Tara Westover Husband Drew Mecham plays a significant role in her personal story, but Tara’s journey goes far beyond her relationship.
Born in 1986, she was raised in a survivalist family with strict Mormon homeschooling practices, far from conventional education.
Despite these challenges, Tara’s memoir, Educated, highlights her transformation, which led her to earn a Cambridge PhD and become a bestselling author.
Her powerful tale of overcoming adversity through education resonates with readers worldwide, proving that it is possible to break free from limiting beliefs and circumstances.
Tara’s story is a testament to the importance of resilience, personal growth, and the life-changing impact of education.
Profile Summary
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Tara Westover |
| Born | 1986 |
| Age | 39 years old (as of 2025) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Author, Educator, Public Speaker |
| Famous Work | Educated (Memoir) |
| Net Worth | Estimated to be around $4 million (as of 2025) |
| Education | PhD in History from the University of Cambridge |
| Family Background | Raised in a survivalist family with strong Mormon beliefs |
| Spouse | Drew Mecham (husband) |
| Social Media | Active presence on various platforms |
| Achievements | Bestselling memoir, awards, and public speaking engagements |
Who Is Tara Westover, Bestselling Author?
She is a bestselling author known for her powerful story of personal growth and resilience. She became famous for her memoir Educated, which shares her life as a child growing up in a family that practiced Mormon homeschooling.
Her parents kept her isolated from the outside world, which meant she didn’t receive a traditional education. Despite this, Tara’s natural curiosity pushed her to seek out learning and education later in life. She eventually attended Brigham Young University and earned a PhD from Cambridge University.
Tara’s journey from a survivalist upbringing to a world-class education is a story of perseverance. In her memoir, Tara shows how she overcame many challenges, including her family’s strict beliefs, to achieve her dreams. Her book is a powerful message about the importance of education and determination.
It’s not just about her academic journey but also about personal transformation and finding strength in the face of adversity. Her life is an inspiring example of how one can overcome any obstacle through education and will power.
Tara Westover Net Worth
Tara Westover net worth is currently estimated at around $4 million. A large portion of her wealth comes from the success of her bestselling memoir, Educated. The book has been translated into many languages and continues to inspire readers worldwide.
As a result, Tara’s financial success has skyrocketed since the release of her book. In addition to book sales, Tara has earned money through public speaking engagements.
She shares her powerful story of personal growth and overcoming adversity, which has made her a sought after speaker. Tara’s achievements also include several prestigious awards, like the 2018 Goodreads Choice Award for Memoir & Autobiography.
Early Life
Tara’s early life was anything but typical. She was born into a family background steeped in survivalist beliefs, living off the grid in rural Idaho.
Her parents, Gene Westover and Faye Westover, held rigid views that rejected modern medicine, formal schooling, and government intervention.
Tara’s early life was shaped by these beliefs, which led to her being homeschooled in a way that lacked traditional education.
Growing up with limited exposure to the outside world, Tara’s educational journey started much later than most. However, her innate hunger for knowledge was undeniable.
Tara Westover Family
Tara’s family background was one of isolation and self-reliance. Her parents, Gene Westover and Faye Westover, were strict and adhered to a set of beliefs that kept them disconnected from mainstream society.
Gene was a fervent believer in Mormon homeschooling and often distrusted formal education, thinking it was a threat to his way of life.
Faye, although less extreme, followed her husband’s lead. This unique family dynamic significantly impacted Tara’s ability to receive an education.
Gene Westover
Gene Westover was Tara’s father, and his survivalist mindset heavily influenced the family’s way of life.
He didn’t believe in sending his children to school, and he was deeply opposed to the government and organized institutions.
This mindset made Tara’s family belief system very different from what most children experience.
Faye Westover
Faye Westover, Tara’s mother, had a less extreme perspective compared to her husband but still shared his views on education.
While she did teach Tara and her siblings at home, her methods were unstructured and lacked a formal educational framework.
Faye’s role in Tara’s early life was complex, she was both a nurturing figure but also complicit in the limited opportunities Tara had for formal education.
Tara Westover Husband: Drew Mecham
Tara Westover Husband, Drew Mecham, is a private individual who has largely stayed out of the public eye. They met while Tara was attending college, and Drew has been a significant support throughout her journey.
Tara has spoken briefly about their relationship in interviews, revealing that Drew has played a key role in helping her adjust to life beyond her strict, survivalist upbringing.
Although Tara has kept most of their personal life private, their bond has been an essential part of her transformation and success.
Tara Westover Husband Drew’s presence in her life stands as a grounding influence as she navigated the challenges of higher education and public life.
For further insights into Tara’s personal life, her memoir Educated touches on various aspects of her experiences, including her relationship with Drew and her family.
Tara Westover Siblings
Tara had several siblings, and they played a significant role in shaping her worldview. Growing up in a family background where traditional education was largely disregarded, Tara and her siblings shared an experience of isolation.
However, Tara’s relationships with her siblings were complicated, and many of them did not support her decision to pursue a formal education.
This created tension within the family, especially as Tara began to change and seek a life outside of the belief system she had been raised in.
