What do you think?
Rate this book
Born and Razed : Surviving the Cult Was Only Half the Battle
Thousands have read the headlines. Few know the inside story.
What happens when religion and power collide in the wrong hands? At Grenville Christian College, once one of Canada’s most prestigious private religious schools, the result was thousands of broken lives.
Born and Razed recounts the author's gripping and deeply personal journey. Beth's life began at Grenville, where her parents were teachers. The picturesque campus on the banks of the St. Lawrence River masked a dark behind its idyllic facade lay a world of strict control, religious zealotry, and emotional abuse.
Beth was the first baby born at Grenville, but her childhood was far from blessed. When the Mothers, founders of the Benedictine-inspired Community of Jesus in Cape Cod, brought their rigid and punitive vision to the school, life took a devastating turn. For Beth, “repentance” came with public humiliation, relentless criticism, and separation from her family. By age five, she was living apart from her parents, accused of gluttony, and placed on restrictive diets—laying the foundation for a lifelong battle with eating disorders, low self-esteem, and mental health struggles.
Throughout her adolescence, Beth endured emotional torment under the guise of religious instruction. Attempts to seek help were met with harsh judgment, not compassion. Like her family, she was tightly bound by cult-like indoctrination, isolated, and forced to endure the unendurable.
Yet, even in the face of such profound trauma, Beth found the strength to fight back. Her path to freedom began with an act of quiet rebellion—admitting the truth about the institution she had been conditioned to revere. That truth set her on a journey of healing, activism, and justice.
As Beth uncovered the stories of others who suffered at Grenville, her voice became a rallying cry. She played a key role in one of the largest class-action lawsuits in Canadian history, proving that collective resilience can triumph over systemic abuse.
Born and Razed is a powerful memoir of survival, courage, and the long road to recovery. It’s a testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome unimaginable challenges and rebuild a life from the ashes of the past. For anyone who has ever struggled under impossible expectations or been silenced by authority, Beth’s story offers both a cautionary tale and a beacon of hope.
With unflinching honesty and poignant detail, Born and Razed will leave you moved, inspired, and reminded that healing—even after the deepest scars—is possible.
Born and Razed recounts the author's gripping and deeply personal journey. Beth's life began at Grenville, where her parents were teachers. The picturesque campus on the banks of the St. Lawrence River masked a dark behind its idyllic facade lay a world of strict control, religious zealotry, and emotional abuse.
Beth was the first baby born at Grenville, but her childhood was far from blessed. When the Mothers, founders of the Benedictine-inspired Community of Jesus in Cape Cod, brought their rigid and punitive vision to the school, life took a devastating turn. For Beth, “repentance” came with public humiliation, relentless criticism, and separation from her family. By age five, she was living apart from her parents, accused of gluttony, and placed on restrictive diets—laying the foundation for a lifelong battle with eating disorders, low self-esteem, and mental health struggles.
Throughout her adolescence, Beth endured emotional torment under the guise of religious instruction. Attempts to seek help were met with harsh judgment, not compassion. Like her family, she was tightly bound by cult-like indoctrination, isolated, and forced to endure the unendurable.
Yet, even in the face of such profound trauma, Beth found the strength to fight back. Her path to freedom began with an act of quiet rebellion—admitting the truth about the institution she had been conditioned to revere. That truth set her on a journey of healing, activism, and justice.
As Beth uncovered the stories of others who suffered at Grenville, her voice became a rallying cry. She played a key role in one of the largest class-action lawsuits in Canadian history, proving that collective resilience can triumph over systemic abuse.
Born and Razed is a powerful memoir of survival, courage, and the long road to recovery. It’s a testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome unimaginable challenges and rebuild a life from the ashes of the past. For anyone who has ever struggled under impossible expectations or been silenced by authority, Beth’s story offers both a cautionary tale and a beacon of hope.
With unflinching honesty and poignant detail, Born and Razed will leave you moved, inspired, and reminded that healing—even after the deepest scars—is possible.
- GenresNonfictionMemoir
367 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2025
39 people are currently reading
203 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
February 20, 2025
Let me start by saying that my mom wrote this book, so you’re well within your rights to consider me extremely biased.
