A story of strength (A Child Called 'It' - Dave Pelzer)

Member Name: k8eh

Product:	A Child Called 'It' - Dave Pelzer
Date:	06/01/09 (101 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: moving read, makes you feel every emotion a book possibly can!

Disadvantages: horrific detail of abuse. perhaps not suitable for everyone

A Child Called 'It' by Dave Pelzer is the first in a trilogy of books telling the story of his life as an abused child to growing up as a teenager and a man dealing with his past.

This book concentrates solely on his childhood before reaching his teenager years. I'm not going to give too much away about it as I think it's a book that deserves to be read and not told about.

The book is a true and horrifying story telling of one of the worst cases of child abuse in the history of America.
Dave was abused at the hands of his mother and the immediate thought anyone will have whilst reading is "How could any human being treat another this way? Let alone a MOTHER!"

It also brings into question Dave's father, why did he stand by and let this happen? Of course these are questions that can only be answered based on opinion... and after reading this book you'll certainly have yours.

Throughout reading this book I was overcome with different emotion. Sympathy and heartache for Dave, Anguish and disgust for the authorities and pure hatred and confusion for the mother. How could you treat an animal this way?? Let alone an innocent child.

Of course by now, you probably realise that this isn't a book for the faint hearted or for somebody whos looking for a good happy story. The story is horrific and even the strongest person will not fail to be moved. I cried throughout reading... so why would I recommend it?
This poor soul had spent the early part of his life suffering such abuse that could leave others dead or permanently damaged. Yet his courage and determination shows throughout his writing. His strength is unbelievable and to come out of something like that and want to help others and relive your nightmare is simply astonishing.

This is currently and will remain my favourite book. His words and story have affected me deeply and I'm sure they will do the same to anyone else who reads it.

Summary: fantastic read