The Sound of Gravel: A Memoir

How did disability come to define much of Ruth’s childhood? In what ways did taking care of siblings who had disabilities shape the person that Ruth became? How was Ruth influenced by the way her mother cared for those who could not care for themselves?

Why did hearing about Lane’s abuse toward Luke finally cause Ruth to snap and leave the colony with her siblings? How does Ruth feel about the rights of vulnerable people in society and the type of care they deserve?

How do Ruth’s experiences growing up in a polygamist colony thematically demonstrate The Flaws and Dangers of Fundamentalism? How did Kathy’s commitment to the religion harm her and her family through the years?

What were the consequences of the colony’s men having positions of extreme power? How did they treat women and expect them to behave, and why did it take so long for Ruth to realize she could be more than that?

Ruth was one of 10 children, and throughout her childhood the family struggled to survive. How did each sibling experience neglect? Why did Kathy continue bearing children despite being unable to properly care for them?

In what ways does Ruth’s story thematically exemplify Courage and Resilience in the Face of Adversity? How does Ruth’s demonstrate strength through her actions, her decisions, and her love for her siblings and mother despite everything she experienced?

What type of person was Kathy, and how did her vulnerability lead to her dependency on Lane and the colony? Why was Ruth wiser than her own mother in regard to abuse and love?

Most of Ruth’s childhood was shaped by her family and her position in the chaos that defined the family’s dynamic. How do Ruth’s experiences showcase The Joys, Pains, and Sacrifices of Familial Love as a theme?