A Child Called It - Dave Pelzer

A Child Called It

By Dave Pelzer

  • Release Date: 2010-01-01
  • Genre: Self-Improvement
Score: 5
5
From 1,041 Ratings

Description

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.

Reviews

  • Beautifully written

    5
    By shay rudrow
    And now I’m crying..
  • Heartbreakingly Beautiful

    5
    By Chasityrd
    This book shows through the eyes of a child the abuse and neglect so many adults ignore. It had me in tears and I applaud the author for telling his story! You are the true hero in your own story.
  • A MUST READ!

    5
    By Heatheromeara
    An extremely sad, disturbing and courageous story. A must read!
  • Oh. My. God.

    5
    By person loll
    This is an AMAZING book. My eyes were glued. It’s a very upsetting book however Pelzer wrote this excellently. I feel bad for him but is glad he healed over time. I pray to him and other children who went/are going through what he went through. This was very enjoyable and I can’t wait to read his other books! <3
  • good

    4
    By aadore_
    so sad but very well written.
  • Amazing!

    5
    By joselynclemente
    one of my favorite books!
  • Heart gripping

    5
    By lNemiii
    Definitely pulled at my heart strings— a terribly sad story
  • Real and raw.

    5
    By pistachiokween
    Read this in one day it was so good. Very sad but I’m so glad to see he survived
  • Amazing

    5
    By mmmmhmmmm6999
    This book has made me cry so much and opened my eyes even more. my heart goes out to David for everything that he went through, I cannot imagine someone even surviving this type of abuse and pain. Thank you for sharing a part of your life David.
  • You’re not alone

    5
    By Stretchh67
    I read this book as a child and multiple times since, I can relate to many things portrayed in the story. That being said as a child surrounded by hate and neglect this book assured me, through many years that things can and will get better, thank you🙏🏼