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Dirty Girls Come Clean

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Pornography is not just a man's issue.  Twenty-five percent of Christian women are addicted to pornography and sadly, 70% of these women will never confide in someone about their problems.

Recently there has been an explosion of ministries, churches, and individuals battling pornography's destructive and tragic effects.  Porn is highly addictive and requires plenty of tools to break its strangling hold.  However, these ministries and tools are more accessible to men than women.  Women turn to pornography for different reasons than men but once addicted feel the same alienation and shame.  Women desperately need a place of confession, accountability, and healing separate from men.

In Dirty Girls Come Clean , Crystal Renaud, founder of Dirty Girls Ministries and AACC certified counselor - whose own addiction started at age 10 - provides steps to recovery uniquely tailored for the female addict.  Beginning with surrender, moving to confession, embracing accountability, owning responsibility, to finally sharing with others, the reader will be taken on a journey that can guide her from a state of woundedness to one of healing. 

160 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2011

21 people are currently reading
253 people want to read

About the author

Crystal Renaud

1 book2 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Mandy J. Hoffman.
Author 1 book92 followers
July 24, 2011
MY REVIEW:

I took the opportunity to review this book because it's a topic you don't see much about and as I work with teen girls and women I wanted to be aware of these issues. However, I quickly realized it was so much more than just an informative read. I was both shocked and helped by this book. Shocked because I did not know, nor understand, the depth in which women struggle with sexual addictions. And I was helped because it's more than just information about the issues, it's practical help for overcoming these sins.

This book is not for young readers and due to the testimonies included I stress caution and discernment in reading this book. However, that said, this book will be a huge encouragement and help to those struggling with these particular sins or an aid for those helping others who are struggling. The testimonies show you God's grace and how He can overcome anything. Each section of this book is weighty but digs into the details of how to handle sexual sin and temptation in very practical ways.

I would recommend this book to any woman who is struggling with a sexual sin or knows someone who is, or perhaps doesn't know if she is or not. After reading this book you might just realize that you've been struggling with a sin pattern in your own life. For those who are married I would suggest reading it as a couple so the husband understands the issues as well.

* * * * *

This review copy was provided courtesy of Moody Publishers but the opinion expressed is my own.
Profile Image for Erin.
953 reviews24 followers
Want to read
April 15, 2012
As part of my job as an editor, I read a heart-breaking personal statement from a Christian woman that was struggling with a pornography addiction. For a variety of reasons, I have become more and more aware of how pervasive porn addictions are among women and among several of my friends. I was looking for a book that would give me a better understanding of this addiction and this book came highly recommended.

"Rest assured, God is much more concerned about where you've headed, than where you've been."
As soon as I read that line in the book, I realized how much of God's heart for us is expressed in this book.
1 review6 followers
March 30, 2011
I struggled with an 11-year addiction to pornography. During this time, there was NO one speaking out about this issue with women. So I felt alone, and kept silent. Now 11 years later, there is virtually nothing published that deals specifically with women's addiction to pornography, yet a quick search of statistics will show you that this is definitely an issue not only in Christian circles, but in regular society.

I was able to get an advanced copy of this book, and after reading it I was able to find hope. Crystal speaks in a way that probably every woman with this struggle can relate to, as well as giving simple practical steps to start you on your journey of healing and recovery. Also included in the book are stories of other women who also have struggled with the same issue, proving once again that you are not alone.

It's a great book to reference, and refer to again and again.

Crystal's ministry, Dirty Girls Ministries, also provides added support after reading the book so you can find even MORE help and community with other women like you. I can't say enough good about this book and its author!
Profile Image for Sara.
566 reviews18 followers
February 10, 2011
ARC book from Netgalley. Pornography isn't just a man's issue, it's also a woman's issue. Majority of women won't confide in someone about their addiction.

