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Dramatic,
Inspiring,
Interesting

6 reviews

Cruel Harvest: A Memoir
by Fran Elizabeth Grubb

Published: 2012-08-14
Hardcover : 272 pages
19 members reading this now
2 clubs reading this now
1 member has read this book
Recommended to book clubs by 6 of 6 members

"Get out here, now, or I'm gonna kill you!" he hollered.

Little girls are hardwired to hold their daddies in high esteem, so it comes as a shock the first time a daughter feels the back of her daddy's hand across her face . . . or watches him punch and kick her mother to within an inch of ...

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Introduction

"Get out here, now, or I'm gonna kill you!" he hollered.

Little girls are hardwired to hold their daddies in high esteem, so it comes as a shock the first time a daughter feels the back of her daddy's hand across her face . . . or watches him punch and kick her mother to within an inch of her life.

How could this be? Her older sisters teach her how to survive, even when he comes for her in the night.

A girl learns to become invisible, to look the other way, to say nothing when a curious stranger asks if she's okay. To lie. To expect nothing, not even from relatives.

To cry without tears.

To pray silently.

When she is fourteen, and weary, a girl begins to wish she were dead. Cruel Harvest is the compelling story of how she lived instead.

Endorsements:

"A story that seizes the reader's attention . . . the reader can't look away." ?Publisher's Weekly

“Fran Grubb's childhood odyssey is a shatteringly dark tale of despair.  But that's not the end of her captivating life story.  Each page of Cruel Harvest reveals a remarkable journey of rescue and redemption. Your heart will be moved as you witness Jesus' power to deliver, forgive, reconcile, rebuild, and love.” —Denalyn and Max Lucado

“Cruel Harvest is an incredible story of survival and forgiveness. Fran’s ability to survive brokenness as a child and even into adulthood and then to overcome those experiences through faith and forgiveness is a true testament to the power of God’s love for each of us. Everyone can be inspired by her story.”—Sheila Walsh, author of God Loves Broken People and Women of Faith speaker

“Against all odds, Fran survived her trip through the "valley of the shadow of death." I loved reading this story of deliverance. Thank you for the reminder that God can turn our mourning into dancing!”—Gracia Burnham, former hostage and author of In the Presence of My Enemies

“Fran Grubb’s heartbreaking story is ultimately one of triumph against all odds. Cruel Harvest is well-written and riveting. It’s unimaginable that Fran could face such daily horrors and come out with such grace, wisdom, and generosity. You will be deeply moved!” — June Cotner, author of the bestselling Graces and 26 other books, www.junecotner.com

“It is hard endorsing Cruel Harvest with just a few words.  I want everyone to know how powerful her story is and how many lives it can help change, and is currently changing. Ever since reading Fran Grubb’s story I have used it to help numerous clients that are victims of childhood violence. Every woman has commented on her faith and how her book has given them hope!  We are putting the book in our library for all the ladies to read.” —Vicki Mason, Primary Crisis Interventionist, Women's Crisis Services of LeFlore County, Poteau, Oklahoma

“This was a wonderful book. We could feel the faith of the child throughout every page. We highly recommend Cruel Harvest.” —DeWayne and Rebecca Hicks, Founders of Courage to Change Ministries, Greenville, Arkansas

Cruel Harvest will touch your heart clear through to your soul!  I guarantee that you won't be disappointed and you won't be able to put it down.” —Pastor Ray Witherington, Midnight Cry Ministries / Restoration Revival Center Church, Townville, South Carolina

Editorial Review

No editorial review at this time.

Excerpt

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Discussion Questions

What can Fran’s story teach us about forgiveness? What are some specific examples from the book?

How did Fran’s story make you feel? Can you imagine what it would be like to have a childhood like Fran’s?

Discuss the concept of family from the book. How does her family affect her childhood? What is her salvation when she is able to move on?

Notes From the Author to the Bookclub

No notes at this time.

Book Club Recommendations

Member Reviews

Overall rating:
 
 
  "Cruel Harvest"by Kathy H. (see profile) 01/08/13

Our club is based in a transitional housing agency so some of our members could relate to what Fran Grubb experienced in her life, to some degree. We thought it was wonderful how Fran rose above adversity... (read more)

 
  "Thank you for sharing Francis!"by Kristi F. (see profile) 11/09/12

"Cruel Harvest" makes the "Glass House" look like a tea party in a castle. This story is a memoir of Francis Grubb, her life marked both by unthinkable abuse and God's amazing love. Francis' words gripped... (read more)

 
  "Great, well written"by Holly B. (see profile) 11/08/12

I wanted to keep reading because it such a sad gripping story yet I felt hope for this lost little girl- well told story!

 
  "Cruel Harvest yields a good crop"by Sue D. (see profile) 11/08/12

This book is extremely well written and an easy read despite the sad subject of child abuse. I was hooked from page one (which is rare) and appreciated Fran's current hope aptly intertwined throughout... (read more)

 
  "Disturbing, yet I couldn't put it down"by Beth C. (see profile) 11/08/12

A quick, easy read that was very well written. Experiencing Fran's life put my problems in perspective. If she is able to forgive, what is our excuse?

 
  "A Page Turner"by michelle r. (see profile) 11/06/12

This book is a devastating story that shines a light on the dark side of family secrets. It is a super fast read that provides a thought-provoking theme: how well do you forgive?

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