A Child Called "It"
One Child's Courage to Survive
by Dave Pelzer
Overview
From the Publisher
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.
My thoughts
For years my kids have been asking me to read this book, telling me how terrific it is. So last night, having finished my most recent book, I crawled into bed, opened the torn cover, and began to read. I put it down at 2am, having finished it all in one night.
I can't believe my daughters told me to read this book! I can't believe they read this book! What was the school thinking, promoting this to children in grade school?
The book starts out with the end of the story, that is, that the abused child is going to be rescued; is going to get help. The remainder of the book chronicles the terror the child went through with an abusive mother and a negligent father. The stories will rip your heart out, and you'll be screaming for someone to help this poor child.
This book is not for the feint of heart. And if you choose to read it, please remember that the story does have a happy ending. Dave Pelzer is alive and well, and active in the education and awareness of child abuse. He had great will to survive, and he did survive. He is a courageous man.
Favorite Passage
"I'm free."
That is the best passage in the book. Period. I cannot bear to share any other passages because they are truly painful to recall.
