What do you think?
Rate this book
Beggar's Daughter
If you think pornography is just a "guy thing" you would be wrong. Jessica Harris was 13 years old when she was exposed to pornography. After four years, her use was out of control and when she went to find help, it became apparent that this wasn't a thing many women do. All of the resources were for men, and when she got caught, she was told "Women don't have this problem." That sent her on a downward spiral and nearly landed her in the adult industry. Spoiler that didn't happen. Instead, she found freedom, hope, healing and worth in the love and grace of God. Beggar's Daughter is a candid look into her story, how she struggled and eventually how God set her free. It is a narrative on grace suitable for the women who struggle and those who want to understand them. Through it all, the message is that no woman is ever beyond the grace of God.
129 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2016
55 people are currently reading
164 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Harris
6 books11 followersLibrarian Note:
There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Jessica Harris is a writer and international speaker who talks openly and honestly about pornography addiction among Christian women in order to facilitate healing. She is recognized as a leading voice on the topic of female porn use and addiction in the church, and she has been featured on media such as ABC's Nightline, The 700 Club, Focus on the Family, and Cru.
There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Jessica Harris is a writer and international speaker who talks openly and honestly about pornography addiction among Christian women in order to facilitate healing. She is recognized as a leading voice on the topic of female porn use and addiction in the church, and she has been featured on media such as ABC's Nightline, The 700 Club, Focus on the Family, and Cru.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 22, 2017
Jessica tells the story of her struggle with pornography simply, with out the sensationalism that many "pulled out of the pit" stories can have (a type of emotional porn all its own). She sheds light on the problem of women's pornography addiction being dismissed as a myth, and through this book and her blog of the same title, seeks to provide resources for women who feel as trapped and burdened by shame as she did. And the best part? She clearly and boldly points to God's grace for salvation and healing, giving Him all the glory for her recovery.
unlike anything in this vein I've ever read.
unlike anything in this vein I've ever read.
November 6, 2025
I admire the courage, honesty, and hope it took to write a book like this. Freedom is often a journey. A repetition of “no” to “lesser lovers”. The humility and grace to say “yes” to Jesus once more, even after you just said “yes” to sin. Jessica invites women into the journey of freedom, by the grace and relentless love of God.
I’ll highlight a few good sentences:
- “I had Jesus. But free people still have the freedom to choose.”
- “Sex was good before sin was bad.”
- “If you are silent about the sin, you are silent about the grace.”
I’ll highlight a few good sentences:
- “I had Jesus. But free people still have the freedom to choose.”
- “Sex was good before sin was bad.”
- “If you are silent about the sin, you are silent about the grace.”
November 28, 2018
A Story of God’s Grace
I have followed Jessica’s blog for a few years now. I knew some of her story, but not all. At first I read this quite quickly, I found myself relating to a lot of her feelings and a bit of the struggle with pornography. My story is different, but in many ways the same. After a while, I had to take a break and process the emotions her story was bringing up in my heart. So if you have a history with pornography, be prepared for that before you read.
What I most appreciate about Jessica’s story is how it isn’t a “10 steps to freedom from pornography” type book because my experience with any type of sin struggle has been that I can’t break free on my own. It is only through a closer relationship with God, the grace of God, that I can have any victory. There is such hope for those who struggle in this book.
Finally, I didn’t want to write a review because it is still an area of my life I don’t like to talk about. Even though God has walked me to a place where it isn’t a struggle the majority of the time, the shame, guilt, and disgust still sit close by when I think about the past. A few close to me do know my struggle, but not many more. I still fear other people’s reactions. Eventually I figured that if Jessica was brave enough to stand up and tell her story to millions, I could at least write a review in support of her for writing a book that has helped me.
Thank you for sharing your story, Jessica.
I have followed Jessica’s blog for a few years now. I knew some of her story, but not all. At first I read this quite quickly, I found myself relating to a lot of her feelings and a bit of the struggle with pornography. My story is different, but in many ways the same. After a while, I had to take a break and process the emotions her story was bringing up in my heart. So if you have a history with pornography, be prepared for that before you read.
What I most appreciate about Jessica’s story is how it isn’t a “10 steps to freedom from pornography” type book because my experience with any type of sin struggle has been that I can’t break free on my own. It is only through a closer relationship with God, the grace of God, that I can have any victory. There is such hope for those who struggle in this book.
Finally, I didn’t want to write a review because it is still an area of my life I don’t like to talk about. Even though God has walked me to a place where it isn’t a struggle the majority of the time, the shame, guilt, and disgust still sit close by when I think about the past. A few close to me do know my struggle, but not many more. I still fear other people’s reactions. Eventually I figured that if Jessica was brave enough to stand up and tell her story to millions, I could at least write a review in support of her for writing a book that has helped me.
