Rating: 
Summary: This book is for you!
Review: I noticed this book because of the title; anything about children catches my eye. I picked it up and couldn't put it down until I had read it from cover to cover. This book has made such a strong impact on me that I'll never forget it. In fact, it has affected me more deeply than anything else I've ever read, and I do read a lot! It's so unforgettable, not just for the terrible things Dave had to experience, but because he wins at the end! While I was reading I visualized everything Dave had to endure. I felt as if I were right there with him - seeing, hearing, feeling, smelling, and tasting everything he did. I wished I could have been there to take him from those horrible circumstances, and never let him have to experience that again. Although I began trembling from shock while reading, and I had to dry my eyes several times, I knew there was a happy ending, otherwise I wouldn't have had the book in my hands. I was so inspired at the end because of Dave's incredible faith, hope, love, courage, will to survive, and determination. Not only did he survive but he became a loving father and husband, and has dedicated his life to helping others. He could have turned out so spiteful and twisted, but he gives hope to so many others because he shows the capacity we all have to forgive and love. I'm sure I wouldn't have survived such an ordeal, nor would I have chosen forgiveness and healing after such horrific circumstances. One thing that really stands out to me from this book is how much Dave appreciates everything that most people take for granted - the sensory experiences he was deprived of as a child. He describes things of beauty in vivid detail. He paints with words as an artist does on canvas, but he conveys so much more than sight - he conveys *all* the senses to the reader. What other artist can say that? My favorite thoughts from the book, which I will apply to my own life, are that 1) what a person survives can strengthen them; 2) As Dave did, we must not use our strength to take revenge, but to help others instead. What an inspiring example of love, and *giving*! In one day Dave has become my personal hero, along with Victor Frankl and others who have survived the Holocaust; they forgave, overcame and have been making a tremendous difference in many lives.
Rating:
Summary: Harrowing, but, ultimately, inspiring
Review: David J. Pelzer's true-life account of the horrendous child abuse he suffered in the 1970s all but made me sick to my stomach. Never have I read, in such graphic and candid detail, about a child so horribly violated, and yet, on the otherhand, so caring and philanthropic and ultimately, inspiring. Keep in mind that this book is written from a *child's perspective*, and so, does not read like your usual adult novel. But rather than detract from the book, this writing style only added to the reality of David's brutal situation. I highly recommend this book for anyone who cares for and/or about the well-being of children. Or simply if you feel like being inspired. Thank you, David, for your honesty and strength. You are an inspiration!
Rating:
Summary: A Disturbing Story
Review: This book was one of the most page turning books I have ever read it was very disturbing and almost an unbelievable story I don't know how anyone could do this to there child. It was a very very good story and once you pick it up there is no way you could put it down. I had heard lots of good reviews about the book from some of my friends and when I read it was as good and even better that what I expected. I don't think I could have as much courage as Dave had to survive. This little boy had so much courage that I can't even imagine how he lived to be the person he is today. I rate this book to be one of the top books that a person could read. Thats about all and I recommend this book to everyone.
Rating:
Summary: Survival
Review: An absolutely incredible insight on what abused children go through! I would recommend this book to every foster parent who may potentially have a child in their home who has endured physical abuse. This book has given my husband and I and insight into our present child's situation that we may never have had. God has truly blessed Dave Pelzer, and I hope that Dave continues to bless readers with his knowledge.
Rating:
Summary: A Child Called 'It'
Review: I particularly enjoyed this book, so much so, that I read it all on the day I bought it. I was gripped by the magnitude of what David went through and his courage to survive. I was moved beyond belief, and would certainly recommend this book to anyone. I already have several friends wanting to borrow it! A fantastic, but often saddening, read.
Rating: 
Summary: Half A Book
Review: This book was OK in as much as it told in great detail the amount and severity of the abuse that Pelzer suffered as a child. What is surprising is that his refrigerator isn't full of skulls . . . but between the beginning of the book which told of hos abuse at the hands of his mother and the end where he says that he overcame the abuce and it's effects on his life, there is a gap . . . he does not tell us HOW he overcame the abuse; he skips from being taken away from his mother by the social welfare people and then he is an adult with nothing of his journey in between. Also, the division between his mother at the beginning of the book as a kind and caring person and the daemonic woman that he know through most of the book is a bit of a stretch . . . I am not syaing that it didn't occur this way, but only that I would like to have had a slightly better idea of what caused the rapid change. It is mainly a roster of abuses thathe suffered. A little more insight as to how he beat his mother by becoming the loving father he was at the end of the book would have been enlightening.
Rating:
Summary: gripping
Review: first off it is impossible to write a review on someone's personal ordeal, especially one of the magnitude of Pelzer's. He went through more in a childhood than most people gone through in a lifetime. this book is a must read for everyone, but a hard read due to subject matter and descriptive scenes. as you read all you do is shake your head and wonder just how any of this could've happened, or how he could've survived.
Rating:
Summary: Absolute Must Read! Has changed my life!
Review: This book is absolutely incredible. I read it in two hours and could not put it down. I felt so terrible for Dave, and his triumph is an unforgettable story of courage. He is a truly remarkable individual, and his perseverance can teach all of us a lesson. After reading this book, I virtually immediately read "The Lost Boy" and "A Man Named Dave". God bless you, Dave. You are a true inspiration to us all. You have changed my life for the better.
Rating:
Summary: Horror is a word you understand once you read this book
Review: Dace Pelzer was a child who was so badly physically abused by his alcoholic mother Catherine Roerva that reading the book made me realise how wasy my own life is. If you think your life is bad Dave had it worse. I have no idea why anyone who is supposed to be a parent can do this to their own child. I wonder as i read the book for the 6th time why, even though there were no cases of child abuse in the 70's, was his mother not dealt with more severely. You can not comprehend why someone can do this. Once you have read it and realise that Dave suffered the third worst case physical abuse in California you wonder what the child who suffered the worst case had to go through. This book makes you realise life is not so bad.
Rating:
Summary: A Most Touching Reading
Review: This book can ultimately and easily become an important part of anyone's personal library. The reader has no choice but to become part of the events in the story, feel the emotions behind the words, and follow him through such a devastating journey. As the term was coined, he has definitely graduated from the school of hard knocks. I would easily recommend this book to anyone, as Dave Pelzer is a definite inspiartion!
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