The Sound of Gravel: A Memoir by Ruth Wariner gives a candid account of her early childhood and teenage years growing up in a polygamist colony. Wariner tells of her experiences in LeBaron by adding her personal narrative to the shocking events in life. The Sound of Gravel gives readers a behind the scenes look into the trials and tribulations of the people living polygamy’s struggle to remain faithful. Wariner’s writing gives a shocking account of the conditions she endured throughout her childhood until her escape from LeBaron. She shares with the reader both the uncertain and the joyous moments of her life. Her memoir is perfect for anyone wanting an inside look into the secret life of a cult-like atmosphere. One example of an inside look was the way Wariner depicts her living conditions in Mexico. The condition of her home in Mexico was appalling considering how her extended family lived at the time. However, for Wariner, she had never known any different. The primitive conditions she lived in helps the reader understand her thoughts and actions on a more personal level. No matter a person's religious affiliation, this book offers the reader a chance to share in in the struggles of a young girl. The reader develops a relationship with Ruthie through the challenges she endures with her step-father and taking care of the needs of her younger siblings. Wariner’s writing allows the reader to be immersed into the environment of a polygamist doomsday cult and to imagine one’s own reaction to the situations she faces. Anyone who has ever felt out of place in their home can draw parallels with her coming of age story. The Sound of Gravel is an inspiring tale of a young girl finding her place in the world and overcoming the situations that threaten to hold her back. Her adversities can leave the reader heartbroken at times, yet Wariner is always able to bring a silver lining to any situation. Wariner reminds the reader that sometimes the best things in life come out of dismal situations so be ready and willing to make the most of every situation and to never lose faith.
Wariner’s writing gives a shocking account of the conditions she endured throughout her childhood until her escape from LeBaron. She shares with the reader both the uncertain and the joyous moments of her life. Her memoir is perfect for anyone wanting an inside look into the secret life of a cult-like atmosphere. One example of an inside look was the way Wariner depicts her living conditions in Mexico. The condition of her home in Mexico was appalling considering how her extended family lived at the time. However, for Wariner, she had never known any different. The primitive conditions she lived in helps the reader understand her thoughts and actions on a more personal level.
No matter a person's religious affiliation, this book offers the reader a chance to share in in the struggles of a young girl. The reader develops a relationship with Ruthie through the challenges she endures with her step-father and taking care of the needs of her younger siblings. Wariner’s writing allows the reader to be immersed into the environment of a polygamist doomsday cult and to imagine one’s own reaction to the situations she faces. Anyone who has ever felt out of place in their home can draw parallels with her coming of age story.
The Sound of Gravel is an inspiring tale of a young girl finding her place in the world and overcoming the situations that threaten to hold her back. Her adversities can leave the reader heartbroken at times, yet Wariner is always able to bring a silver lining to any situation. Wariner reminds the reader that sometimes the best things in life come out of dismal situations so be ready and willing to make the most of every situation and to never lose faith.