Tara Westover is an American memoirist, essayist, and historian widely recognized for her Memoir Educated. Born in Clifton, Idaho, she grew up in a strict and isolated Mormon survivalist family without traditional schooling or regular medical care.
Despite these limitations, she taught herself enough to pass the ACT, gain admission to Brigham Young University, and ultimately earn a Master’s degree from the University of Cambridge, followed by a doctorate in intellectual history.
Tara Westover’s net worth is estimated at $4 million. Are you curious about how Tara achieved such remarkable financial success? Her story is one of resilience, talent, and the transformative power of education. This article dives into her family dynamics, relationships, and net worth, exploring how her dedication has made her not only a bestselling author but also a self-made millionaire.
Early life
Tara Westover was born in Clifton, Idaho, on September 27, 1986. She was the youngest sibling of five older brothers and one older sister and had Mormon survivalist parents. Tera was delivered by a midwife at home because her parents did not trust doctors, hospitals, or public schools. Even when injured, she was treated by her mother at home without talking to any hospital.
Quick Information
| Attributes | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Tara Westover |
| Date of Birth | September 27, 1986 |
| Nationality | American |
| Residency | London, UK |
| Siblings | Six |
| Spouse | Drew Mecham |
| Age | 38 Years |
| Notable Work | Educated: A Memoir |
| Awards | National Humanities Medal |
| Theme | Education, Resilience, Personal Growth |
| Profession | Author |
| Net Worth | $4 Million |
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Tera Westover Family
Tara Westover’s family consists of her parents, Gene and Faye, and her six siblings:
- Tony: The oldest brother.
- Shawn: The second oldest brother, who was abusive towards Tara.
- Tyler: The third oldest brother, who was the first to pursue higher education.
- Luke: The fourth oldest brother.
- Audrey: The fifth oldest sibling.
- Richard: The youngest brother.
Tara’s parents were Mormon survivalists who taught their children that doctors were dangerous and that school was a form of brainwashing. Tara was born at home and was not registered for a birth certificate until she was nine years old. She and her siblings were homeschooled by their mother, who studied herbalism and alternative healing. Tara worked in her father’s junkyard, where the children often experienced injuries.
Education
She was a teenager who wanted to study outside her family’s house. As her parents didn’t send her to school, Tera was taught by her older brother from a few books at her home. She studied the scriptures of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints without attending lectures, writing, or exams.
Having a keen desire for studies, she bought some books and studied by herself to get good marks in the ACT Exam. She was admitted to Brigham Young University with a scholarship, having no high school diploma. Tera became most successful in 2008 after struggling to overcome difficulties in studies and participating in societies.
After obtaining a Master’s degree from the University of Cambridge at Trinity College as a Gates Cambridge Scholar, she visited Harvard University in 2008. As Tara Westover returned to Trinity College, Cambridge, she received a doctorate in intellectual history in 2014. Her thesis, titled The Family, Morality, and Social Science in Anglo-American Cooperative Thought, 1813-1890, examines cooperative ideals within the context of family and morality during the 19th century.
Tara Westover Age & Husband
Tara Westover is 38 years old and lives in London, UK. Tara Westover is married to Drew Mecham, whom she met while graduating from Cambridge University. He supported her throughout her career, and they married after falling in love. Tera Westover discusses him in her memoir, “Educated,” as a romantic relationship.
Career
Tara got many academic positions as she was highly successful in her book Educated. She was a Fall 2019 A.M. Rosenthal Writer Residence at Harvard Kennedy School Shorenstein Center. At Harvard Kennedy School at Harvard University, Tara Westover was selected as a senior research fellow for Spring 2020. Tara Westover has also written for the New York Times and BBC News speaks at public events, and writes papers.
Educated (A Bestseller of Resilience)
Published in 2018 by Penguin Random House, Educated: A Memoir tells Tara Westover’s journey to education and autonomy against her family’s strict beliefs. This powerful memoir became a No. 1 New York Times bestseller, received widespread acclaim, and was translated into 49 languages.
By November 2024, it had sold over 16 million copies. Though some family members dispute aspects of her story, Educated remains a celebrated tale of resilience and self-discovery.
Tara Westover Net Worth
Tara Westover’s net worth is estimated to be around $4 million. The primary source of her income comes from the sales of her bestselling memoir, which has received international acclaim and numerous awards. In addition to book sales, Westover earns income from her public speaking engagements, lectures, and workshops.
The success of her memoir has also led to media appearances and interviews, further enhancing her financial standing. Despite her financial success, Westover remains committed to her work as a historian and writer, inspiring many with her remarkable journey from a survivalist upbringing in Idaho to achieving academic and literary recognition.
| Source of Income | Estimated Earnings |
|---|
| Memoir Sales | $3,000,000 – $3,500,000 |
| Public Speaking Engagements | $300,000 – $500,000 |
| Media Appearances and Interviews | $100,000 – $200,000 |
| Additional Writing Projects | $100,000 – $200,000 |
| Other Sources (e.g., royalties) | $100,000 – $300,000 |
| Total Estimated Earnings | $3,600,000 – $4,500,000 |
Awards
Tara Westover received the following awards due to her remarkable work:
- National Book Critics Circle Award
- PEN/Jean Stein Book Award
- American Booksellers Association Book of the Year
- Time 100 Most Influential People
- Rosenthal Writer in Residence at Harvard University
- National Humanities Medal
- Best Book of 2018 in Amazon Editors’ Pick
- Apple’s Best Memoir of the Year
- Audible’s Best Memoir of the Year
- Bill Gates’s Holiday Reading List
- Public Life Award in New York Historical Society Women
Social Media Overview
Tara Westover maintains an active presence on social media, particularly on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. She has gained popularity by posting engaging content across her profiles. Tara’s social media highlights her journey from an isolated upbringing in Clifton, Idaho, to her academic success at Brigham Young University and Cambridge.
She focuses on themes of resilience, the transformative power of education, and personal growth. Through reflections from her memoir Educated, she inspires engaging conversations about overcoming adversity. Below are all the social links where you can follow her to stay updated.
| Social Profiles | Links | Followers |
|---|---|---|
| Click Here | 79k | |
| Click Here | 80k | |
| Click Here | 21k |
FAQs
What is Tara Westover’s net worth?
Tara Westover’s net worth is estimated at $4 million.
Did Tara Westover ever marry?
Yes, she is married to Drew Mecham.
What is Tara Westover’s age?
As of 2024, she is 38 years old.
Is Tara Westover still in touch with her family?
No, Tara has largely distanced herself from her family.
What is Tara Westover doing now?
Tara is a historian, writer, and public speaker based in London, UK.
What themes does Tara Westover focus on in her work?
Her work focuses on resilience, education, and personal growth.