I enjoyed the book even if it had nothing to do with me. I don't have a porn addiction but I've known people who do. I learned quite a bit from reading this book. I'll be honest, I never thought so many women had porn addiction, I've only ever related the addiction to men because that's what most books talk about, men and their addiction. I believe the book is well written and I really enjoy how the author shares her story with porn addiction as well as others.
Profile Image for Katie.
172 reviews25 followers
March 25, 2011
This book is a journey to freedom from pornography addiction.
Well written and gripping, it is full of personal stories that shatter the illusion claiming you are the "only one" who deals with this addiction.
In a world where Christian women are made to feel dirty, ashamed, and alone in their addiction to porn, Crystal Renaud has broken the darkness and filled it with the light of the glory of the Lord.
This book will serve to be an invaluable resource in addiction recovery for individuals as well as in group settings.
Profile Image for Barb Winters.
Author 1 book22 followers
March 18, 2023
Excellent book. Highly recommend for any woman struggling with pornography.
Profile Image for Deltra Kroemer.
1 review5 followers
April 2, 2011
Whether you are a "dirty girl" ready to come clean or standing by the pool
merely wetting your feet and debating making the dive or a woman seeking understanding
of the addiction that no one likes to talk about because you want to be informed so
you can love on and lift up your sisters in Christ who struggle with pornography addiction,
this book is for you.

Unique both in genre and style, "Dirty Girls Come Clean" discusses the one form of sexual addiction no other book has. It speaks specifically to the sister who struggles with pornography addiction. It reads like a conversation with friends and sisters who have been where you are, but is also informative and educational, as well as personal growth inspiring. In fact, this is exactly what the book is.

Author Crystal Renaud shares her personal story of pornography addiction and how her mess was
turned into a message meant for others to hear. It's easy to listen to, as it is told in a nonauthoritive tone throughout the book, along with the inspiring stories of other women who have and still do struggle with pornography addiction. The book also offers opportunities for the pornography addicted reader to be an active participant in her own recovery process, offering a personal inventory section to figure out just where you are at so you can get where you want to go and questions to reflect upon following each chapter.

Navigating the high and low tides of recovery with the use of an acronym known as SCARS (Surrender,confession,responsibility and sharing), "Dirty Girls Come Clean" takes the willing reader by the hand and leads her through the steps to redemption.
The stories of real Christian women's struggles with pornography let the reader know that she is NOT alone, the biblical references and scriptures shared throughout the pages of the book serve as a reminder of Christ's love and plans for us, and the lies society would have women believe about being sexually liberated are challenged by God's truth which offers true freedom from the bondage only a slave to sexual addiction of any kind could know. The resources provided at the book's end offer essential tools for the beginning of a road to recovery for the addict dedicated to finding her freedom, including internet filtering options, community options to connect with others and most importantly, the chance to connect with Christ for those who have not met Him yet!

So, if you are ready - and even if you feel you are not but you're feeling that nudge from God and it's about knocking you over by now - allow light to be shed on the darkness in your life, allow the doors you've been hiding behind to be opened, allow your chains to be broken and allow your dirt to be washed away through the reading of this book and God's grace.


2 reviews1 follower
April 1, 2011
Dirty Girls Come Clean is part testimonial, part resource and part informational. It is also 100% needed. It is the story of Crystal Renaud's personal journey through addiction to pornography and her recovery process. In fact, this book came about as a result of her search for resources to assist in the recovery journey, and not finding any that adequately addressed the specific issues and needs of women facing this particular addiction.

Part of the book adapts a technique used in many sexual addiction recovery programs called SCARS (Surrender, Confession, Accountability, Responsibility, Sharing). A chapter is devoted to each category, with explanations and testimonials from women at various stages of recovery included, which are detailed but never graphic. Practical action steps/questions are included at the end of each chapter, as well as additional available resources, making it useful for independent use as well as group settings.

This book was very well written and is so inspirational. It approaches porn addiction and its potentially associated behaviors (such as masturbation, sexting, sexual activity) as symptoms of a "core unhealed woundedness". The bottom line is that God never wastes an experience, even (maybe especially) the painful ones. Instead of hiding behind her shame and guilt, Renaud is using her experiences for God's glory and wants this book, as well as Dirty Girls Ministries, to be a tool of liberation from bondage. Her style is very conversational and user-friendly, making a taboo subject less threatening.

