- Hardcover: 148 pages
- Publisher: Orion; 11th. Impression edition (10 Feb 2000)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0752832220
- ISBN-13: 978-0752832227
- Product Dimensions: 19.8 x 13.8 x 2.2 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (731 customer reviews)
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Amazon Bestsellers Rank:
173,925 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #90 in Books > Biography > Tragic Life Stories
A Child Called It
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More About the Author
Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
David J. Pelzer's mother, Catherine Roerva, was, he writes in this ghastly, fascinating memoir, a devoted den mother to the Cub Scouts in her care but not to David, her son, whom she referred to as "an It". This book is a brief, horrifying account of the bizarre tortures she inflicted on him, told from the point of view of the author as a young boy being starved, stabbed, smashed face-first into mirrors, forced to eat the contents of his sibling's diapers and a spoonful of ammonia, and burned over a gas stove by a maniacal, alcoholic mom. Sometimes she claimed he had violated some rule--no walking on the grass at school--but mostly it was pure sadism. Inexplicably, his father didn't protect him; only an alert schoolteacher saved David. One wants to learn more about his ordeal and its aftermath, and now he's written a sequel,The Lost Boy, detailing his life in the foster-care system.
Though it's a grim story, A Child Called "It" is very much in the tradition of Chicken Soup for the Couple's Soul and the many books in that upbeat series, whose author Pelzer thanks for helping get his book going. It's all about weathering adversity to find love and Pelzer is an expert witness.--Christine Buttery
Book Description
A harrowing, yet inspiring true story of a young boy's abusive childhood, from internationally bestselling author Dave Pelzer.
Inside This Book
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First Sentence
5 March 1973, Daly City, California - I'm late. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
5 March 1973, Daly City, California - I'm late. Read the first page
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Concordance
Browse Sample PagesConcordance
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
18 of 18 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Im a 24 year old male. and am not into reading books, infact this is the first book ive read since school. - On a recent night out i got chatting to some old friends and while we were drunk they told me about Dave Palzer amazing story, i was so intruged i bought the book. I started reading it and couldnt put it down till i finished. Dave Palzer (the innocent victim ) is a model for any human being and goes to show anyone can triumph over any bad experiance. How his mother could go from been a normal person to an evil monster is anyones guess, but it is truly remarkable how Dave Palzer could manage to find the will to stay alive and not take the easy way out and kill himself is a lesson for everyone. I will be buying his follow up books asap. Dave - Wherever you are now, i salute you. you are a true hero.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Dave's account of his early years was probably the most horrific but inspirational book I have ever read. He suffered physical and emotional abuse in the highest degree but somehow maintained the strength of character to survive. To imagine a mother stabbing, burning and forcing a child to eat his own vomit is mind blowing. Dave's account however is not one that dwells on the tragedy of it all but very much focuses on his determination to survive. I was unable to put this book down and rushed out to buy the other two books in the series. I would very much recommend his accounts of his time through foster care and adulthood in 'The lost boy' and 'A man named Dave'
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Kindle Edition
The thing I like the most about this book is its fascinating approach. And not only is it well written, A Child Called "It" stands out as a captivating book with great insight into the conflicting emotions and events that mess up so many in society. The great thing about David is that despite being surrounded by so many retarding aspects of life, he breaths hope to humanity by showing how to make the best out of bad situations. After reading and learning from the Grandmothers by Janvier Chando, I got to see the the dysfunctional mother in a better light.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
A must read
I couldn't put it down, its been a long time since I've read such an amazing story. Tragic and very upsetting but amazing. A character so young but so strong it's beyond belief. Read more
Published 26 days ago by P. D. Glendon
the one book you MUST read in your lifetime - you will never forget...
finished this book in 1 day, literally couldnt put it down. really was the saddest and most shocking book ive ever read, and the only book i ever recommend to people. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Lozzykins
A Childhood Lost and his Courage to survive
...is the story of a boy called 'David' called 'it' or 'the boy' by his mother and his courage and will to survive. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Ann Gorman
awful
I can only say that I truly detested this book. It's been a while since I read it but I remember the anger and disgust I felt after I read it. Read more
Published 6 months ago by tully
A detailed book into a life of a child who is abused by his family, a...
I enjoy true stories so i can experiance and undestand children and the different thingsd in life people go through. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Calley
Heartbreaking and true
I have read the whole series of Dave Pelzers books. They are all well written and it is the most compelling reads I ever have read. Read more
Published 12 months ago by Laila Bevan
glumps
I cannot believe that this poor little boy had such a dreadful life. The book is very well written, immediately the story of his life captures you totally. Read more
Published 13 months ago by Cooking Girl
Tears
When I watch sad films or read sad books, I NEVER cry but this book made me wipe a tear 3 times and other times, I had to consciously tell myself not to give in to my tears. Read more
Published 15 months ago by Miss H. O. Johnson
a child called it
very good prices although the book i ordered was stated as very good condition yet the condition of the book i received was poor
Published 19 months ago by Sophie
Spine chilling
Couldn't put the book down until I'd read it from front to back. Such a sad things that a mother can treat the boy in such a way that his love for her is the reason she is... Read more
Published 21 months ago by Coops
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