Sibling Dynamics
The dynamics between Tara and her siblings were marked by deep emotional conflict. Some of her siblings supported her educational pursuits, while others stayed loyal to the family’s survivalist lifestyle.
Tara’s decisions to pursue education strained these relationships, as her family could not understand her desire for more than what their isolated world offered.
Family Belief System
The family belief system that Tara was raised in was rooted in the rejection of traditional societal norms. Tara’s parents believed that education was unnecessary, and modern institutions were inherently corrupt.
This belief system led to Tara being kept out of school for much of her childhood. The impact of beliefs on education was significant in Tara’s life, and she writes about the effects of this isolation in her memoir Educated.
Impact of Beliefs on Education
The impact of her family belief system on Tara’s education was profound. Tara was kept at home, learning survivalist skills rather than academics.
She didn’t have access to books, formal teaching, or any kind of structured curriculum. This lack of education put Tara at a severe disadvantage when she eventually sought formal education later in life.
Education: From Mormon Homeschooling to Cambridge PhD
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Despite her limited early education, Tara’s thirst for knowledge was insatiable. After Mormon homeschooling, Tara decided to pursue higher education at Brigham Young University at the age of 17.
She had to start from scratch, learning subjects she had never encountered. Her educational journey was filled with challenges, but her determination saw her through.
After earning her degree from Brigham Young University, Tara continued her studies at the University of Cambridge, where she earned a PhD. Her story is a true testament to resilience in education.
Tara Westover Age, Height, and Weight
| Attribute | Details |
| Birth Year | 1986 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 39 years old |
| Height | 5’8″ |
| Weight | Healthy weight |
| Lifestyle | Balanced post education |
Career
After completing her PhD, Tara’s career really started to take off. She found her passion in public speaking, where she could share her story and inspire others. Tara’s experiences, especially overcoming challenges, made her a powerful speaker.
She often talks about the importance of education, how it can change lives, and the power of personal growth. Her message resonated with many people, leading her to become a popular speaker.
Tara now regularly appears at conferences and events, where her voice is heard on topics like resilience, education, and social justice.
Educated (A Bestseller of Resilience)
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Tara memoir, Educated, became an international bestseller and was widely praised for its raw and unflinching portrayal of her life.
The book is not just about Tara’s educational journey but also about overcoming adversity and transforming her life. It explores the tension between Tara’s family belief system and her desire for education.
The impact of an Educated book on readers has been profound, with many finding it a source of inspiration for their own personal growth.
Awards
Tara memoir Educated has earned many awards. It was named one of the best books of the year by multiple publications.
The book’s success is a clear sign of how deeply it has touched readers. Its powerful message of personal growth and education resonates with many.
These awards show the lasting impact Tara’s story has had. Her journey from isolation to education is an inspiration, and the recognition highlights the strength of her message.
Impact on Tara Life
Tara’s memoir completely changed her life. The success of Educated opened up many doors for her. She went from being a girl with no formal education to becoming a well respected PhD holder.
This transformation inspired many people who also faced challenges in their lives. Tara’s story showed that it’s never too late to change your future, no matter where you start. Tara’s book also gave her a platform to share her story with the world.
As a public speaker, she now motivates others to overcome adversity. Her personal journey of growth and resilience is a powerful message for anyone striving for better opportunities. Tara’s life is proof that with determination, anyone can achieve their dreams.
Resilience and Transformation
Tara’s journey is a story of resilience and transformation. Overcoming the limitations of her upbringing, she embraced education and personal growth.
Her story proves that personal growth through adversity is possible, no matter the circumstances.
The Impact of Tara Westover Bestselling Book “Educated”
Tara memoir, Educated, has had a huge impact on readers around the world. The book brings attention to important topics like homeschooling, education, and overcoming obstacles.
It encourages readers to think about how education can change lives, even when faced with difficult situations. Tara’s story shows that no matter where you come from, education can offer a way out of hardship and open up new possibilities.
The success of Educated has sparked conversations about the traditional ideas of education. People are now more aware of the challenges many face in getting an education, especially those with unusual or strict backgrounds.
Tara’s memoir proves that, even with a tough start, it is possible to transform your life and achieve success through learning and determination.
Social Media Overview
| Platform | Followers | Link |
| 75.1K+ | Click Here | |
| 22.5K+ | Click Here | |
| Threads | 3,3K+ | Click Here |
| 79K+ | Click Here | |
| Website | Click Here |
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Conclusion
Tara Westover husband, Drew Mecham, is an important part of her personal life, but her incredible journey is defined by much more.
From her survivalist upbringing to earning a Cambridge PhD, Tara’s transformation is a testament to the power of education and perseverance.
Her bestselling memoir, Educated, continues to inspire those who face adversity and challenges in their own lives.
Tara’s story proves that no matter where you start, education can be the key to unlocking a future full of possibilities, shaping not only her success but also her growth as a person.
FAQ’s
What is Tara Westover net worth?
Tara Westover net worth is estimated to be $4 million, primarily due to the success of her memoir Educated.
Who is Tara Westover married to?
Drew Mecham married Tara Westover and played a crucial role in fostering her personal and professional growth.
What is Tara Westover’s educational background?
Tara Earned a PhD from the University of Cambridge after completing her undergraduate degree at Brigham Young University.
