak of his career. The book embodies his reflections on life, death, and the meaning of existence.
The book also shows the inner journey of an individual facing great challenges with the emphasis on the philosophy of death and the value of time. You can read more about this extraordinary story in our When Breath Becomes Air book summary.
8. North of Normal: A Memoir of My Wilderness Childhood, My Unusual Family, and How I Survived Both by Cea Sunrise Person
North of Normal book is a fascinating memoir that tells the story of the author's unusual childhood in the wild forests of Canada. Her life with her family, who were deeply committed to the ideals of the counterculture of the 60s and 70s, consisted of constant moves, short of electricity and other conveniences of civilization. Childhood surrounded by nature, despite its romantic appearance, was full of difficulties and challenges.
Both books touch on the theme of family pressure and the need to go beyond the limiting beliefs instilled since childhood. Person turns to her inner strength and experience of survival in nature, which eventually helps her find her “normal” life.
9. The Sound of Gravel by Ruth Wariner
The Sound of Gravel book tells the story of Ruth Wariner, who grew up in a polygamous Mormon family. She describes her difficult childhood and her escape from a violent belief system, a moment that began to shape her personality.
The author uses her example to demonstrate how religion can be a tool of control and manipulation. However, unlike in Educated, the protagonist finds freedom through escape from the whole community, not education.
10. Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight by Alexandra Fuller
This is a vivid and profound memoir in which the author tells about her childhood in Africa. Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight book immerses the reader in the world of the complex, tense life of a white settler’s family amidst political conflicts and instability. Alexandra describes the harsh conditions of life on the farm, her harsh upbringing, the losses in her family, and the struggle for survival in African agriculture.
Through poignant and sometimes humorous sketches, the author skillfully shows how her family adapts to the difficulties of life in Africa and how this childhood shaped her character and worldview. As in Educated by Tara Westover, this book reveals the theme of family dynamics and its influence on the formation of the individual.
Each book on this list is unique in its own way, but they all reveal similar internal conflicts and challenges that make us think about the impact of upbringing and life circumstances on the formation of a personality. Memoirs like Educated offer millions of readers a powerful narrative about overcoming adversity and building resilience. If Educated struck a chord with you, these stories will definitely move you and make you reconsider your own life circumstances and thoughts about family, education, and personal growth.
