The Sound of Gravel

A Memoir

By: Ruth Wariner

Narrated by: 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 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.

Critic reviews

"The narration by Wariner compliments the candid nature of her story...A captivation and emotional story delivered in a straightforward way."-Library Journal (Starred Review)

“This audiobook provides a glimpse of Wariner's childhood of food stamps, abuse, and polygamy as well as courage and family. It's a story that will stick with listeners long after the last word.”--AudioFile.com

Great but narration was bland

Heart touching story but the narration needed a change of tone. Brought tears to my eyes.

Open and Hones

What did you love best about The Sound of Gravel?

The author was open and honest about the bad and good. I am sure it was difficult to relive some of those experiences but I think it is important that we understand what some of these children are going through.

unbelievable yet raw with honesty

this is by far the best memoir I have read. Ruth I am proud of you!

I miss them already

I love this book. There were moments when I was absolutely shocked and surprised, which rarely happens when I listen to books. I usually suspect what is happening, and then am still entertained listening afterwards. There were moments during this book when I stared out the car window with a surprised look on my face. I felt a bond with the children in this family, and disgust for others. It was so good. It was SO good. I miss them.

Awful True Story

First have to say what courage Ruth the author and main character in this book has. Wow! Though the story disgusts me at times, I'm honored to have read it to learn about someone so strong in horrible circumstances and think indirectly knowing her story makes me want to go out and be a better person; live life to fullest.