Dirty Girls Come Clean is a book of inspiration and hope. While I think it is destined to become 'the' go-to resources for women dealing with porn addiction, I also believe it is a must have resource for anyone who works with girls/women in any capacity. You just never know what that person is or will be going through, particularly in this sex saturated culture. It is unapologetically Christ centered, but would also be a useful resource for anyone struggling with this issue, regardless of religious affiliation (or lack thereof).

I can't recommend this book enough.
Profile Image for Christy.
83 reviews
April 5, 2011
I have been blessed to know Crystal for several years. I stumbled upon her blog and then followed her on twitter (way back in the day!) and was blessed enough to be in a lifegroup online (LGO) with her and several other amazing people. We started sharing our testimony's and Crystal's was beautiful. Even more was that her heart was to help other women who were bound by pornography. It has been a privilege to watch God work in amazing ways and for this book to become a reality.

Crystal has a passion for helping other women where she was. Dirty Girls Come Clean is a powerful tool. Using the acryomn SCARS Crystal shares how God can work in our lives to heal this addiction. Not only is Crystal's information spot on, as a counselor I found it very useful to make me think and dig deeper with my clients. At the end of each chapter Crystal offers a Becoming Clean section where steps are introduced to help you on your journey. That is what this book is. A journey toward healing.

In Dirty Girls Come Clean we not only get a very informative book we also get the added bonus of beautiful stories of redemption through the testimonies shared.

Most importantly this book is not just for those women who struggle. It is a fantastic tool for any women. This is happening much more than we think and I know we all have friends who may be secretly struggling. It is good information for all of us to know.

This book is hopefully the first step of many unveiling secrets we keep as Christians...especially those of us who are women. We are all sinners in need of Grace...and we need to stop hiding behind our lies we are okay and life is perfect. Crystal takes a giant step here and we all should follow.

Dirty Girls Come Clean is an inspirational book that reminds us our God is still a Healer and He still works in amazing ways if we just let Him. I highly recommend every single person in the church read it and have their eyes opened...
Profile Image for Erin Cataldi.
2,547 reviews65 followers
November 24, 2013
For the few of you that follow my reviews I feel the need to say, I am not addicted to pornography! But if I was I would definitely have found this book very useful!

Call me naive but when I thought of pornography addiction I generally only thought of it as a male problem. But as the author, Crystal Renaud, pointed, that's a big part of the problem. The women that do have an addiction feel they have no where to go and think that they have to face their problem alone. Thankfully now, there are resources for them. Crystal not only wrote this book, but founded "Dirty Girl Ministries," an organization aimed at helping women who are suffering from pornography addiction.

One thing I really like about this book was that, even though it is a Christian self-help book, the author states,

"I write this book from a Christian point of view because it's my personal belief that Jesus is the reason I stand free from pornography today. But as I said, pornography addiction knows no creed. Pornography affects everyone. So it is my hope that the steps provided throughout this book will be beneficial to all women, from all walks of life."

I like that it isn't as exclusionary as other Christian self-help books can be, the author really tries to help everyone with this addiction. That being said it is very Jesus-centric but not enough to be a huge turn off for most non-Christians.

This little manual contains, personal stories, writing prompts, surveys, tests, resources, testimonies, and more. I'm sure it is a massive help for those coping with pornography addiction. I've read self help books for drug addictions (again dear readers, I'm not suffering from drug addiction either, I just read a lot!) and many of the steps listed are similar.

