Ruth Grey Dahl

Ruth is a small town, farm girl with a bitter, verbally abusive mother. Ruth grows up believing she is stupid because she has a highly intelligent younger brother who is moved into her grade when they are both small children. Ruth finds herself constantly compared to her younger brother and coming up short, leaving her feeling unloved and lonesome. Ruth begins a pen pal relationship with her aunt when she is young that will continue into her adulthood. This letter writing campaign is the only source of love and support Ruth gets from a family member.

When Ruth is in high school, she begins working for a neighbor who has gone blind. Ruth listens to books on tapes with this woman, becoming familiar with many of the great literary masters, including Charles Dickens. Ruth has always believed herself to be stupid, but she understands and appreciates...