Ruth Wariner: The Sound of Gravel (2016, Flatiron Books)
Published Sept. 6, 2016 by Flatiron Books.
Definitely one of the top books I've read this year. If you like books like "Educated" - this one is right up your alley! I highly recommend this read. Finished in 3 days!
I absolutely loved this book! The courage and tenacity of these kids is unlike anything I've ever seen. I kept imaging how angry and powerless they must have felt, yet the still persevered, survived, and escaped.
The only reason I'm not giving it five stars is because I really wanted more!! The most exciting part of the book happens near the end and then it ends so abruptly. If a part two existed that would work too, I just so badly wanted to hear about them rebuilding their lives, realizing the truths about their former religion, and coping with aspects of it that still permeated their family (Matt's second wife for example).
In general though, I strongly recommend!
Well, this book was upsetting.
I have a sickness for reading sad books, heart-wrenching sagas that make you appreciate your normal, mostly boring life. Most of the polygamist stories I have read have made me want to hug my kids, jump in the car, and start capturing the kids living in Colorado City. This book triggered that for me. I've lived in the Southwestern US for a long time. I've worked with polygamists, and while I don't understand why any woman would be a part of that world, I try to seek to understand. However, the kids are in bad situations, and it makes me so upset to hear their stories. Ruth's family was not the worst, by far, but that isn't saying much. Her step dad was awful, her mother was awful, and I wanted to cry, but I didn't, because I was in public.
This is a time …
Well, this book was upsetting.
I have a sickness for reading sad books, heart-wrenching sagas that make you appreciate your normal, mostly boring life. Most of the polygamist stories I have read have made me want to hug my kids, jump in the car, and start capturing the kids living in Colorado City. This book triggered that for me. I've lived in the Southwestern US for a long time. I've worked with polygamists, and while I don't understand why any woman would be a part of that world, I try to seek to understand. However, the kids are in bad situations, and it makes me so upset to hear their stories. Ruth's family was not the worst, by far, but that isn't saying much. Her step dad was awful, her mother was awful, and I wanted to cry, but I didn't, because I was in public.
This is a time for half stars, and I give this one 3.5. Ruth, glad to see you made it out the other side. You deserve happiness.
