Dear Bookclub,
Educated. Being raised off the 'grid' reminded me immediately of another family: that of Doc Paskowitz. A passionate surfer, the lifestyle claimed after being unhappy as a Stanford educated physician, Paskowitz imposed his philosophy of education, money and health upon his family.
As stated in Wikipedia:
"None of the Paskowitz children were formally educated during their time on the road. Paskowitz's philosophy about the difference between knowledge and wisdom led him to believe that the formal education systems in all the countries of the world were not useful. He believed that achieving wisdom came from real experiences in the world, and from meeting and learning from everyday people. He believed formal education was dangerous to young minds, despite being a Stanford graduate and a professor at community colleges, including Palomar College."
To learn more about Doc Paskowitz, please see the documentary, "Surfwise" and/or check out the article:
http://www.latimes.com/local/obituaries/la-me-dorian-doc-paskowitz-20141114-story.html
But let's conside Tara Westover: A distortion of reality is how she describes her upbringing. She journeys through the pain and the truth that much of her childhood was beautiful despite the grossly abusive scenario.
"How an abused Mormon child read her way into a top university."* Westover's book begins with a statement declaring that it is not necessarily Mormonism that created her situation but that of an extremist:in this case, a fundamentalist Mormon.
*https://www.noted.co.nz/currently/profiles/how-an-abused-mormon-child-read-her-way-into-a-top-university/
And a deeply ingrained upbringing:
Tara sings a Mormon hymn:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlO_QkqQ9cE
Discussion centered on the harm of being raised by a mentally ill parent vs. Mormon beliefs will be most appropriate.
Kate's suggestions for an upcoming read are yet to be announced.
Studious reading,
LK
