An incredible story of a girl achieving so much despite a childhood of cruelty and bigotry. The influence of family seemed so strong even when harsh cruelty and deprivation was in evidence. To create a satisfying life after this start, must be difficult, if not impossible. I wonder about her future.

A very honest account of growing up in a dysfunctional family where brutality is accepted as the norm. Tara is a good example of how a person can overcome their past when they open themselves to new ideas and possibilities.

The group thought the book was well-written and a compelling read. However they found the accidents and instances of cruelty shocking. There was lots of discussion around family power and control, religion, education and the price paid by some family members for forging their own path.

We all enjoyed the book very much and it made us thankful for the wonderful childhood we all had. Brought up the bullying some of us experienced at school. Great discussion!

Excellent.

We all loved the book. A fresh, in depth, really honest story of Tara's journey. We felt as if we were journeying with her - and at times we all felt frustrated by her choices, but we also recognised the universal themes and how entangling families can be - as well as how difficult change can be.

We all found this book very compelling. Highly recommended. Great discussion.

Our group loved the book and thought it a compelling read, very well written. Parts of it were disturbingly confronting, with family violence, lack of appropriate treatment for serious injury, etc. Amazing how one family member could have such a forceful effect on his wife and children with his fundamentalist views. Distinctly showed the perceived value of girls versus men, based on religious belief. If it hadn't been an actual memoir it would be hard to believe someone without education at the age of seventeen could go on to achieve a doctorate. Well recommended.

Our group highly recommends this book. Ultimately inspiring but also shocking and very thought provoking. Great discussion. Would be unbelievable (almost) if fiction.

We enjoyed the book in spite of the topics of religious fervour, patriarchal power, physical and psychological abuse. Westover highlighted the challenges of family loyalty, her determination to become educated and free to lead her own life, knowing the family would turn their backs on her. We found the book gripping, well written, and an incredible insight into her strong spirit. One comment "I found it 'breathtaking' reading how this family lived". Our discussion centred on religion, patriarchal power, the effect these have on early childhood and eventually the 'choices' made in adult life.

Great discussion with a variety of views on the events, and motivation of the author. Brought up many opinions on the role of family and self-determination.

Only scored 4 due to distressing content. An inspirational story beautifully worded of one person's rise above a life of abuse, physical and psychological. Generated the best discussion we've had in years. Highly recommended.

It is a fascinating and horrifying book. It was hard to put down. The acceptance of violence within the family was disturbing to read. Tara's determination was awe inspiring.

A number of members were "blown away' by this book, amazed that someone is those circumstances could go on to achieve the things she did. if it wasn't true it would be unbelievable. Well written.

Great book! All enjoyed.

This book almost(!) lived up to the near-rapturous critics' comments on the cover, though we didn't find it either "joyous" or heart breaking". But otherwise, yes - it was "an unflinching account of love and brutality, of the strength of blood ties, and the power of imagination...remarkable". And we all found it amazing, fascinating and compulsively readable.

A number of our group had already read this book but gained from a second read. A powerful if brutal memoir, but ultimately uplifting. A great book.

Compelling, raw, powerful and beautifully written. Resonates with the idea of hope and the power of education.

Interestingly, our one low score came from someone who grew up in an area surrounded by 'religious fanatics'. The rest of us found it compelling and shocking reading. Would have been completely unbelievable if fiction.