Thank you for sharing your story, Jessica.
February 20, 2020
I read this book because I am interested in Biblical Counseling and had read that Jessica Harris had a Christian background and struggled with this herself.
Amazingly transparent, honest, and hard account of her struggle.
Sin is sin, repentance is real and Jesus' rescue is not always immediate.
This story is about a growing core conviction of Truth, application of Truth, faith, grace, and hope.
She appears to be an increasingly strong woman in the crippling brokenness and weakness that she experiences.
Amazingly transparent, honest, and hard account of her struggle.
Sin is sin, repentance is real and Jesus' rescue is not always immediate.
This story is about a growing core conviction of Truth, application of Truth, faith, grace, and hope.
She appears to be an increasingly strong woman in the crippling brokenness and weakness that she experiences.
February 20, 2017
Found this to be a very well written account of the author's struggle and it made me think hard about my own struggles with sin as well as my response to other's struggles with sin. Quotes: Dragging sins into the light does not bring shame. It welcomes grace.
...If you are silent about the sin, you are silent about the grace.
...If you are silent about the sin, you are silent about the grace.
May 16, 2020
Wow
So much of her story is my story- even parts that I didn’t know were part of my story....are written right here on these pages.
So much of her story is my story- even parts that I didn’t know were part of my story....are written right here on these pages.
May 1, 2019
Just Read It!
I truly appreciated reading this book. I bought it because it was included in Tim Challies’ blog as part of his Kindle Deals section. I am an avid reader and I enjoy reading on all aspects of Christian life. Lately I’ve set out to read books that can help be grow in knowing how to help my brothers and sister in Christ and just being prepared to bear each other’s burdens. So I was really interested in reading this. This isn’t a book that gives you steps on how to get rid of this sin, although she certainly shares what has helped her throughout her journey. This is a book that gives an honest look on what sin is and how it can take a hold of a believer. This is a book about the reality of sin in the believer’s life. I do commend her for her bravery in sharing about this struggle that affects many Christian women. That sounds like a cheesy thing to say but I am pretty sure that it is a difficult to share this in a very public way. I think of this book as a real life display of Romans 7. I think a book like this was needed and I highly recommend it to everyone, whether you struggle with pornography or not.
I truly appreciated reading this book. I bought it because it was included in Tim Challies’ blog as part of his Kindle Deals section. I am an avid reader and I enjoy reading on all aspects of Christian life. Lately I’ve set out to read books that can help be grow in knowing how to help my brothers and sister in Christ and just being prepared to bear each other’s burdens. So I was really interested in reading this. This isn’t a book that gives you steps on how to get rid of this sin, although she certainly shares what has helped her throughout her journey. This is a book that gives an honest look on what sin is and how it can take a hold of a believer. This is a book about the reality of sin in the believer’s life. I do commend her for her bravery in sharing about this struggle that affects many Christian women. That sounds like a cheesy thing to say but I am pretty sure that it is a difficult to share this in a very public way. I think of this book as a real life display of Romans 7. I think a book like this was needed and I highly recommend it to everyone, whether you struggle with pornography or not.
December 9, 2018
Such a great resource for women - Harris bravely and vulnerably shares her personal struggle with pornography and her journey into God’s grace. She punctuates the necessity of community, God’s word, prayer, confession, repentance, vulnerability, and more community in battling sin. What it is to love God more than to just hate sin. She writes not as someone in an ivory tower whose struggle is solely past tense, which likely resonates with any women reading this book who have sin struggles of their own, perhaps similar perhaps different. It was so encouraging to read how others willingly walked alongside her to support her fight and serve as pictures of the unwavering love God had and has for her all along.
“God is always in the process of redeeming brokenness and restoring lives. That’s the beautiful thing about grace. It doesn’t just save you from your sorry self. It doesn’t pull you out of the water and plop you on the beach, shivering and half-drowned. Grace rescues and restores. It pulls you out of the water and gives you a purpose. It gives you life.”
“God is always in the process of redeeming brokenness and restoring lives. That’s the beautiful thing about grace. It doesn’t just save you from your sorry self. It doesn’t pull you out of the water and plop you on the beach, shivering and half-drowned. Grace rescues and restores. It pulls you out of the water and gives you a purpose. It gives you life.”
October 19, 2019
The paragraph that stands out to me was that: I am a known and beloved daughter of the Most High. I am His Daughter. He chose me. I can boldly come before him, rest in His love, and know that in Him, I am more than enough. That isn’t pornography. That isn’t shame. That isn’t fear.
That, my friends, is grace.