It remains true, though, that I have inherited my love for books from my mom, as well as my intolerance of poorly-written literature, and I honestly could not find fault with this memoir. The author’s voice is strong and clear, and I was not bored at any point even though I’ve grown up with these stories. She also holds nothing back. The memoir is heartbreaking and difficult to read sometimes, especially when I consider that this is all the experience of someone I love so much. But it’s worth the read.
This story is important, and I’m so proud and occasionally astonished that my mom has suffered as much as she has and maintained her strength and bravery throughout. I wish that my mom had never experienced her trauma, but I’m hopeful that her unflinching honesty can continue to shed light on all of the issues discussed in this memoir and help people.
This might sound bad, but this book is honestly better than I expected, lol. I’m proud of you mom, and thank you for being idolatrous with me and my brother.
It remains true, though, that I have inherited my love for books from my mom, as well as my intolerance of poorly-written literature, and I honestly could not find fault with this memoir. The author’s voice is strong and clear, and I was not bored at any point even though I’ve grown up with these stories. She also holds nothing back. The memoir is heartbreaking and difficult to read sometimes, especially when I consider that this is all the experience of someone I love so much. But it’s worth the read.
This story is important, and I’m so proud and occasionally astonished that my mom has suffered as much as she has and maintained her strength and bravery throughout. I wish that my mom had never experienced her trauma, but I’m hopeful that her unflinching honesty can continue to shed light on all of the issues discussed in this memoir and help people.
This might sound bad, but this book is honestly better than I expected, lol. I’m proud of you mom, and thank you for being idolatrous with me and my brother.
February 19, 2025
Before reading Born and Raized, the word CULT always made me think of Heaven’s Gate or The Davidians. But after reading this book, I realize that there are Cults hidden in our own backyards… blending in with the society amongst us. ‘Born and Raized’ is written from the author’s own personal experience a a staff child growing up at an exclusive boarding school in Ontario, Canada. The author reveals the truth behind the walls of this renowned education establishment and how it was take over by a religious cult know as the Community of Jesus. The story exposes the painful truth behind their shocking practices that ripped families apart, humiliated staff and students, and caused irreparable harm to those that called the school their home.
Her painful account reveals the covert reality behind a school that could exist in any community—a place that appears pristine on the surface but those on the inside know the truth that lies within. Ultimately, this is also a story of how she stood up against those who harmed her and her brave path forward towards a better life for herself and her family. A MUST read!!
February 19, 2025
I highly recommend “Born and Razed: Surviving the Cult Was Only Half the Battle ”. I purchased the book. I could not put it down. I read it in one and one half days. The content is spell binding, written from the heart. It is haunting and heartbreaking. The writing style is captivating, with the author having "questioning thoughts" to herself as she tells her story. What a brilliant way to continually capture our attention. There was never a dull moment between thinking “this is unbelievable”, to seeing the author go through so much terrible trauma. You cheer her on as she finally breaks free but unfortunately is left with the lasting after-math. She continues her healing journey, writing this book would have been a huge launch pad, a major marker. This is a book that you don’t want to miss regardless of your background, everyone should definitely read it.
June 19, 2025
Wow. I am honestly speechless. I want to say something like "wow this book was written beautifully", but it feels terrible to say that when this book was filled with horrendous, traumatizing and despicable things that children and vulnerable individuals who put their trust in faith and adults should have never endured.
I remember growing up in the area and driving by GCC, even attending sporting events there and thinking "this place is amazing I want to go to school in a castle". & then as you become an adult you learn about the ruthless and heartbreaking things that were happening behind closed doors. It is gut wrenching. I only had to endure it for a few hours while taking in this book, I can't even begin to understand what the survivors experienced.
Beth, thank you for having the courage to share your story. You are amazing, brave, brilliant, and a warrior.
I remember growing up in the area and driving by GCC, even attending sporting events there and thinking "this place is amazing I want to go to school in a castle". & then as you become an adult you learn about the ruthless and heartbreaking things that were happening behind closed doors. It is gut wrenching. I only had to endure it for a few hours while taking in this book, I can't even begin to understand what the survivors experienced.
Beth, thank you for having the courage to share your story. You are amazing, brave, brilliant, and a warrior.
