The Dirt Beneath Our Door

Sixty-one siblings. Five sister wives. Nine children. And one carefully hidden dream: To escape the violent, misogynistic, fundamentalist Mormon cult that kept Pamela Jones perpetually pregnant, broken, and brutalized.

From a young age, Pamela was told her only purpose in life was to be her husband’s handmaid and bear him as many children as possible. For 34 years she endured fear, poverty, deprivation, and abuse, all the while moving between rural desert compounds in the United States and Mexico. Yet even in the darkest of times, she began to cherish one belief before all others: she deserved more; and she deserved freedom.

With a daring escape, she gains independence, but with less than a fifth-grade education and 9 mouths to feed, her journey has just begun. Forging a fresh start in Minnesota, Pamela navigates her way through a new life; finding not only freedom, but starting prosperity along the way.

A remarkable and inspirational true story, this book is not only a testament to a mother's resilience and grit, but an epic and harrowing tale of finding freedom, believing in yourself, and achieving your dreams.

This discussion guide was shared and sponsored in partnership with Matt Holt Books, an imprint of BenBella Books Inc.

Book club questions for The Dirt Beneath Our Door by Pamela Jones and Elizabeth Ridley

Use these discussion questions to guide your next book club meeting.

Pamela’s sense of self undergoes a dramatic transformation throughout her journey as she transforms from a sister wife to a self-made millionaire and CEO. What were the pivotal moments in her life that most greatly fueled that change and have you had any moments in your own life that served as a similar catalyst?

Two of the central themes throughout the story are motherhood and new beginnings; in what ways did you experience these two constants interacting throughout the book?

Once free of the cult, Pamela has to adapt very quickly to a completely new way of life. Which challenges most stood out to you and can you relate to any of her struggles?

Even after her experiences in the cult Pamela finds love again first with Andre then ultimately with Rick; did this surprise you?

Pamela almost loses her company to her half brother. How did this motivate her going forward?

Grief and loss play an impactful role throughout the book; in what ways did you see these themes shape Pamela’s life and the life of her family?

At one point, after a call with her father, Pamela mentions how being away from the cult had softened her heart toward some of her family members. How did Pamela’s family dynamics change throughout the story, and did any of her relationships end differently than you expected at its conclusion?

How does the title “The Dirt Beneath Our Door” make you feel? Do you think it accurately depicts Pamela’s story?

When Pamela begins her cleaning company, she thinks to herself “if I can escape a polygamous Mormon cult, I should be able to do anything I put my mind to.” Does Pamela accomplish the goals she sets throughout the book?

At the end of the book, Pamela says that when she’s asked if she would change anything about her life she always answers “I wouldn’t change a thing.” Does this surprise you? Would you have changed anything about Pamela’s story if given the chance? What was your final impression of Pamela’s incredible journey?

The Dirt Beneath Our Door Book Club Questions PDF

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“The Dirt Beneath Our Door is a profound and unflinching memoir that left an indelible mark on me. This gripping story of survival, resilience, and hope is one I will not soon forget.” – Ruth Wariner, New York Times Bestselling Author, The Sound of Gravel

“From the first gripping chapter, this beautifully written memoir often reads like a thriller. Pamela endures so much cruelty, but her courage in the face of it will inspire and move readers everywhere.” –Jeffrey D. Boldt, Author, Blue Lake and Big Lake Troubles

“This is a story of incredible courage and determination. Today Pamela has inspired many others living in oppressive conditions to do what she did, escape into freedom and a better life, not just for herself but also for her children. This book touched my heart and will linger in my memory.” – David Crow, Award-Winning Author, The Pale-Faced Lie