A Child Called "It"

Books | Biography & Autobiography / Personal Memoirs

3.9

(1.3K)

Dave Pelzer

This book chronicles the unforgettable account of one of the most severe child abuse cases in California history. It is the story of Dave Pelzer, who was brutally beaten and starved by his emotionally unstable, alcoholic mother: a mother who played tortuous, unpredictable games--games that left him nearly dead. He had to learn how to play his mother's games in order to survive because she no longer considered him a son, but a slave; and no longer a boy, but an "it."Dave's bed was an old army cot in the basement, and his clothes were torn and raunchy. When his mother allowed him the luxury of food, it was nothing more than spoiled scraps that even the dogs refused to eat. The outside world knew nothing of his living nightmare. He had nothing or no one to turn to, but his dreams kept him alive--dreams of someone taking care of him, loving him and calling him their son.

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More Details:

Author

Dave Pelzer

Pages

200

Publisher

Health Communications

Published Date

2015-08

ISBN

0757319106 9780757319105

Ratings

Google: 5

Community ReviewsSee all

"This Is Real This Happens This Own Author Lived Through This You Will Definitely Cry"

Amy Santi

"Excruciatingly sad"

rreads

"This memoir was truly eye-opening, empowering, and inspiring!!! It was difficult to read through certain events more so than others, but to see David's strength and perseverance through every single horrible thing he endured was nothing short of extraordinary!!! I have known about child abuse my whole life and have spoken to friends about their experiences over time, but I have not heard many stories as intense as David's story. It is incredible to know that this book helped bring about more attention to a darker aspect of society that was not mentioned nearly as much back then at the time of the book's publication as it is now in today's world. I'm thankful that we as a society are able to more comfortably and directly address the epidemic of child abuse overall. If you haven't read this memoir, read it now!!! Be warned that it has graphic content, but know that the overall message of the author is one of strength and the empowerment of the human spirit!!!"

Cherry Lover 🍒

"My hardest read to date. Absolutely heartbreaking story. So disturbing. My Mama heart just broke over and over again. Whyyyyy do people do this to children?!?!"

Heather Ayers

"O.M.G. This book man… if you want to read this but have a weak heart, you better have time. I loved this book don’t get me wrong but man I cried so much reading it I had to take breaks . Poor baby. I read this at just 7 years old, now that might be to young but this book really changed my perspective on life that young. It really taught me you never know what goes on at others homes, you don’t know what others are going through. It taught me to always check on the “weird , grass, stinky, lonely” kid. Also it helps teach the difference between discipline and abuse. It also made me not take things for granted. It made me look and realize how much I had and what I was taking for granted. Having clean clothes everyday and eating 3 full meals a day with snacks and candy in the middle that I never needed. I encourage everyone to read this especially a younger audience ❤️"