February 21, 2025
Born and Razed is an accurate and compelling account of one person’s heartbreaking journey through life in a cult. As you read Beth’s story you wonder how could what she is writing possibly be true? How could what she is saying go on for all these years and the truth not come to light?
Grenville Christian College was an elite private school in Ontario. The students excelled in academics, drama, sports, public speaking and debating. The staff at the school learned a way of life from a Christian community in the United States that was centered around sin and repentance. This way of life found its way into how the school was run, and the end result was disastrous for many students and particularly for children like Beth who were born and raised there.
I can attest to the fact that Beth’s story is very accurate. I was an administrator at Grenville Christian College for many years and sadly a part of Beth’s story. I ask myself daily, “how did we not see the truth?” Reading Beth’s story might help explain.
This book will open your eyes to how religion can go so very wrong and turn into a cult. If you or anyone you know finds themselves in a questionable religious setting, this book could be a life-saver.
Joan Childs
Grenville Christian College was an elite private school in Ontario. The students excelled in academics, drama, sports, public speaking and debating. The staff at the school learned a way of life from a Christian community in the United States that was centered around sin and repentance. This way of life found its way into how the school was run, and the end result was disastrous for many students and particularly for children like Beth who were born and raised there.
I can attest to the fact that Beth’s story is very accurate. I was an administrator at Grenville Christian College for many years and sadly a part of Beth’s story. I ask myself daily, “how did we not see the truth?” Reading Beth’s story might help explain.
This book will open your eyes to how religion can go so very wrong and turn into a cult. If you or anyone you know finds themselves in a questionable religious setting, this book could be a life-saver.
Joan Childs
March 9, 2025
Born and Razed is a well written, heart-wrenching account of the abuse the author endured for decades at the Grenville Christian College. I was brought to tears while reading as young Beth Granger (nee Gillis, the author) was separated from her parents at age five and forced to live with another family. This was the beginning of the traumatic experiences Beth recounts throughout the following chapters. As you read about the public shaming and shocking disciplinary tactics applied by the leaders, you genuinely feel Beth's torment.
In the second part of the book, Beth provides the reader insight into the class action lawsuit challenging the religious leaders from the school. Beth explains the devastating emotional and mental toll preparing material for the lawsuit and providing depositions and her witness statements took on her. Added to her own trauma, Beth writes about other student's horrendous experiences that came to light during the legal process.
Beth's writing is courageous. Her book opens the reader's eyes to decades worth of abuse and brainwashing occurring behind closed doors, at a seemingly elite facility. Thank you for being brave enough to share your experience, Beth.
In the second part of the book, Beth provides the reader insight into the class action lawsuit challenging the religious leaders from the school. Beth explains the devastating emotional and mental toll preparing material for the lawsuit and providing depositions and her witness statements took on her. Added to her own trauma, Beth writes about other student's horrendous experiences that came to light during the legal process.
Beth's writing is courageous. Her book opens the reader's eyes to decades worth of abuse and brainwashing occurring behind closed doors, at a seemingly elite facility. Thank you for being brave enough to share your experience, Beth.
May 21, 2025
I came across the writer while listening to a podcast, and came to the realization that she was talking about a Boarding school and religious community that my cousins are affiliated with. They are still part of the community unfortunately. I immediately went to Amazon and bought the book. I was scared to read it, but It opened my eyes as to why that part of the family was so closed off from the rest of us, especially them. Her writing is fantastic and heartbreaking all at the same time. Even though I personally never experienced anything like this, she tells it in such a way that you are experiencing it. I am thrilled that in the end they received justice, but man did they have to go through a hard fought battle. Thank you for sharing your story Beth and I hope that your healing continues.
Read
May 14, 2025The book was very engaging and captivating. I highly recommend it. I'm appalled at the people who lied through their teeth--people who call themselves Christians.
May 4, 2025
I found at the very beginning it had me hooked. Couldn’t believe these so called religious people could actually believe what they were doing. However as the book went on, I felt that the author totally lost what she was trying to do. From being apparently a wonderful singer, athlete then teacher, to someone who could not function at all, left me hanging. I am glad the school is closed and that some are compensated and won’t have to deal with them again..
