The Sound of Gravel by Ruth Wariner

This memoir is the story of thousands of others whose stories will never be told. It’s the story of poverty, sexual abuse, and the cage of fanatical beliefs – a story of things that destroy and wound, keeping the reality of these things silent. That Wariner wrote this story is a miracle.

Wariner grew up in the polygamous colonies of Mexico and her young self was exposed to a torrent of abuse, neglect, friendship, and love. Wariner tells her story from the perspective of her young self but with the vocabulary and wisdom that is rare and admirable.

I raged and cried while I read this book. Ultimately, I am awed by the author’s resilience. That Wariner wrote this memoir is a loving testament to the impact of love and human resilience.