I received this book free from Moody Publishers in return for my honest, unbiased, opinion.
1 review1 follower
April 1, 2011
Women don’t struggle with lust. Really.
Dirty Girls Come Clean is a refreshingly honest look at the issue of pornography among Christian women. Actually, it’s the first look I’ve ever heard of. Most resources (books, websites, pastors, churches, and etc) automatically assume that pornography is a men’s problem – and it is. But it’s also a women’s problem. About 30% of visitors to porn sites are women.
One of the best things I like about Dirty Girls Come Clean is that it is interspersed with stories of women, real women, who have overcome, who have come clean, who have been there, done that and emerged victorious. It’s not just a how-to manual but offers a vision of what beautiful testimonies real-life scars can tell. “Scars in and of themselves aren’t bad. Scars are a sign that healing from something traumatic has taken place. Scars are a reminder of where we’ve been. Scars show others that we know what they’re going through and that we may actually be able to help. In fact, there’s a saying that scars are like tattoos with better stories. What better story could be told than one of a healed and redeemed life?” (p.36) With “scars” as an acronym, the book offers steps towards healing, redemption and freedom. For women addicted to pornography, the book is hope packaged in a paperback.
Where Christian women addicted to pornography are doubly silenced by oversight and shame, Crystal’s voice rings loud and clear. Thanks for your courage in sharing your story, Crystal.
If there is one criticism of the book it is this – I wish there was more of it! I read the book cover to cover (well, metaphorically, at least, since I was reading an electronic version) almost in one entire sitting.
1 review
April 2, 2011
I read a lot. And this book is by far the best book I’ve read in a long time. Why? Because it’s incredibly real. I started reading it, and I just couldn’t stop. I had to keep going, I had to hear the truths that I needed to hear. Porn is not just a guy thing. So many girls struggle with it and are convinced that they are alone. This book shows that we are not. The truths that this book shares are gripping, and I could relate to so much of it. I read this book in 2 days, it got me that much! Crystal did a wonderful job of encouraging healing, not just “getting over it”. She gives hope freedom, and that’s so needed. I was especially moved by being forced to examine WHY and to move forward. Not only did Dirty Girls Come Clean give me hope and strength to keep going in my own personal battles, but it drew me closer to God, and thanking him for what he brought me out of. I praise God for this book and this ministry! It’s a must read for any lady that has battled a porn addiction. I know that I plan to read it through again and again!! It’s about time that this silence is broken!! Thank you Crystal!!
Profile Image for Meredith.
422 reviews26 followers
May 17, 2016
When it comes to books on this subject geared toward women, I have to say the options are limited so I am thankful for this book in that regard. This book was filled with a helpful process, resources, and self reflection which was great but I felt like it was geared more toward someone in the beginning of the freedom journey. Someone who may have been fighting for freedom for years could feel like "I have already tried all of this" or possibly be discouraged by the testimonies that said I still mess up or give in occasionally. If someone is turning to a book like this they are desperate and I do not think this book delivered in the way I expected it to. It's a great starter but not quite there. Also there was no resources for smart phones which is one of the largest sources today. Also wish there had been more of an emphasis on who God is and scripture as many women who struggled with this (as seen in testimonies within the book) were the "good Christian girls." I wish it had done more to help understand what lies they may believe or why they turned to.
Profile Image for Victoria (hotcocoaandbooks).
1,586 reviews16 followers
October 23, 2015
3.5 stars

Crystal Renaud shares her story with great humility of how she became a pornography addicted girl. She believed she was the only one who went through it and explained how hard it was to overcome her addiction. She now runs her own ministry to help others out of pornography addictions.

She gives helpful options called "SCARS" while seeping scripture into her book of being able to only be freed through Christ's blood.

There are a few testimonies by multiple women in this book to try to encourage those who might be going through their own pornography addictions.

I was hoping there would be some actual medical and statistic work through this book that would also help girls as well as talk about the ties that pornography has with human trafficking, but it was still a very good book and I think that if you are a woman who has a pornography addiction, or a young girl, this is a good starting book to read.
Profile Image for Liz.
132 reviews1 follower
April 1, 2011
Crystal has a no-holds barred approach to sharing her story of addiction. This book is encouraging and edifying for women everywhere to come clean and receive the grace and strength of Jesus Christ. This book empowered me to come clean from my own sexual sins and pursue healing in Christ. What a way to blow open the doors on the “taboo” of women’s sexual sins and shatters illusions that women do not or cannot struggle with pornography. Crystal does a great job of offering steps to begin moving in the right direction and several resources to help along the way. She is speaking from a place on top of the mountain, but only because she has walked through the valley herself.