February 17, 2025
It’s been a long time since I’ve read a book in one sitting, but I simply couldn’t put this one down!
A coming-of-age story unlike any other that unpacks what really happened at GCC, following Beth’s journey as she discovers the truth about her past and finds the inner courage and strength to bring her former cult leaders to justice.
This is a book I will definitely read again!
A coming-of-age story unlike any other that unpacks what really happened at GCC, following Beth’s journey as she discovers the truth about her past and finds the inner courage and strength to bring her former cult leaders to justice.
This is a book I will definitely read again!
March 29, 2025
“But no one can expect deep healing without deep pain.” (337). This novel is a brave, and well written, account of having been broken and working constantly to be healthy. This book opens your eyes up about totalitarian school systems and the dangers of religious cults that aim to break you in order to make you submissive.
July 16, 2025
As a former student of the school at the heart of Beth Granger’s Born and Razed, reading her memoir was a deeply personal and emotional experience for me. Granger’s story is not only her own—it is also the unspoken history of so many whose lives were shaped by the same hallways and authority figures.
What struck me most was her compassionate acknowledgment of the teachers who, like the students, endured trauma within those walls. Until reading Granger’s account, I never fully understood the pervasive influence of the school’s history or the psychological roots of its culture. Her willingness to share her personal pain and resilience provided a lens into the far-reaching impact of complex PTSD—a reality that is all too familiar for many alumni but rarely discussed with such clarity and honesty.
The book is, at turns, heartbreaking and inspiring. Granger’s courage in telling her truth is matched by her tenacity, which ultimately paved the way for thousands of us to be heard—not just by the courts, but by someone who truly mattered. Through her words, memories I had long buried came rushing back. The lasting effects—seen in ongoing struggles with addiction and mental health among so many former students—underscore that surviving such an environment leaves lifelong marks.
Granger’s memoir does more than recount pain; it serves as both a warning and a testament. In today’s climate, with rising influence from groups whose ideologies distort the foundations of modern Christianity, Born and Razed is a powerful reminder of what to watch for when authority goes unchecked. The book is both a personal catharsis and a public service. For me, it offered the closure I needed to finally move forward.
I am deeply grateful that Granger wrote this book. Her story shines a light for others, warning against repeating old patterns and affirming the resilience of the human spirit. Most importantly, Born and Razed ensures that the voices of those who suffered will not be forgotten. Thank you Beth.
What struck me most was her compassionate acknowledgment of the teachers who, like the students, endured trauma within those walls. Until reading Granger’s account, I never fully understood the pervasive influence of the school’s history or the psychological roots of its culture. Her willingness to share her personal pain and resilience provided a lens into the far-reaching impact of complex PTSD—a reality that is all too familiar for many alumni but rarely discussed with such clarity and honesty.
The book is, at turns, heartbreaking and inspiring. Granger’s courage in telling her truth is matched by her tenacity, which ultimately paved the way for thousands of us to be heard—not just by the courts, but by someone who truly mattered. Through her words, memories I had long buried came rushing back. The lasting effects—seen in ongoing struggles with addiction and mental health among so many former students—underscore that surviving such an environment leaves lifelong marks.
Granger’s memoir does more than recount pain; it serves as both a warning and a testament. In today’s climate, with rising influence from groups whose ideologies distort the foundations of modern Christianity, Born and Razed is a powerful reminder of what to watch for when authority goes unchecked. The book is both a personal catharsis and a public service. For me, it offered the closure I needed to finally move forward.
I am deeply grateful that Granger wrote this book. Her story shines a light for others, warning against repeating old patterns and affirming the resilience of the human spirit. Most importantly, Born and Razed ensures that the voices of those who suffered will not be forgotten. Thank you Beth.
February 21, 2025
Beth's recounting of her life story is heartstopping and intelectually
magnificent all at the same time.
Beth is my hero. She not only survived the cult, she also survived the two cults coming together as one to inflict additional pain and torture. She courageously broke free from her personal hell. The realization that it WAS a cult was equally painful and tedious to sort out. Each day she continued to separate herself from the braincontrol that had been implanted in her body and soul. Her writing is so eloquent it makes you feel like you are there beside her.