It made me remind me that with God’s Grace I’ll be able to use this part of my story to bring others to God in his timing and in his will :)
That, my friends, is grace.
It made me remind me that with God’s Grace I’ll be able to use this part of my story to bring others to God in his timing and in his will :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2023
So glad she shared her story.
I loved reading this book. I’m dating a man with porn addiction, I hate it but I’m addicted to sex outside of marriage so I can’t judge. Some of what was said about growing up without a father, and bus experiences have happened to me as well. I’ve always had sex with guys, sometimes one night stands, didn’t know their name even. I’m older now and this has been a lifetime struggle but has gotten better over the passed 6 years, but I’m Being convicted of my sin and trying to stop. Which means I have to breakup with boyfriend. This man that seems to show so much patience towards me, knows a little about my past. I’m honest with him that having sex is not right because we aren’t married, but we still have sex and I’m sure when I’m at home he’s watching porn at his house. We both go to church, I’ve talked to the pastor and his wife about my convictions and a little about my boyfriend. I wish he’d be open to talking to someone about this, I’ve suggested for him to talk to the pastor but he doesn’t want to talk to anyone about it. I read this book to maybe get a better understanding of being addicted to porn. To try and learn how to deal with someone you love with a porn addiction. I’ve been shown grace by others when I tell them I’ve had sex at the age of 13 after signing the True Love Waits card, it wasn’t long after, I lost my virginity. So many of us struggle with some kind of sexual sin before marriage.
I loved reading this book. I’m dating a man with porn addiction, I hate it but I’m addicted to sex outside of marriage so I can’t judge. Some of what was said about growing up without a father, and bus experiences have happened to me as well. I’ve always had sex with guys, sometimes one night stands, didn’t know their name even. I’m older now and this has been a lifetime struggle but has gotten better over the passed 6 years, but I’m Being convicted of my sin and trying to stop. Which means I have to breakup with boyfriend. This man that seems to show so much patience towards me, knows a little about my past. I’m honest with him that having sex is not right because we aren’t married, but we still have sex and I’m sure when I’m at home he’s watching porn at his house. We both go to church, I’ve talked to the pastor and his wife about my convictions and a little about my boyfriend. I wish he’d be open to talking to someone about this, I’ve suggested for him to talk to the pastor but he doesn’t want to talk to anyone about it. I read this book to maybe get a better understanding of being addicted to porn. To try and learn how to deal with someone you love with a porn addiction. I’ve been shown grace by others when I tell them I’ve had sex at the age of 13 after signing the True Love Waits card, it wasn’t long after, I lost my virginity. So many of us struggle with some kind of sexual sin before marriage.
December 3, 2021
When I read this book, I knew I needed to tell another girl like me who needed it. Maybe that girl is me. If you wanna chat more about it you're welcome to friend me on this site too.
I absolutely loved the part about God not leaving us shivering and half-drowned. I couldn't believe how some parts of her story were just like mine. I don't let myself dwell on my past mistakes too often because the results are disastrous, but when I remember those mistakes I want so much to protect other girls from doing the same thing.
About whether or not it's appropriate for teenagers, I'd say if your teenager struggles with porn then let them read this book. There's no way mentions of the author's porn use are going to be more "adult" content than the porn your child has already watched.
I absolutely loved the part about God not leaving us shivering and half-drowned. I couldn't believe how some parts of her story were just like mine. I don't let myself dwell on my past mistakes too often because the results are disastrous, but when I remember those mistakes I want so much to protect other girls from doing the same thing.
About whether or not it's appropriate for teenagers, I'd say if your teenager struggles with porn then let them read this book. There's no way mentions of the author's porn use are going to be more "adult" content than the porn your child has already watched.
March 24, 2022
This is an extraordinary testimony from a women who became addicted to pornography. Her journey from addiction to grace has personally impacted my personal walk with Christ. Like her, I have always desired for marriage. I am expressly demanding God for that. But I realized that God doesn't really owe me a husband. He doesn't owe me anything, even if I "performe" well in His Church. But His love and grace is truly beyond what I can comprehend that He overwhelmingly forgives me and provides me everything I need and even some of my desires.
This book is about a journey towards accepting ang living in God's grace.
This book is about a journey towards accepting ang living in God's grace.
December 5, 2024
Excellent, Reasonable Discussion
Harris does a great job conveying the daily struggle, without resorting to clichés or x-step formulas - which don't work. She gives hope and direction without false promises. Her insights are obviously directed to women, but very useful for men as well. One of the very best, honest and truthful books that I have read on the topic. No easy answers, recognizing that the temptation is always there, but learning to properly focus on who God is and His grace does bring increasing levels of freedom.
