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

Rating:
Summary: Heartache
Review: This series of books is absolutely hearbreaking and wonderful at the same time. You will cry tears of joy and heartache when you read this but it really is a joy to read.

Rating:
Summary: Must Read for Counseling Students
Review: This quick-read book is as beautifully written as a book of this nature can be. Dave Pelzer takes us through his life (existence?) from the ages of 5-12. The story of how his mother's mental illness affected his early years is hearbreaking but educational, even for non-counseling students. If you fear that you'll not be able to finish the book due to its topic of extreme child abuse, rest assure that Mr. Pelzer has more than survived; he has blossomed. This story is an inspiration for anyone whose childhood was less than perfect. If he can do it, we can, too. When I say I couldn't put it down I mean it; I read it this morning. I will never forget his courage and I can't wait until I receive the next in the trilogy.

Rating:
Summary: Resilient Man
Review: I found A CHILD CALLED "IT" to be very intriguing. I could not put it down until it was finished. After I finished, I rushed out to get the sequel. Amazing how he survived the horrible beatings. I still do not get why his mother beat him...Maybe he'll find out and reveal it by the 3rd book. Imagine not being loved by anybody at such a young age..Impossible.

Rating:
Summary: Tragically exhillarating
Review: I find it difficult to praise such a real depiction of horrifying child abuse in the sense of it being an excellent 'story'. Yet the fact of the matter is that, its authenticity, causes it to strike a real chord in our emotional strings. Dave Pelzer effectively describes his experiences in a manner so not to force the reader into a state of pity but to demonstrate the courage,strength and belief that only an 8yr old child can hold. It acts as a real eye-opener for those (myself included) who were naive to the extent to which this form of abuse is taking place. The true impact of the experience becomes apparent in the eye-witness accounts at the books finale. Dave Pelzers teacher circa the abuse states ' this was the third worst case of child abuse in the state of California'. Once reading the book, it will be hard to fathom that there were infact two worse cases than this, in one state alone.
If only as a learning curve this is a wonderfully tragic novel which through Pelzer's accessible style of writing cannot fail to move.

Rating:
Summary: An insightful book
Review: The events in this book are something that I would never wish on any person. Mr. Peltzer is a very brave man to write a book in such strong context. As a little boy he was treated as a piece of trash under his mothers feet. I feel sorry for him because of the way that his mother talked to him and treated him. His mother's actions were beyond abuse it was torture.
A mother should never treat a child, especially HER own child the way she did. This book vividly shows all the terrible things that happened and all the terrible ways he was treated. Up until the very last chapter of the book you can feel all the pain and anguish that he went through. I would not recommend this book to someone that cannot grip the concept of neglect and abuse or that is not at least 13 years old. If you like this book then you would love the other 2 books by Dave Peltzer A Lost Boy and A Man Named Dave.

Rating:
Summary: The courage that not many have
Review: A Child Called "It" was a very well written book. I really enjoyed reading this novel. In this story, you will see the un-human like characteristics given off from this kid's mother. The family in this book does not function like a normal family. Some of the things this mother created in her mind to do to her one child are unimaginable by others. The endless torture given to this child seems almost unbearable to all who read it. Like for instance, the mother mixes ammonia with chlorine and makes her son endure that pain; or better yet, when she stabs him with a knife. Throughout the novel there are many obscene parts, and these parts, will make a person stop and look back on their life. The book is packed with emotion and great details. This person will realize their life was nothing compared to this little boy's and they won't take their own lives for granted. If you have a strong stomach and enjoy reading about real life events, this book is great for you.

Rating:
Summary: A Child Called "It"
Review: A Child called "It" is a heart wrenching novel about one little boys, struggle for survival against himself and his mother. The author reopens his past of terrible memories to share with us what kind of life he went through. This is a touching story that will always keep you in suspense to see what torture his mother comes up with next. When a mother decides to take her anger out on her son by beating, choking and even stabbing him you can't feel anything except sorrow. A little boy is abandoned downstairs to live. He's not allowed to eat or communicate with anybody. He is an "It". He fights to survive against his mother, to win against her games. This is a book that will keep you interested and affect your emotions. You will wonder how any mother could do this to a child she created. Finding whether this boy will survive and finally win against his mother.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent book
Review: This book is the story of a boy abused by his mother. Two other books (the lost boy, a man named Dave) complete this story. It is an inspirational experience to read all three books. Once I started reading this book, I just could not put it down. The claims by other reviewers that the book is "hogwash" and a lie is at best immature and childish and should not deter anyone from giving this book a try.

Rating:
Summary: Fabulous book
Review: This is a book which contains material you wish was made up. Unfortunately it is not. Pelzer is extremely couragous for writing it, and while you wish the things that happened to him weren't true, his writing style makes for an easy read. My wife stayed up all night reading it; I finished it in two. A very interesting, yet tragic story.

Rating:
Summary: Fabulous book
Review: This is a book which contains material you wish was made up. Unfortunately it is not. Pelzer is extremely couragous for writing it, and whioe you wish the things that happened to him weren't true, his writing style makes for an easy read. My wife stayed up all night reading it; I finished it in two. A very interesting, yet tragic story.