The Sound of Gravel

A Memoir

De: Ruth Wariner

Narrado por: Ruth Wariner

"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 39th of her father's 42 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.

©2016 Ruth Wariner (P)2016 Macmillan Audio

Amazing!

It's been a long time since a nonfiction book has moved me so much. I am left, literally, speechless. An incredible story.

Gripping....

A real page turner! This compelling story shares the life of the author, born and raised in a polygamist community. Her father was murdered when she was 3, and her mother married an abusing, neglectful man. Ruth's childhood was sapped in the toils of housework, raising her younger siblings and caring for her mother, a woman emotionally crippled by the neglect of her husband. But all was not dire, for Ruth found her way to extricate herself, raised her younger sisters, and completed college. I only wish she had gotten out sooner and filed charges against her abuser.

Wow!

Amazing true story! Tough stuff but gripping and fascinating and lends insight into polygamy and the human strength and spirit to survive and care for loved ones. Wow! The author is a true, strong survivor! She should be enormously proud of surviving, saving and caring so much for her family.

One of my favorite books so far

This was an amazing book. It had me angry and sad for a good portion of it, however, I couldn't stop listening. This woman's strength is astounding. I can't recommend this book strongly enough. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to it.

Loved every minute of this book.

Loved the wide variety of characters, emotions and the feel that this is the true heartbreaking story of someone's life. Darned good fiction.

Compelling

I think I will never forget The Sound of Gravel. One of the most engaging books I have listened to yet. The matter of fact telling of the author's story only adds to the compelling nature of this book. I absolutely could not put it down. Amazing.

Excellent Read

This was an excellent book. The reader for this book was excellent and helped get in the character. I can see this book being discussed in my book club. Interesting and had my attention from beginning to end. All kinds of emotions went through me as I listened.

Captivating

This book was captivating. It makes your heart break for the author. Just knowing that it is a true story makes you want to fix the world for others like her.

Sad but great story.

Thank you for sharing your story. Book moves very fast and never boring. Good luck to you!

Um, wow, tragic story

So sad yet so amazing as well. What an amazing young woman she became despite all those struggles. I'm floored by this book in the sadness but I'm so happy she told her story and got this out! People need to be aware!