Harris does a great job conveying the daily struggle, without resorting to clichés or x-step formulas - which don't work. She gives hope and direction without false promises. Her insights are obviously directed to women, but very useful for men as well. One of the very best, honest and truthful books that I have read on the topic. No easy answers, recognizing that the temptation is always there, but learning to properly focus on who God is and His grace does bring increasing levels of freedom.
December 28, 2025
A redemption Story like no other I've read. Honest, real & fully reflective of God's love, patience and grace. This is a must read for all Christian wether or not this is your vice, this book does a good job at showing you just what Jesus came for, who he truly is and how we ought to live with others and see ourselves.
"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this :
Whilst we were yet sinners Christ, christ died for us."
"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this :
Whilst we were yet sinners Christ, christ died for us."
March 25, 2020
Great read
This young lady was an overachiever. A pretender. Smart, agreeable, a good girl. Inside, it was killing her. So, she discovered porn, and it took away the stress. However, it left the shame. I think she is brave, to speak out. Any man, would be lucky to have you. Do not settle, just to be married. Make sure,he is worthy of you.
This young lady was an overachiever. A pretender. Smart, agreeable, a good girl. Inside, it was killing her. So, she discovered porn, and it took away the stress. However, it left the shame. I think she is brave, to speak out. Any man, would be lucky to have you. Do not settle, just to be married. Make sure,he is worthy of you.
February 16, 2020
A Brisk Tale. Raw and Uncensored
Beggar's Daughter is a raw and uncensored story of one woman's addiction to pornography. It moves quickly. It is a story of grace, and how no one is beyond the reach of God's love. Very powerful.
Beggar's Daughter is a raw and uncensored story of one woman's addiction to pornography. It moves quickly. It is a story of grace, and how no one is beyond the reach of God's love. Very powerful.
June 11, 2017
Authentically Inspiring
I really enjoyed reading this book. Freedom from any addiction takes accountability, grace, repentance, confession, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
I really enjoyed reading this book. Freedom from any addiction takes accountability, grace, repentance, confession, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
January 27, 2018
#vtReadingChallenge 2018 "A Book with a Picture of the Author on the Cover"
December 28, 2018
Excellent book that was very realistic on how women experience an addiction to pornography. I really appreciated this book because such books are far and few in between.
October 12, 2019
This book was SO helpful for me! It's real, raw, and true. It provides hope for a hopeless kind of downward spiral.
October 15, 2020
Wow she does a great job informing the church on how to accept , love and help those addicted to porn
January 19, 2022
Much needed testimony of how God rescues us all, including those lost in the darkness of pornography.
December 12, 2024
Wasn't what I expected.
The author is real with her struggle. She's not conquered and is perfect with a sin that easily besets her.
Great read
The author is real with her struggle. She's not conquered and is perfect with a sin that easily besets her.
Great read
December 8, 2024
This book is one of a kind. Jessica honestly shares about all of her struggles with pornography and all of the other problems that go along with that. Porn affects women and girls differently than men and boys, it is great to have a book like this. She wrote things in there that I thought I was all alone in. Because the struggle of pornography geared towards women is almost non-existent. A great read if you are struggling, have struggled or know someone who is. It is incredible.
November 24, 2018
I recently received a free subscription to Kindle Unlimited, so I'm doing more reading. My first selection was _Beggar's Daughter_ by Jessica Harris.
Harris' book is a compelling, raw, honest autobiography detailing her struggle with pornography addiction. She shares openly without unecessary graphic detail. She also focuses on her experience, not expecting everyone to be just like her.
_Beggar's Daughter_ is not stellar in terms of writing quality, but it is readable and reasonably well-written.
I recommend this book for all Christians, especially those struggling with compulsive sexual behavior or who know someone who is. It provides helpful insight into the experience of sex and love addicts and encouragement to those who feel trapped in addiction.
Harris' book is a compelling, raw, honest autobiography detailing her struggle with pornography addiction. She shares openly without unecessary graphic detail. She also focuses on her experience, not expecting everyone to be just like her.
_Beggar's Daughter_ is not stellar in terms of writing quality, but it is readable and reasonably well-written.
I recommend this book for all Christians, especially those struggling with compulsive sexual behavior or who know someone who is. It provides helpful insight into the experience of sex and love addicts and encouragement to those who feel trapped in addiction.
September 19, 2016
I loved this memoir. Jessica is so brave to share her struggles in a world where we hide our sins and present masks to the rest of the world. Unfortunately, these same facades/masks prevent us from accepting God's grace. Ephesians 5:11-14 Take no part in the fruitless works of darkness; rather expose them, for it is shameful even to mention the things done by them in secret;but everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for everything that becomes visible is light.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews