The Sound of Gravel
A Memoir
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The Sound of Gravel
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Narrated by:
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Ruth Wariner
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By:
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Ruth Wariner
About this listen
"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 AudioWhat listeners say about The Sound of Gravel
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 25-11-2022
Powerful story
While I initially found it a bit of a slow start, I persisted and was soon really invested in Ruth’s story. It’s extremely powerful and truthful, and is a no-holds barred account of how living polygamy can negatively impact people, especially women and girls.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- krystle sherwood
- 11-01-2024
the sound of gravel
very honest book so so sad I cried hard a few times . it's such a great story
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Sammy
- 05-07-2023
Amazing girl
Such strength, intelligence. Very level headed and responsible. No doubt Ruths mother is watching over her very proud! With schizophrenia running strongly in Ruth’s dads family I wonder if her dad also might have had it too which would explain his “communication” with Jesus and other holy entities and how he founded a religion with such abnormal and way out rules. This book explains how polygamy affects people, children and also the confusion of a child learning they have so many half siblings. Although Ruth was raised in a very unusual religion with unusual ideals Ruth certainly should be very proud of herself for not allowing it to affect her and for holding onto her own ideals. As a child Ruth grew up before her time and showed amazing responsibility taking care of her siblings and protecting them.
Ruth tends to play down the hardships of such huge responsibilities. What an amazingly strong and level headed girl she was and no doubt she has further grown to be even more amazing as an adult. I think she would be an awesome mother!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Tessa
- 15-02-2016
The Sound of Gravel
Loved the book five stars for every category, sorry the story had to end. Tessa PERERA NSW Australia
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- Anonymous User
- 29-11-2019
must read
This is one of the most touching books i’ve ever listened to. The nature in which the author described the events and her feelings towards them resonated with me in a lasting way. I enjoyed every second although sad and sometimes anger inducing, it made me feel many emotions and that I appreciate.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 03-05-2024
Shockingly real and gripping with a short and disappointing ending.
This was a very sad story that was a “ couldn’t put it down “ read. However, I kept waiting for the police to be involved but they were never told . I expected to read that the author would break free from this Mormon cult and choose a different path however she remained true to a way of life that stole the lives of family members.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Rezz
- 01-01-2017
Very well written/read
I was instantly drawn to this book after listening to the preview. I loved Ruth's honesty and her voice brought the story to life. I felt as though I was there with her, through the happiness and sadness of her experiences. Thank you for sharing your story Ruth.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Palmbeachprincess
- 07-01-2023
Sound of gravel
Absolutely loved this book. Highly recommended. Such a beautiful ending . Narrator is fab , lovely voice
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 26-03-2022
Exceptional
One of those stories that I couldn't stop listening to. It is truly hard to believe that people live like this.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- MerrilyW
- 13-02-2022
a fascinating insight
really enjoyed this book. wow what an amazing real life story. the reader was a bit monotonous but it was ok as it was the author. it still flowed well
she grew up into an amazing woman
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