Child Called "It" (Dave Pelzer)

Approval Rate: 69%

69%Approval ratio

Reviews 24

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  • by

    worthwatching

    Sun Mar 27 2011

    This book was a shocking account of a helpless child's survival of ultimate acts of abuse because people looked the other way for much longer than they should. It is a wonder this man grew up to be a wonderful human being. He has a trio of books describing various stages of his life up to manhood. It was painful to read but I'm glad I did. I tend to get depressed which did not help but it is still a good behind the scenes look on what appeared to be your ordinary American family on the outside while being completely nightmarish on the inside.

  • by

    irishgit

    Sat Aug 28 2010

    Yes, it is a moving account of vicious, even perverted child abuse. Yes, it plays on the emotions of any compassionate, sane person. Yes, it makes many valid points. No, it is not well written. Yes, it's descriptions of abuse sometimes approach sado-masochistic pornographic detail. And yes, such detail sometimes seems to be recounted just for the sake of recounting it, not to advance the narrative. A disturbing read, but in two distinctly different ways.

  • by

    autumnyaar

    Fri Jul 24 2009

    I've read all three books from this series and they were brilliant, in a literary sense. On the other hand, it was horrible to know this is a true story. I could never imagine someone doing this to their own children, who they are supposed to love and nurture. The author is a really inspirational man and I'll always admire that he overcame his ridiculous and horrible situation.

  • by

    javabrat

    Sat Oct 25 2008

    This book was amazing! It really just proves that we can not only survive anything life can throw at us, but overcome it as well.

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    nicola70

    Wed Sep 06 2006

    amazing and it makes you realize some things just arn`t as bad as you once thought

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    george_salas

    Tue Sep 20 2005

    I have been fortunate to have met Dave and consider him a good friend. When I read the first book, and subsiquently the others in the series, I was shocked. Over the past six years Dave has given me an insight into what it takes to be a real survivor and a true human being. These books are a must read for veeryone.

  • by

    emma_jane_roberts

    Fri Sep 03 2004

    this book was very sad it was very intriguing to read how dave had come from being a very badly abused child to becoming very successfull in everything he done. and for this he has gone to show just because you were abused as a child doesnt mean you hae to go on in life thinking you are always going to be abused because if you have the strength and determination you can get out of it just like dave did id recommend this book to everyone so they can see how david suffered in the hands of his own mother which is disgusting i wish you all luck!!!

  • by

    vernaevernae

    Tue Jun 15 2004

    I can't sit here and say I enjoyed the book, because that would make me as horrible as his mother, and his father for that matter. The fact that this mother never paid for her extreme abuse on David makes me so angry! I can't believe, no matter what decade it was, that no one could help that child. I pray everyday for those who are still out there, enduring the same treatment at the hands of a caregiver. My heart is with you all.

  • by

    carola

    Thu Jun 10 2004

    It trully teaches you to learn from yesterday, live for today and hope for tomorrow. - (no idea who wrote it) It's beautifull and inspiring, after you read this book you WANT to be a better person. Also you gain appreciation for whatever you have.

  • by

    breauna5422

    Tue Apr 27 2004

    This is the best book i have ever read. This book shows how lucky most kids are when they think they are being mistreated ,but they really arent. I think this book really is the most moving book I have ever read!

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    tasha2432

    Tue Apr 27 2004

    This is the best book ever! This book shows you how horrible some people can be, but if you think that your really mistreated you sould really think bout dave and his life.. I think this book is really the most wonderful book ever!!

  • by

    smile16

    Wed Mar 17 2004

    This is the best book I have ever read... it really shows you just how much he tried and tried to survive. I have read it over and over agian I just can't put it down!!!

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    ladyshark4534

    Sun Jan 18 2004

    Hands down, the most moving book I have ever read. You will be amazed.

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    jed1000

    Fri Dec 05 2003

    One of the most frightening accounts of abuse I have ever read. Painful and shocking. Makes you wonder how much of this is going on... and what could possibly be done to prevent it.

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    delisarodrique_z

    Tue Jun 17 2003

    I didn't put it down until I was totally finished. Parents, students, teachers and anyone who deal with children needs to read this book. I never even thought that this kind of stuff happens except in movies. Dave is truely a HERO!!! I want to meet him in person!!!!

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    nati2eed

    Sun Mar 30 2003

    My feelings toward this book is that it shows me that there is always a way to overcome from the most horrible things that people face in life. Dave Pelzer provides affirmation that the cycle of abuse can be broken. Dave is a living example that all of us have the capability to better ourselves no matter what the odds. This book was a well written book because it showed in great detail Pelzer's maltreatment better than any book can describe. I recommend this book to other teenagers because after you read this book you feel that there is always a hope and other chance of life.

  • by

    crimson_and_cl_over

    Mon Feb 10 2003

    This is a really good book. Horrible what happened to Dave and its good that he shared his experiences, possibly to help someone like him. I would recommend you read this and the other two that go with this one.

  • by

    eeyore_uk

    Fri Nov 22 2002

    the best book ive read in a long time and probably will be the best book i will ever read!

  • by

    hay_gal

    Fri Nov 22 2002

    his books really inspired me i would highly recomend them!

  • by

    aeriella

    Tue Oct 29 2002

    I would normally give a 5 to one of Dave's book's but with the nature of this book it isn't a 5. It's horrible the things that happened to him. Dave's books have really turned my life around. I was a victim of abuse and with Dave's help I became a survivor. He helped me see that there is nothing on this earth that we can't resist or Survive with help from God. He gives us strength and power to conquer all as long as we will listen to him. You are only a victim if you allow your situation to win! Stand up and bust through those wall's the devil puts up to hold you back. Fight for your right to survive. Thank you Dave!

  • by

    medgarevers

    Mon Nov 12 2001

    A haunting account of vicious child abuse. It's one of the saddest things to read about all the harsh punishment the boy was put through and how hard it was to get help. I'm glad that people are working nowadays to stop such horrid things from happening.

  • by

    molfan

    Sat May 05 2001

    This is a real heartbreaking book. I read all three of Dave Pelzer's books. After reading of the horrific abuse suffered at his mother's hands, it is amazing that he turned into such a wonderful successful man. It was sickening to me this boy went through and for years before anything was done about it. It is a hard to put down book especially knowing that this really did happen to Dave. A good book, but very upsetting to read.

  • by

    jbraun

    Mon Nov 06 2000

    Tear jerking. It helps you to be thankful for what you have, and to become aware of the incidents that are usually behind closed doors. It enlightens you to be aware of humanity and to help others.

  • by

    munson

    Sun Jan 30 2000

    I read a good portion of this book while standing in Barnes and Noble. It is tough to put down. It is an absolutely heartbreaking true story of abuse and neglect. Pelzer's triumph over this upbringing is an inspiration.

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