Actually, I was a boarding student there for 5 years. My parents were also members of the CofJ (Community of Jesus). The lifetime struggles that I have endured as a result of my stays, are no match for being a staff kid and a 30 year duration. I can barely imagine her inner strength. Every story that Beth has told about her experience in both locations is spot-on!
Beth is a brilliant writer. I have learning disabilities and have only finished 4 books front back in my lifetime. Her book was my 5th! Every word she wrote came alive as I read it. This book may be uncomfortable to read at times but, it is heartfelt and brings encouragement to the world. There is a light at the end of the tunnel for those who have suffered. I believe this book will help you find courage and a hope for your future. Beth thank you for sharing your story in such a beautiful and intimate way. Your light shines bright on all of us.
magnificent all at the same time.
Beth is my hero. She not only survived the cult, she also survived the two cults coming together as one to inflict additional pain and torture. She courageously broke free from her personal hell. The realization that it WAS a cult was equally painful and tedious to sort out. Each day she continued to separate herself from the braincontrol that had been implanted in her body and soul. Her writing is so eloquent it makes you feel like you are there beside her.
Actually, I was a boarding student there for 5 years. My parents were also members of the CofJ (Community of Jesus). The lifetime struggles that I have endured as a result of my stays, are no match for being a staff kid and a 30 year duration. I can barely imagine her inner strength. Every story that Beth has told about her experience in both locations is spot-on!
Beth is a brilliant writer. I have learning disabilities and have only finished 4 books front back in my lifetime. Her book was my 5th! Every word she wrote came alive as I read it. This book may be uncomfortable to read at times but, it is heartfelt and brings encouragement to the world. There is a light at the end of the tunnel for those who have suffered. I believe this book will help you find courage and a hope for your future. Beth thank you for sharing your story in such a beautiful and intimate way. Your light shines bright on all of us.
March 27, 2025
Knowing nothing about Grenville Christian College, I had no idea what to expect when I started this book. Certainly not the level of systemic psychological abuse and cruelty to children which the college managed to get away with for decades. Now that I’ve finished, I believe that Beth Granger has done a very brave thing in putting so many of her traumatic memories on paper, and in describing the ripple effects of that trauma on her life in such a deeply personal and honest way. The book moves along at just the right pace, and I was absolutely gripped by Beth’s story and that of her fellow students. It would be impossible not to feel anger when reading it at what students (and staff) at the college had to endure, particularly when learning about how that played out in extremely challenging and sometimes tragic ways for so many of them later in life. Yet we should feel optimistic that people like Beth are brave enough to share their stories and expose cults hiding in plain sight for what they really are. Lord knows we need such voices in these troubling times.
November 3, 2025
Beth Granger's description of her life in an abusive community is both heart-wrenching and incredibly powerful. The book is a page turner. The description of the treatment inflicted on members of the community, where the author was born and grew up, is both painful and riveting. The reader hopes for a happy resolution only to discover a never-ending sequence of hardships and challenges.
But the book is also inspirational, because of the courage and resilience of Ms Granger. Rather than falling into bitterness and retribution, which would be understandable in those circumstances, what stands out is her desire to heal, to help others heal, and to prevent such indoctrination movements to thrive.
As such it is both a life lesson and a warning on the dangers of unchecked power and dominance across our societies. Definitely worth the read
But the book is also inspirational, because of the courage and resilience of Ms Granger. Rather than falling into bitterness and retribution, which would be understandable in those circumstances, what stands out is her desire to heal, to help others heal, and to prevent such indoctrination movements to thrive.
As such it is both a life lesson and a warning on the dangers of unchecked power and dominance across our societies. Definitely worth the read
Read
December 21, 2025This book was so well written. Mrs. Granger was one of my elementary school teachers, and I have always thought of her in the highest regards, which is why it pains me that she has gone through so many terrible things. I am so proud of her for writing this book, sharing her experiences, and for going through this healing journey. She is so strong and I hope that her future is filled with love, happiness, and peace. You can tell she put so much thought and energy into this memoir. Her writing is impeccable and the way she was able to remember her experiences in such detail fathoms me. She is such a talented writer and I feel honoured to have met her.
