Review Detail

Reader reviewed by Jocey

A Child Called It was one of the most heartbreaking yet inspiring books I have read in my life. It recounts the abusive childhood that Dave Pelzer endured in California from Dave Pelzer himself. Years later, it was determined that Daves case was one of the most gruesome child abuse cases in all of California in that time period. Although it is a shorter book, it does not for one minute seem quick. Every chapter is a new aspect of his life and how he managed to overcome so many obstacles. It is written directly from the heart, so every emotion that he feels during the book inspires the same feelings inside of you. The long and terrible sufferings that David survived from his psycho mother and ignorant brothers is horrifying. Half of the tortures that he survived seemed superhuman to me, it was unbelievable how he somehow managed to have hope and fight back against his enemy. There were several instances while reading the book where I had to remind myself that it is not fictional, that these sad memories are true and real. What was even more disturbing is the fact that children are still abused all over the U.S and world today. Hearing the first hand account of a survivor is an eye-opener to what our society is trying to battle. I never realized before this book what kinds of nightmares exist out there in our world. I now not only feel informed on the matter, but inspired to help others.