The Dirt Beneath Our Door

“The Dirt Beneath Our Door is a profound and unflinching memoir that left an indelible mark on me. With raw honesty and remarkable courage, Pamela Jones pulls back the veil on the violent, secretive world of the polygamous Church of the Firstborn, where she was born and raised. Indoctrinated from childhood to believe her sole purpose was to become a perpetually pregnant plural wife, Jones never let go of her faith—or her conviction that she and her children deserved a better life. 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 “This is a story of incredible courage and determination. Pamela was brainwashed as a young child and abused throughout her childhood and into adulthood. Most of us would have simply given up. But not Pamela. 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 “Pamela’s story redefines the American dream. Her sheer determination to create a better life for herself and her loved ones shines through every page. Watching her transform from a timid handmaiden into a successful businesswoman is an awe-inspiring journey that should be required reading for all.” —Silvia Zderchuk, Founder, Silvie Academy “The Dirt Beneath Our Door isn’t just another memoir—it’s an inspiring story that shows what’s possible when we push past our limitations. Pamela’s raw journey through faith, family, and destiny will make you want to face the voice in your head holding you back … Your dreams aren’t waiting for permission—they’re waiting for action.” —Vera LaRee, Founder, PureVee Organics “From the first gripping chapter, this beautifully written memoir often reads like a thriller. Married at 15 and forced to live in a succession of squalid places at the whim of her husband, the grandson of a cult founder, Pamela finds the strength to risk everything to find personal freedom, love, and a better life. She 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

Pamela Jones was born and raised in a polygamous Mormon cult in Mexico and escaped at age 34 with nothing but her children, the clothes on her back, and less than a fifth-grade education. After settling in Minnesota, she began cleaning houses with her youngest daughter strapped to her back. At the time of her escape, Pamela had only signed her name nine times: on each of her children’s birth certificates. Today, as the CEO of My Girls Cleaning, LLC, the multi-million-dollar company she founded in 2001, Pamela routinely signs dozens of checks every month as part of her thirty-five employees’ monthly payroll. Pamela lives in the Twin Cities with her husband, Rick, and is a proud mom of nine and grandmother of 36.

Elizabeth Ridley is the author of five novels, including Searching for Celia, and coauthor of four memoirs, including Waging the War Within, Incredibull Stella, and Saving Sadie. A two-time writing fellowship recipient, she has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University and a master’s degree in creative writing from The University of East Anglia in Norwich, England, where she studied under former British Poet Laureate Sir Andrew Motion.

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