I will recommend this book to everyone! It’s motivating, powerful, encouraging, edifying and mostly full of grace.
Profile Image for Chelsea.
1 review25 followers
March 29, 2011
"Rest assured, God is much more concerned about where you've headed, than where you've been."
As soon as I read that line in the book, I realized how much of God's heart for us is expressed in this book. God is more concerned about our future, rather than focusing on our mistakes. This book led me through a journey of honest evaluation, with many insightful questions at the end of every chapter. I got even more healing than I expected, while reading it.

Crystal has compiled a LOT of great information very succinctly, and in such a way you feel like she's right there with you. I can't wait to see this book in more women's hands. I have been waiting for this book for a long time. This book is blunt, short and to the point, while still being very powerful.
Profile Image for Ren.
84 reviews
March 9, 2015
Although I have never struggled with a porn addiction, I was once battling with impure thoughts and being drawn to erotica or similar types of literature (and was later delivered from it all by God), and I can vouch for every chapter in this book as being an effective part of recovery. I say a sequel is in order! The women of today's society struggling with impurity in any form (although the focus is on porn addiction) need access to more books like these.
I can see using this as part of a small recovery group or as a good bible study companion. Whenever I get the chance, I definitely will use it!
Profile Image for Liz Kahle.
36 reviews
December 14, 2014
A good, quick read for anyone who hasn't had opportunity to begin exploring our sharing their personal journey with pornography (women specifically, of course). Though it is not a heavy read and reads fairly easily, I think this is a good approach for those who already feel overwhelmed and are overwhelmed with the beginning steps to recovery. The personal testimonies may be helpful for those who aren't really sure where they're at or whether they would consider what they are doing/experiencing an addiction.
Profile Image for Lauren Acosta.
464 reviews4 followers
March 7, 2022
I would give this a 4.5 ⭐️ I’ve never read anything on this topic or really heard anyone speak specifically to women on it. I like that it has stories from real people who share their struggle and journey as well as the reflection questions at the end of each chapter. I would definitely recommend this as a resource on this topic.
Profile Image for Pamela Hunter.
8 reviews
January 17, 2020
This book was a gift to me. I knew that I was not the only woman struggling with porn addiction and Dirty Girls Come Clean gave me permission to step out of my shame. As my recovery continued, it became a great tool to share with others fighting the same battle.
23 reviews
October 31, 2020
Rating a 5 because it is a rare book of its kind, and the stories told in the book are invaluable. We should all be more aware the people around us may be dealing with some dark and encompassing issues of the heart and soul.
Profile Image for Cristina.
98 reviews1 follower
February 7, 2021
This book was super helpful when I was struggling with pornography and masturbation a few years ago. The only thing was their website did not help me find a support group in NY, and I wanted that so badly.
70 reviews
July 30, 2021
Understanding The Struggle

This book so great for both people who struggle with addiction and those helping those with addiction. Take time to consider your own life. How do you handle stressful situations. How can you reach out to someone who might be strugtgking.
Profile Image for Jessica.
272 reviews1 follower
October 25, 2011
I think that this book will be very helpful to women with porn addiction. I am just amazed at how common this is. The book was an eye opener.
Profile Image for Jonimarie Whiting.
51 reviews
February 6, 2012
This was a sad book but helped me to understand some things in why some make decisions that are self-destructive....it was a good read...
1,683 reviews19 followers
December 11, 2022
author shares that at a young age she encountered adult content. as a lonely gal she found comfort for years, including dating her hand. eventually she decides to disentangle herself. this shares suggested steps. includes confessions from fellow participants.

at the end a worksheet to determine use factor but does not explain what the results mean?
Profile Image for Ophelia.
151 reviews1 follower
January 17, 2025
I purchased this book for a teen girl I know who is struggling with sexual addiction. I love the steps the author lined out as a guide to healing, but the stories themselves fell a little flat for me. This book is probably best for a younger audience.
Profile Image for Reagan.
388 reviews
November 5, 2024
Every young woman needs to read this if they have ever struggled with sexual sin.
151 reviews9 followers
June 11, 2012
This is an unusual book. It is a Christian book for women who are dealing with porn addiction. I am not sure I would recommend it.
Profile Image for Beveanne.
19 reviews
Currently reading
April 19, 2011
not sure yet it seemasthat when we open the door to sin satan blasts it wide open
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