Description:
Editorial Reviews
Review
“The Sound of Gravel is a portrait of real courage in a sea of pretenders. Ruth Wariner, you have my respect as a writer and a survivor.” ―Kelly Corrigan, New York Times bestselling author of The Middle Place
"A haunting harrowing testament to survival."
―People Magazine
"Wrenching and moving...Wariner is a survivor, but more important, she’s a fantastic writer."
―Entertainment Weekly
"An addictive chronicle of a polygamist community"
―New York Magazine
“Engrossingly readable from start to finish... an unsentimental yet wholly moving memoir.”
―Kirkus Reviews
"This well-written book is hard to put down and hard to forget."
―Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"Haunting. Rather than delving into the particulars of the community’s beliefs, Wariner reveals them as they arise. This gives great depth to the portrayal of her situation. With power and insight, Wariner’s tale shows a road to escape from the most confining circumstances."
―Booklist
"If your book club is looking for a startling memoir, look no further than The Sound of Gravel. Disturbing, powerful, and poignant, Wariner delivers a harrowing story of survival and taking the necessary risk of saving yourself."
―Real Simple
“The Sound of Gravel will haunt you, and Ruth Wariner will inspire with her direct, unsentimental prose. I lost sleep reading this memoir and felt nothing but awe and respect. That Ruth survived to tell this story simply boggles my mind.”
―Jennifer Lauck, New York Times bestselling author of Blackbird, Still Waters, Show Me The Way, and Found
“The Sound of Gravel is a riveting portrayal of what it's really like to grow up in a polygamist community. Ruth Wariner's simple writing, her enduring love for her mother and siblings, and her dramatic escape make this an engrossing, deeply moving memoir.”
―Claire Bidwell Smith, author of The Rules of Inheritance and After This
“What chance does a girl have in a world where men believe that they (and they alone) are destined to be gods? This is the question Ruth Wariner bravely asks as she brings us into the hardscrabble Mormon polygamous communities of remote northern Mexico. Like a Dorothy Allison of the American West, Wariner shows us the humanity and tenacity in the people she comes from while making no apology for wanting something better for herself. Ruth Wariner has given us an unforgettable portrait of an enduring and deeply misunderstood segment of American society and a deeply moving account of her own determined pathway out.”
―Joanna Brooks, author of The Book of Mormon Girl: A Memoir of an American Faith
“A beautifully narrated story that manages to be both heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. Told with generosity and without self-pity, I turned each page with admiration of Ruth's resilience and strength of spirit. Powerless as she watches her misguided mother endure a life of servility to her stepfather, Ruth's love for her siblings and determination to break destructive family patterns will fill your heart with hope and triumph. I will not be forgetting this incredible memoir anytime soon.”
―Cea Sunrise Person, author of North of Normal: A Memoir of My Wilderness Childhood, My Unusual Family, and How I Survived Both
“I can’t remember a book that’s had a greater impact on me. Beautifully written, Ruth Wariner’s powerful, raw memoir will touch your heart like nothing you’ve read before. Told with unflinching honesty and a childlike innocence, Wariner takes us places―emotional and physical―few will ever experience, or even fathom. Ultimately this book is a testament to the human spirit, a tale of hope. Its stories of tragedy, abuse, trust, and dreams betrayed are more than offset by Wariner’s pure goodness: her courage, determination, wits, resilience, and ultimately, in her quest to save her beloved siblings, triumph. Jon Krakauer’s Under the Banner of Heaven is a very good book. Ruth Wariner’s The Sound of Gravel is a great book, one that will haunt and inspire you for the rest of your life. In her exquisite and powerful telling, Wariner takes us to the darkest recesses of extreme polygamist Mormonism―on a painfully real and personal level―and brings us back to the light.”
―April Christofferson, author of Trapped
“The Sound of Gravel takes us into the complex relationships of families with intransigent beliefs, religious convictions so dogmatic that harrowing consequences are forced upon their children. Ruth Wariner, this child of an isolated polygamist community, not only survives the oppression, but writes this unaffected tale of compassion and haunting sadness."”
―Sonya Lea, author of Wondering Who You Are: A Memoir
“The Sound of Gravel is a powerful indictment against religious fundamentalism and the way zealots control and harm generations of women and children. This is an important, and ultimately triumphant, story.”
―Julia Scheeres, New York Times bestselling author of Jesus Land and A Thousand Lives
About the Author
Reviews:
5.0 out of 5 stars Must read!
This memoir completely wrecked me—in the best possible way. I picked the book up and didn’t put it down until I hit the last page (somewhere around 3 a.m., blurry-eyed and emotionally spent).It’s the true story of Ruth Wariner’s childhood in a polygamist Mormon community in Mexico, and wow—it’s both heartbreaking and heartwarming, often on the same page. Her life was filled with chaos, poverty, and grief, but also fierce sibling love and an inner strength that’s hard to believe, let alone survive.I’m a total sucker for a “traumatic childhood to resilient adult” arc, and this one hit every note. It’s raw, brutally honest, and incredibly well-written. Plus, the peek into a somewhat modern polygamist lifestyle is FASCINATING and horrifying.If you’re in the mood to be completely consumed by a memoir that will break your heart and patch it up again (barely), this is it. Highly, highly recommend!
4.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating look at growing up in polygamy
I am fascinated by polygamy. I have read many books about it and by people who have escaped it. This is really a terrific book on the subject.Ruth was raised in Mexico in a group that was founded by her prophet father. He died when she was a baby. Her mother remarried another man from the family named Lane. He was not a good guy, to put it simply. Her family lived pretty much in poverty. They would cross the border to collect food stamps for her family. Her mother having to pretend she did not know who the father was of her children. Their education was pretty lax. They spent a few years in some other cities , even living with her grandparents when her mother left Lane for a while. I was so happy for them during that period and then Lane shows up again. But there was also some sexual abuse by Lane on Ruth and other kids in the compound. Her mother espoused forgiveness. This I had a hard time with. I am not sure if her mother’s tears were for what happened to Ruth or her fear of not having her husband anymore. Or were they because she believed so deeply in her faith? That left me very emotional.The writing is wonderful. I honestly felt like I could taste the dust of the desert and smell the mice droppings that littered their home in Mexico. You could feel the cold in your bones as the wind blew through the thin walls.For so much sadness, Ms. Wariner seems to have come out stronger and a lot more forgiving than I might be. If you are as absorbed in polygamy as I am, you definitely must pick up this book. If you are looking for a good memoir, you definitely must pick up this book.
5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible story
I just finished this book, and let me tell you it is a horrific story that is hard to put down. I cried multiple times reading it. My heart broke over and over again for Ruth and her siblings, and even sometimes for the mother who was clearly brain washed. It's a story of strength and resilience, and you can't help but be so proud of Ruth. It's a great story and would highly recommend it, just with a warning that it's upsetting at times.
5.0 out of 5 stars captivating
Wow. Full of raw emotion that will have you flipping page after page. I did not want to put it down.
5.0 out of 5 stars Couldn't stop reading!
This was an incredible story- so well written and honest. I didn't want to put it down. Thank you for sharing your story Ruth!!
4.0 out of 5 stars Another fascinating book about the Lebaron cult
This is the story of the daughter of Mormon cult leader Joel Lebaron who was murdered by his brother Ervil--the Mormon Manson. The book is fascinating, even though it is obviously written by an amateur writer. As some other reviewers said, it is impossible to believe that a person could have such detailed memories of things that happened when she was five--so I think she took some liberties there. I have read at least half a dozen books about the Lebaron cult. Here are some things readers might want to know, or find interesting.1. The author changes many names. The most interesting switch is that "Marjory" is none other than Irene Spencer, author of Shattered Dreams and Cult Insanity about the Lebaron cult.2. Irene Spencer was also married to Ruthie's stepfather Lane. According to her last book, she called the police when she found out he abused Ruthie's brother. Ruth Wariner doesn't mention this in her book. However, there are some rather large differences in Ruth and Irene's story of what happened after the accident. I suspect that Ruth's version is closer to the truth, but can't be sure. I think Irene got some of her information about the accident from Lane--not a good source. (Sorry, I'm being vague about this in order to not write spoilers.)3. You may also want to read Daughters of Zion, by Ruth's aunt Kim Wariner Taylor for more details about Kathy and Joel's life before he was murdered, and more details about Audrey and the other children.
5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it
I couldn’t stop reading. It is very well written and the story is very interesting. I highly recommend it. Great book!
Incredible resilient child
This book kept me reading. It was difficult to turn away. I recommend this book. It is well written, heartbreaking in places but the strength of Ruthie shines through.
Great Read
As a person who is really picky about the books I read this was so good.It is a slow start as it takes a while for the author to set the scene of the family dynamic but worth getting into. This is an unbelievable story.
I couldn't put it down.
It struck very close to home, as I grew up near LeBaron and close family had similar situations. It makes my heart cry to see children suffering for "celestial glory" of the parents. Bravo for Ruth for getting her and her siblings away from that terrible life.
Worth it
This was interesting from the start of the lives of this family...in parts it was an example of human survival but touching
A gut-wrenching book, a whirlwind of emotions
This story will stay with you long after it's over. One cannot even imagine the type of life described yet the narrator's honesty, vulnerability, and storytelling makes you empathize immediately. Specific circumstances may differ but many parts of the story resonate with my own, who lived a completely different life on the surface. I highly recommend this book.
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The Sound of Gravel: A Memoir
AED8635
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Visit the Flatiron Books Store
The Sound of Gravel: A Memoir
AED8635
Quantity:
Order today to get by 7-14 business days
Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.
Imported From: United States
At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.
BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.
Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.
If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.
Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.
All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.
While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.
Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.
BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.
All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.
All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.
Description:
Editorial Reviews
Review
“The Sound of Gravel is a portrait of real courage in a sea of pretenders. Ruth Wariner, you have my respect as a writer and a survivor.” ―Kelly Corrigan, New York Times bestselling author of The Middle Place
"A haunting harrowing testament to survival."
―People Magazine
"Wrenching and moving...Wariner is a survivor, but more important, she’s a fantastic writer."
―Entertainment Weekly
"An addictive chronicle of a polygamist community"
―New York Magazine
“Engrossingly readable from start to finish... an unsentimental yet wholly moving memoir.”
―Kirkus Reviews
"This well-written book is hard to put down and hard to forget."
―Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"Haunting. Rather than delving into the particulars of the community’s beliefs, Wariner reveals them as they arise. This gives great depth to the portrayal of her situation. With power and insight, Wariner’s tale shows a road to escape from the most confining circumstances."
―Booklist
"If your book club is looking for a startling memoir, look no further than The Sound of Gravel. Disturbing, powerful, and poignant, Wariner delivers a harrowing story of survival and taking the necessary risk of saving yourself."
―Real Simple
“The Sound of Gravel will haunt you, and Ruth Wariner will inspire with her direct, unsentimental prose. I lost sleep reading this memoir and felt nothing but awe and respect. That Ruth survived to tell this story simply boggles my mind.”
―Jennifer Lauck, New York Times bestselling author of Blackbird, Still Waters, Show Me The Way, and Found
“The Sound of Gravel is a riveting portrayal of what it's really like to grow up in a polygamist community. Ruth Wariner's simple writing, her enduring love for her mother and siblings, and her dramatic escape make this an engrossing, deeply moving memoir.”
―Claire Bidwell Smith, author of The Rules of Inheritance and After This
“What chance does a girl have in a world where men believe that they (and they alone) are destined to be gods? This is the question Ruth Wariner bravely asks as she brings us into the hardscrabble Mormon polygamous communities of remote northern Mexico. Like a Dorothy Allison of the American West, Wariner shows us the humanity and tenacity in the people she comes from while making no apology for wanting something better for herself. Ruth Wariner has given us an unforgettable portrait of an enduring and deeply misunderstood segment of American society and a deeply moving account of her own determined pathway out.”
―Joanna Brooks, author of The Book of Mormon Girl: A Memoir of an American Faith
“A beautifully narrated story that manages to be both heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. Told with generosity and without self-pity, I turned each page with admiration of Ruth's resilience and strength of spirit. Powerless as she watches her misguided mother endure a life of servility to her stepfather, Ruth's love for her siblings and determination to break destructive family patterns will fill your heart with hope and triumph. I will not be forgetting this incredible memoir anytime soon.”
―Cea Sunrise Person, author of North of Normal: A Memoir of My Wilderness Childhood, My Unusual Family, and How I Survived Both
“I can’t remember a book that’s had a greater impact on me. Beautifully written, Ruth Wariner’s powerful, raw memoir will touch your heart like nothing you’ve read before. Told with unflinching honesty and a childlike innocence, Wariner takes us places―emotional and physical―few will ever experience, or even fathom. Ultimately this book is a testament to the human spirit, a tale of hope. Its stories of tragedy, abuse, trust, and dreams betrayed are more than offset by Wariner’s pure goodness: her courage, determination, wits, resilience, and ultimately, in her quest to save her beloved siblings, triumph. Jon Krakauer’s Under the Banner of Heaven is a very good book. Ruth Wariner’s The Sound of Gravel is a great book, one that will haunt and inspire you for the rest of your life. In her exquisite and powerful telling, Wariner takes us to the darkest recesses of extreme polygamist Mormonism―on a painfully real and personal level―and brings us back to the light.”
―April Christofferson, author of Trapped
“The Sound of Gravel takes us into the complex relationships of families with intransigent beliefs, religious convictions so dogmatic that harrowing consequences are forced upon their children. Ruth Wariner, this child of an isolated polygamist community, not only survives the oppression, but writes this unaffected tale of compassion and haunting sadness."”
―Sonya Lea, author of Wondering Who You Are: A Memoir
“The Sound of Gravel is a powerful indictment against religious fundamentalism and the way zealots control and harm generations of women and children. This is an important, and ultimately triumphant, story.”
―Julia Scheeres, New York Times bestselling author of Jesus Land and A Thousand Lives
About the Author
Reviews:
5.0 out of 5 stars Must read!
This memoir completely wrecked me—in the best possible way. I picked the book up and didn’t put it down until I hit the last page (somewhere around 3 a.m., blurry-eyed and emotionally spent).It’s the true story of Ruth Wariner’s childhood in a polygamist Mormon community in Mexico, and wow—it’s both heartbreaking and heartwarming, often on the same page. Her life was filled with chaos, poverty, and grief, but also fierce sibling love and an inner strength that’s hard to believe, let alone survive.I’m a total sucker for a “traumatic childhood to resilient adult” arc, and this one hit every note. It’s raw, brutally honest, and incredibly well-written. Plus, the peek into a somewhat modern polygamist lifestyle is FASCINATING and horrifying.If you’re in the mood to be completely consumed by a memoir that will break your heart and patch it up again (barely), this is it. Highly, highly recommend!
