The Sound of Gravel: A Memoir

Written by:
Ruth Wariner
Narrated by:
Ruth Wariner

Unabridged Audiobook

Ratings
Book
63
Narrator
19
Release Date
January 2016
Duration
9 hours 5 minutes
Summary
'The narration by Wariner compliments the candid nature of her story...A captivating and emotional story delivered in a straightforward way without an ounce of self-pity.' — Library Journal

A riveting, deeply-affecting audiobook memoir of one girl's coming-of-age experiences in a polygamist cult.

Ruth Wariner was the thirty-ninth of her father’s forty-two children. Growing up on a farm in rural Mexico, where authorities turned a blind eye to the practices of her community, Ruth lives in a ramshackle house without indoor plumbing or electricity. At church, preachers teach that God will punish the wicked by destroying the world and that women can only ascend to Heaven by entering into polygamous marriages and giving birth to as many children as possible. After Ruth's father--the man who had been the founding prophet of the colony--is brutally murdered by his brother in a bid for church power, her mother remarries, becoming the second wife of another faithful congregant.

In need of government assistance and supplemental income, Ruth and her siblings are carted back and forth between Mexico and the United States, where her mother collects welfare and her step-father works a variety of odd jobs. Ruth comes to love the time she spends in the States, realizing that perhaps the community into which she was born is not the right one for her. As Ruth begins to doubt her family’s beliefs and question her mother’s choices, she struggles to balance her fierce love for her siblings with her determination to forge a better life for herself.

Recounted from the innocent and hopeful perspective of a child, The Sound of Gravel is the remarkable true story of a girl fighting for peace and love. This is an intimate, gripping audiobook resonant with triumph, courage, and resilience.
Reviews
Profile Avatar
Emily K.

This was a heartbreaking read but very interesting. I recommend it.

Profile Avatar
Marisaadair

It was what you expect. Am ok read.

Profile Avatar
Tracey A.

Truly an awesome read, what a life Ruth has lead,. Ruth your mother is so very proud of you, you have done her proud indeed . READ THIS , you won’t be disappointed!!!!

Profile Avatar
Danielle L.

Wow..I am left speechless and bawling at the conclusion of this story of a childhood filled with struggle and strife but also one of love..the end is brutal and I am amazed at the author's ability to overcome circumstance and truly succeed...just wow..

Profile Avatar
Joanne T.

I couldn’t stop listening, was sad. I am amazed that this type of thing is still allowed. How does a mother let these things happen to a child/ren. What amazed me the most was, it’s ok to abuse girls, but once a boy was abused...escape was made. We need to change this in all cultures. Brilliant, well written, great narration

Profile Avatar
Patricia Perman

This was one of the best books ever. The author reads it so well and you can hear her emotions reliving her own story. And what a story - amazing!!

Profile Avatar
Jessica Clark

What an amazing book Ruth. I will be listing to it again. I gasped, cried and questioned and could not stop listing.There were some really hard bits to hear and I feel for you and the pain that you had suffered and amazed at how you still seem to be such a strong women. You have inspired me and have made me realize more that all actions taken by a parent have a reaction on the children. I am sorry for your losses.

Profile Avatar
Shay Frederickson

What a beautiful book of what strength and resilience really looks like. I was a little sad when it was over because I wanted to hear more about the redemptive period of her life. I know there were many more years that she worked so hard to become the person that she is today. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that she has another memoir up her sleeve. I pray that you continue to be blessed Ruth and find freedom in sharing your story with others.

Profile Avatar
Sharon Flaman

Excellent. So well written with such detail of an extremely difficult life. Ruth is an amazing woman. Hard to put into words what kind of struggle her life was but yet she persevered and was triumphant. May she continue to heal as the years go on. Thank you for sharing your life with us. May you be blessed beyond measure for all you have been through and how you raised, supported and protected your family.

Profile Avatar
Ana Gonzalez

One of the best books out there. It was hard to stop reading it.

1 book added to cart
Subtotal
$19.99
View Cart