A Child Called "It": One Child's Courage to Survive

Rating:
Summary: Can This Be Real?
Review: It's hard to know what is real and what is the author's imagination. The scenes described and his mother's actions are just too horrible to believe. There is no attempt to explain the psyche of those involved, just a page-by-page account of gross abuse. (Editing was poor, too.) Call me a cynic (or naive), but it seems a better work of fiction than fact. PS> Why would the author name his own child after his loser, spineless father?

Rating:
Summary: The most difficult read you'll ever encounter.
Review: This is the most devestating story I have ever forced myself to read. It didn't take long for this story to grab me by the throat and kick me in the gut. I cried uncontrollably at times and at times felt so angry and so helpless I wanted to scream. This book should come with a warning. There is nothing you can do to prepare yourself for the horror in this book, unless you've been there. I was abused as a child, but after reading David's account, I only count my blessings. It is truly a miracle that he has found forgiveness and peace. In the depth of this black-hole of a childhood, a light emerged and it shines so brightly in this book you can't help but wonder where it came from. What is the source of human courage, strength, hope, healing and forgiveness? I don't know the source, but David's life teaches that it's within the reach of even the most tortured soul. The darker the sky, the brighter the star... and David is definitely one of the brightest stars in the human race.

Rating:
Summary: I hope the mother is paying for this, wherever she is
Review: I read this book in a matter of 6 hours...once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down. The degree of abuse this poor boy suffered is far greater than any one of us could ever imagine. My heart goes out to those who share similar experiences with dave, and to dave himself, for finding the courage and the bravery to tell the world his story and open our eyes. God Bless you

Rating:
Summary: WOW
Review: Tell me.. How does one cry and read at the same time? Davids thoughts are so graphically displayed that it puts you right there in his world with him... You become one with his thoughts and spirit all the way to the last page... and leaves you begging for book three!!!

Rating:
Summary: A very upsetting, but well written book.
Review: This book was well written, but one reason I think it was well written was because the author was basically reliving the actual story and telling all of us that everyone isn't sitting home in front of a crisp fire under a cozy blanket with their mom and dad. It helped me know that I really did have love and respect from my mother and father and that they cared. Some parts I had to refrain from reading because it was to hard to read in print the harsh treatings that Dave Pelzer received. Even though it was hard at times to read the book I think this book made a slight difference on my perspective in life. *If you like this book I suggest reading other biogrophy's and hearing the TRUE stories: -Roald Dahl's "Boy"; "Going Solo" -"The Diary Of Anne Frank"

Rating:
Summary: Very emotional and close to home - my mother can relate
Review: i first heard about this book through my mother. She told me all of the sick to your stomach parts, like when David was forced to eat out of the toilet, what he had just thrown up. The details were almost too much for me, but three hours later i finished the book and started on the second. how could a mother be so horrible as to do this to her son? Why do parents single out one child of many. my grandmother did the same thing to my mother - she was the fourth child of eight and was very cruel to her. when my mother read the book she broke down and cried, because she know what it is like to grow up being abused, she can relate to the story. Excellent story, i have passed it one to many friends.

Rating:
Summary: Compelling, heartbreaking and heroic..a MUST read
Review: I can not remember a time when a book grabbed hold and wouldn't let go the way that David Peltzer's "A Child Called It" did. Knowing that any child could go through what David did is heartbreaking...to know that he survived is amazing. This book will forever change the way you look at life, and hopefully spread a new and much needed awareness of the very real problem of child abuse. These days, with more and more stress placed on families and far too many parents reaching breaking points, this book is more important than ever. After reading the book, I spoke with my 8 year old son about what I had read. He now has an understanding of what so many kids that may seem "different" are going through and how important being their friend can be. I applaud you Mr. Peltzer for your courage in telling your story. It took me two nights after finishing the book to not cry myself to sleep. Needless to say, I hug my son just a little tighter now. Congratula! tions David...you are a true hero!

Rating:
Summary: very compelling story
Review: This was probably one of the few books that brought tears to my eyes. Since I've been lucky enough to have a good childhood, I could never have imagined the loneliness and fear that child abuse victims go through. My one question was why weren't his parents arrested? I'd also be interested in how his brothers feel now years after the abuse. I believe they were also victims in their own way because they had to witness daily what David went through and probably feared for themselves. But perhaps they now feel guilty because they didn't try to get help for their brother (but they may have been too afraid to do so as children).

Rating:
Summary: Absolutely heart wrenching story that will change your life
Review: I have read many reviews on this book and have seen David Pelzer on a morning talk show, however one cannot actually understand the power behind this book until one reads it. I do not use the word "power" lightly in reference to this book. The story of David Pelzer and the abuse he suffered at the hands of an alcoholic mother is absolutely heart wrenching but at the same time inspirational. Anyone who reads this book will not be able to erase the image from their mind of this small helpless boy fighting to keep his sanity, and his faith in God, in a life thrust upon him where most of us may not have survived. The affect this book will have on you will stay with you long after you have turned the last page. Thank God David had the strength to write this book and take up a crusade for abused children in America. I can't help but think that abused children everywhere have spoken through the written word of David Pelzer.

Rating:
Summary: D. Pelzer Voted as Hero
Review: I hate to admit it, but this book has taken me several months to completely read. Due to the images brought to mind by his account of his torchered childhood, I had to force myself to complete this book. This is a fabulously written book. I admire the author's courage, stamina and tolerance. He's a hero for all children and adults that endured similar torcher, whether it be mental or physical. Bravo to David Pelzer!!