4.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating look at growing up in polygamy
I am fascinated by polygamy. I have read many books about it and by people who have escaped it. This is really a terrific book on the subject.Ruth was raised in Mexico in a group that was founded by her prophet father. He died when she was a baby. Her mother remarried another man from the family named Lane. He was not a good guy, to put it simply. Her family lived pretty much in poverty. They would cross the border to collect food stamps for her family. Her mother having to pretend she did not know who the father was of her children. Their education was pretty lax. They spent a few years in some other cities , even living with her grandparents when her mother left Lane for a while. I was so happy for them during that period and then Lane shows up again. But there was also some sexual abuse by Lane on Ruth and other kids in the compound. Her mother espoused forgiveness. This I had a hard time with. I am not sure if her mother’s tears were for what happened to Ruth or her fear of not having her husband anymore. Or were they because she believed so deeply in her faith? That left me very emotional.The writing is wonderful. I honestly felt like I could taste the dust of the desert and smell the mice droppings that littered their home in Mexico. You could feel the cold in your bones as the wind blew through the thin walls.For so much sadness, Ms. Wariner seems to have come out stronger and a lot more forgiving than I might be. If you are as absorbed in polygamy as I am, you definitely must pick up this book. If you are looking for a good memoir, you definitely must pick up this book.
5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible story
I just finished this book, and let me tell you it is a horrific story that is hard to put down. I cried multiple times reading it. My heart broke over and over again for Ruth and her siblings, and even sometimes for the mother who was clearly brain washed. It's a story of strength and resilience, and you can't help but be so proud of Ruth. It's a great story and would highly recommend it, just with a warning that it's upsetting at times.
5.0 out of 5 stars captivating
Wow. Full of raw emotion that will have you flipping page after page. I did not want to put it down.
5.0 out of 5 stars Couldn't stop reading!
This was an incredible story- so well written and honest. I didn't want to put it down. Thank you for sharing your story Ruth!!
4.0 out of 5 stars Another fascinating book about the Lebaron cult
This is the story of the daughter of Mormon cult leader Joel Lebaron who was murdered by his brother Ervil--the Mormon Manson. The book is fascinating, even though it is obviously written by an amateur writer. As some other reviewers said, it is impossible to believe that a person could have such detailed memories of things that happened when she was five--so I think she took some liberties there. I have read at least half a dozen books about the Lebaron cult. Here are some things readers might want to know, or find interesting.1. The author changes many names. The most interesting switch is that "Marjory" is none other than Irene Spencer, author of Shattered Dreams and Cult Insanity about the Lebaron cult.2. Irene Spencer was also married to Ruthie's stepfather Lane. According to her last book, she called the police when she found out he abused Ruthie's brother. Ruth Wariner doesn't mention this in her book. However, there are some rather large differences in Ruth and Irene's story of what happened after the accident. I suspect that Ruth's version is closer to the truth, but can't be sure. I think Irene got some of her information about the accident from Lane--not a good source. (Sorry, I'm being vague about this in order to not write spoilers.)3. You may also want to read Daughters of Zion, by Ruth's aunt Kim Wariner Taylor for more details about Kathy and Joel's life before he was murdered, and more details about Audrey and the other children.
5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it
I couldn’t stop reading. It is very well written and the story is very interesting. I highly recommend it. Great book!
Incredible resilient child
This book kept me reading. It was difficult to turn away. I recommend this book. It is well written, heartbreaking in places but the strength of Ruthie shines through.
Great Read
As a person who is really picky about the books I read this was so good.It is a slow start as it takes a while for the author to set the scene of the family dynamic but worth getting into. This is an unbelievable story.
I couldn't put it down.
It struck very close to home, as I grew up near LeBaron and close family had similar situations. It makes my heart cry to see children suffering for "celestial glory" of the parents. Bravo for Ruth for getting her and her siblings away from that terrible life.
Worth it
This was interesting from the start of the lives of this family...in parts it was an example of human survival but touching
A gut-wrenching book, a whirlwind of emotions
This story will stay with you long after it's over. One cannot even imagine the type of life described yet the narrator's honesty, vulnerability, and storytelling makes you empathize immediately. Specific circumstances may differ but many parts of the story resonate with my own, who lived a completely different life on the surface. I highly recommend this book.
Similar suggestions by Bolo
More from this brand
Similar items from “Mormonism”
Share with
Or share with link
https://www.bolo.ae/products/U1250077702