Chapter 26: Waiting for the Moving Water
Who does Tara want to talk to about Shawn's abuse after the announcement of their engagement?
Instead of studying music during the fall semester of her junior year at BYU, which courses does Tara decide to take?
Geography and comparative politics, and history of the Jews
What internal conflict is Tara facing in this chapter alone?
Tara is torn between staying loyal to her family and accepting the reality of their abuse and control.
How does Tara’s sense of identity change in this chapter?
Tara begins to define herself independantly from her family more and she starts to see that she can have her own beliefs.
“But mixed in with sadness, I also felt hope”
Tara Westover (Chapter 26)
What does Tara do a week after Emily and Shawn's wedding?
She breaks up with Nick.
After talking with her friend Josh about choosing courses for the next semester, what does Tara wonder about herself?
How she could be a woman and be drawn to unwomanly things
How does this chapter show the tensions between family loyalty and individual growth?
Tara begins to understand that becoming educated and independent means disagreeing with her family and more arguments.
What role do other people (outside her family) play in this chapter?
People outside her family start to validate her and her feelings and give her support, which makes it easier for her to stay true to herself.
“You seem to have made the opposite journey”
Dr. Kerry (Chapter 28)
What reason does Emily give that tries to justify Shawn's abusive behavior?
That he is a spiritual man who is more tempted by the devil than other men
Which professor gave Tara the idea of applying to a study abroad program at Cambridge?
What role does education play here in shaping Taras's identity in this chapter?
Education starts to give Tara a new perspective, and it helps her question her upbringing and forming her own beliefs.
How does Tara handle disagreement with her family?
Tara becomes more willing to stand her ground even though it starts to become emotional and painful for her; she still defends herself.
“You never listen to reason anymore”
Tara's Brother (Chapter 28)
Who does Tara dream about while she sleeps?
Luke dying, her dad in the hospital, and Shawn when he broke her wrist
Who helped Tara get a passport when she couldn’t provide legal documentation?
Aunt Debbie
What theme is the most important in this chapter?
Independence and Loyalty
What emotions does Tara feel in this chapter are so strong?
Tara feels guilt, fear, confusion and she is growing some self-confidence as well.
“You’re forgetting who you are”
Tara's Mom (Chapter 27)
Why does Tara break up with Nick?
She doesn’t think she will ever be able to be honest with him or tell him the truth
How do the events of Emily and Peter almost dying affect Tara?
The events make Tara further question her family's reliance on trusting God
Why is this chapter the most important in the memoir?
It makes a turning point in Tara’s life where she begins to separate her identity from her family.
In Chapter 29, what does this chapter suggest about change and growth?
It shows that growth can be uncomfortable and often it can come with conflict and if you don't believe in something, then you should change it.
“We just want you home where you belong”
Tara's Dad (Chapter 26)