Pairing 'Educated' by Tara Westover with a light and refreshing Elderflower Spritz complements the homemade vegetable soup perfectly. The book's introspective nature aligns with the comforting and nourishing aspect of the soup, inviting reflection and mindfulness. The Elderflower Spritz, with its floral and sparkling qualities, provides a refreshing contrast and enhances the reading experience, making it ideal for a cozy book club evening. Together, they create a harmonious balance of flavors and emotions, offering a complete sensory experience.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup spinach or kale, chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and chop all the vegetables as directed.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
- Add the Vegetables: Stir in the carrots, celery, bell pepper, zucchini, and green beans. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Simmer the Soup: Add the corn, diced tomatoes (with juices), and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir in the thyme, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook the Soup: Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Finish with Greens: Stir in the spinach or kale and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the greens are wilted.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Educated
A memoir by Tara Westover, recounting her journey from a remote survivalist home in Idaho to earning a PhD from Cambridge University. The book explores themes of family, education, and self-invention.
#1 NEW YORK TIMES, WALL STREET JOURNAL, AND BOSTON GLOBE BESTSELLER • One of the most acclaimed books of our time: an unforgettable memoir about a young woman who, kept out of school, leaves her survivalist family and goes on to earn a PhD from Cambridge University “Extraordinary . . . an act of courage and self-invention.”—The New York Times NAMED ONE OF THE TEN BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW • ONE OF PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA’S FAVORITE BOOKS OF THE YEAR • BILL GATES’S HOLIDAY READING LIST • FINALIST: National Book Critics Circle’s Award In Autobiography and John Leonard Prize For Best First Book • PEN/Jean Stein Book Award • Los Angeles Times Book Prize Born to survivalists in the mountains of Idaho, Tara Westover was seventeen the first time she set foot in a classroom. Her family was so isolated from mainstream society that there was no one to ensure the children received an education, and no one to intervene when one of Tara’s older brothers became violent. When another brother got himself into college, Tara decided to try a new kind of life. Her quest for knowledge transformed her, taking her over oceans and across continents, to Harvard and to Cambridge University. Only then would she wonder if she’d traveled too far, if there was still a way home. “Beautiful and propulsive . . . Despite the singularity of [Westover’s] childhood, the questions her book poses are universal: How much of ourselves should we give to those we love? And how much must we betray them to grow up?”—Vogue ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: The Washington Post, O: The Oprah Magazine, Time, NPR, Good Morning America, San Francisco Chronicle, The Guardian, The Economist, Financial Times, Newsday, New York Post, theSkimm, Refinery29, Bloomberg, Self, Real Simple, Town & Country, Bustle, Paste, Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, LibraryReads, Book Riot, Pamela Paul, KQED, New York Public Library
Discussion Questions
- How does Tara Westover's upbringing influence her perspective and decisions throughout the book?
- Discuss the role of education in the memoir. How does it act as a catalyst for change in Tara's life?
- How does Tara's relationship with her family evolve over the course of the memoir?
- What does 'Educated' suggest about the nature of truth and memory?
- How do Tara Westover’s beliefs and values change as she becomes more educated?
- In what ways does 'Educated' challenge preconceived notions about family loyalty and betrayal?
- Discuss the impact of isolation on the Westover family. How does this isolation affect Tara?
- How does the memoir address the theme of identity?
- Reflect on the title 'Educated'. What does it mean to be truly educated according to Tara's experiences?
- How did you feel about the memoir's ending? Was it satisfying, or did it leave you wanting more?
Authors:
Tara Westover
ISBN: 978-0399590504
Publisher: Random House
Published Date: 2018-02-20
ISBN: 978-0399590504
Publisher: Random House
Published Date: 2018-02-20
Elderflower Spritz
A light and floral effervescent drink that brings a refreshing sparkle to any occasion. It's made with elderflower cordial, sparkling water, and a twist of lemon, perfect for pairing with light meals and reflective reading sessions.
Ingredients
- 2 oz elderflower cordial
- 4 oz sparkling water
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slices for garnish
- Fresh mint leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Fill a glass with ice cubes.
- Pour the elderflower cordial over the ice.
- Top with sparkling water and stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with a slice of lemon and a sprig of fresh mint, if using.
- Serve immediately.