March 12, 2025
This very honest and sober accounting of the devastation caused to children when adults and organizations run amok,unchecked, made me sad for the victim and also made me so proud of her. To tell one's story can help reach other similar victims and can educate better those of us involved with child victims. I hope that the telling of the truth somehow helped the writer lighten her mental burdens. I appreciated learning more of this story and hope that the telling prevents other similar stories from ever taking place.
March 23, 2025
5 starts - although I feel wrong rating a book of this nature by stars.
Systematic abuse as told by a survivor. Honest, Heart breaking and raw.
Growing up in the area all my life, driving by that school countless times,
you would never knew what was happening behind those gates. I thought it was a wonderful place to get an education. How wrong I was.
Beth Granger- thank you for sharing your experiences and struggles. I am truly humbled by
your fight and drive to help yourself and others through this battle. You are awe inspiring.
Systematic abuse as told by a survivor. Honest, Heart breaking and raw.
Growing up in the area all my life, driving by that school countless times,
you would never knew what was happening behind those gates. I thought it was a wonderful place to get an education. How wrong I was.
Beth Granger- thank you for sharing your experiences and struggles. I am truly humbled by
your fight and drive to help yourself and others through this battle. You are awe inspiring.
February 22, 2025
As much as some who lived and worked at GCC have tried to ignore, defend and hide from the truth (including me) of the destructiveness of GCC and the CofJ, Beth’s tragic account of her life and struggle to find the courage to face her tormentors head on is a testament to her strength and resilience. With steely determination she worked to restore her dignity and the dignity of everyone who suffered abuse at GCC. Truth triumphs in the end.
July 2, 2025
Interesting book to read, especially because it happened so locally. It's about Grenville Christian School just outside of Brockville -- and how it essentially became a cult.
I know people who went here, which makes it extra intriguing. By the end of the first half I was a little depressed because her experience was so disheartening and sad, then the second half was about after she left and I got quite into how that all unfolded.
I know people who went here, which makes it extra intriguing. By the end of the first half I was a little depressed because her experience was so disheartening and sad, then the second half was about after she left and I got quite into how that all unfolded.
August 9, 2025
It’s wild to me that this happened right in my backyard. I didn’t grow up in the area, but have lived here since 1999, and not once had I heard about this case. I’m glad the author posted about it in my local Facebook group. It is well written, flows really nicely and paints a sad picture of someone who has struggled and is working towards recovery. Highly recommend to anyone who wants to know more about what happens behind closed doors in the name of God.
February 28, 2025
From the first page, the author draws you in with her vulnerability and makes you want to hear her story. What follows is heartbreaking stories of systemic abuse followed by a story of healing, restitution and resilience. This inspiring story touched my soul. A great source of vicarious resilience, the author’s long journey highlights so many healing practices.
April 25, 2025
I was glued to this book from the moment I picked it up. I grew up not too far from Grenville Christian College and remember visiting the grounds a couple of times as a kid. I’ve followed the story for years as the truth came out, and when I heard about Beth Granger’s book knew I had to read it. Thank you, Beth for bravely telling this important story.
April 27, 2025
It was both a page turner and heart breaking, as we go along with Beth's painful journey through the cult nightmare and recovery. It's amazing how similar many cult stories are, turning spirituality into an abusive, horrible environment. The more these stories are told, the less people will get caught in their deadly web. Beth's life is inspiring to those who may need such a success story.
June 5, 2025
Written as therapy after a traumatic upbringing inside a controlling cult Beth's honest account has great integrity, is illuminating and engaging and revealing of her strength of character in the face of lifelong psychological affliction. You leave the book moved and wishing her well in her struggle to live life to the full after such a childhood.
November 7, 2025
This unflinching, heartbreaking memoir describes the mechanisms of an abusive community and its enormous impact on the lives of so many. The book describes the characteristics of a setting where these abuses can continue. May we all become more aware, encourage young people to question authority, and believe victims when they take the courageous step of coming forward.
February 19, 2025
Wow! What an incredible story, impossible to put this book down! The writing is gutwrenchingly honest, and this story of a cult hiding inside a school will make you cry, cringe and rage. An absolute MUST-READ!!!
February 15, 2025
Gripping. I couldn’t put it down!
April 13, 2025
An incredible story
October 12, 2025
Shocking that this happened near me! Fascinating read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews