Who Is Tara Westover? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on September 27, 1986, Tara Westover is an acclaimed American historian, author, and speaker known for her bestselling memoir, Educated. Her journey from an isolated childhood in rural Idaho, where she was raised in a strict survivalist family, to earning a PhD from the University of Cambridge is nothing short of inspirational. As of 2025, Tara Westover is 38 years old and has continued to make significant contributions to literature and academia.
Occupation | Historian |
---|---|
Date of Birth | September 27, 1986 |
Age | 38 Years |
Birth Place | Clifton, Idaho, United States |
Horoscope | Libra |
Country | U.S |
Popularity
Tara Westover's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Tara Westover stands at an impressive height of 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) and maintains a healthy weight of approximately 130 lbs (59 kg). Her body measurements are estimated to be 36-27-36, contributing to her graceful and approachable image in public appearances.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
While Tara Westover often speaks about her family dynamics in her works, she has maintained a degree of privacy regarding her personal relationships. As of 2025, it is reported that she is dating someone, although the name and details of her boyfriend have not been disclosed publicly. Tara's commitment to keeping her personal life separate from her professional persona is evident, and she focuses on her literary and academic endeavors.
Westover was the youngest of seven children born in Clifton, Idaho (population 259) to Mormon survivalist parents. She has five older brothers and an older sister. Her parents were suspicious of doctors, hospitals, public schools, and the federal government. She was not registered for a birth certificate until she was nine years old.
Their father resisted getting formal medical treatment for any of the family. Even when seriously injured, the children were treated only by their mother, who had studied herbalism and other methods of alternative healing.
Net Worth and Salary
Tara Westover's net worth in 2025 is estimated to be around $1 million. This income primarily stems from her successful writing career, speaking engagements, and academic positions. Her memoir Educated has not only gained widespread popularity but has also been nominated for several prestigious awards, further boosting her earning potential.
Career, Business and Investments
Tara Westover's career soared after the release of her memoir Educated, which has sold over 2 million copies worldwide. In addition to her writing, she has secured teaching positions at various universities and frequently shares her experiences through keynote addresses and workshops. Tara remains an advocate for education and self-discovery, inspiring many with her story of resilience and personal growth.
As of 2025, she is also exploring opportunities for future publications and potential collaborations, which could diversify her business interests and investments, allowing her to share her message with even broader audiences.
Social Network
Tara Westover actively engages with her readers and fans through various social media platforms. You can follow her on LinkedIn to get updates on her professional life, or on Twitter and Instagram where she shares insights about her work, speaking events, and personal reflections.
- Instagram: @tarawestover
- Twitter: @TWestover
- LinkedIn: Tara Westover
In 2018, Penguin Random House published Westover's Educated: A Memoir, which tells the story of her struggle to reconcile her desire for education and autonomy with her family's rigid ideology and isolated life. The coming-of-age story was a No. 1 New York Times bestseller, and was positively reviewed by the New York Times, The Atlantic Monthly, USA Today, Vogue, and The Economist, among others.
Education
Tara Westover's educational journey is a testament to her determination and resilience. Despite her lack of formal schooling until the age of 17, she taught herself enough to take the ACT and gain acceptance to Brigham Young University. Her relentless pursuit of knowledge led her to earn a BA in history, followed by an MA from the University of Cambridge, and finally, a PhD in history from the same institution. In 2025, she continues to promote the importance of education and lifelong learning through her work and public engagements.
As a teenager, Westover began to want to enter the larger world and attend college. She purchased textbooks and studied independently in order to score well on the ACT test. She gained admission to Brigham Young University and was awarded a scholarship, although she had no high school diploma.
After a difficult first year, in which Westover struggled to adjust to academia and the wider society there, she became more successful and graduated with honors in 2008.