A Child Called 'It' by Dave Pelze: Book Review (2024)
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"A Child Called 'It': One Child's Courage to Survive" by Dave Pelzer is a harrowing memoir that recounts the author's traumatic childhood experiences of severe abuse at the hands of his alcoholic mother, offering a powerful testament to human resilience and the will to survive.
What's A Child Called 'It' About?
amazon.com
"A Child Called 'It'" chronicles Dave Pelzer's childhood from ages 4 to 12, detailing the severe abuse he endured at the hands of his alcoholic mother. The memoir begins with Dave's early happy memories, but quickly descends into a nightmare as his mother's behavior becomes increasingly erratic and abusive
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. She singles Dave out among his siblings, subjecting him to extreme physical and emotional torture, including starvation, beatings, and dangerous punishments3
. Dave's father, initially a source of comfort, becomes increasingly absent and unable to protect him2
. Throughout the ordeal, Dave develops survival strategies, such as stealing food at school and enduring his mother's cruel "games"3
. The abuse escalates to life-threatening levels, including a stabbing incident4
. Despite the horrors he faces, Dave maintains a fierce determination to survive. The memoir concludes with 12-year-old Dave being rescued by school authorities, marking the end of his torment and the beginning of his journey towards healing1
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About the Author: Who is Dave Pelzer?
en.wikipedia.org
Dave Pelzer is an American author best known for his autobiographical works detailing his childhood abuse and subsequent journey of resilience. Born on December 29, 1960, in San Francisco, California, Pelzer gained international recognition with his 1995 memoir "A Child Called 'It': One Child's Courage to Survive"
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. This book, which spent several years on The New York Times Best Seller list, vividly recounts the severe abuse Pelzer suffered at the hands of his alcoholic mother from ages 4 to 121
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Pelzer has authored several other books, including "The Lost Boy" and "A Man Named Dave," which continue his life story1
. His works often focus on themes of resilience, forgiveness, and personal growth. Pelzer's experiences have led him to become an advocate for child abuse prevention and an inspirational speaker2
. He has received numerous accolades, including being named one of the Ten Outstanding Young Americans in 19933
. Despite facing controversy and accusations of fabrication from some family members and journalists, Pelzer's books have sold millions of copies worldwide and continue to resonate with readers1
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A Child Called 'It' Reviews (Videos)
What Readers Are Saying A Child Called 'It'
"A Child Called 'It'" by Dave Pelzer has received mixed reviews from readers, with many praising its powerful message while others express concerns about its content. Here's a summary of common pros and cons mentioned in reader reviews:
While many readers find the book eye-opening and impactful, others caution that its graphic content may not be suitable for all audiences. The book's ability to spark discussions about child abuse is often cited as a significant positive aspect.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Powerful and moving story 1 2 | Extremely disturbing content 1 2 |
| Raises awareness about child abuse 2 | May be too intense for some readers 1 |
| Inspires resilience and hope 3 2 | Questioned authenticity by some critics 3 |
| Encourages empathy and understanding 2 | Lack of literary merit according to some 1 |
| Motivates readers to take action against abuse 2 | Potentially triggering for abuse survivors 1 |
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A Child Called 'It': Awards and Honors
"A Child Called 'It'" by Dave Pelzer has received numerous awards and honors, cementing its status as an influential and impactful memoir. Some of the most notable accolades include:
The book's long-standing presence on the New York Times Best Seller list and its Pulitzer Prize nomination underscore its widespread appeal and literary merit.
| Award/Honor | Year |
|---|---|
| New York Times Best Seller | 1995 |
| Pulitzer Prize Nominee | 1996 |
| Ten Outstanding Young Americans Award (for Pelzer) | 1993 |
| Outstanding Young Persons of the World Award (for Pelzer) | 1994 |
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Pelzer's personal awards, such as the Ten Outstanding Young Americans Award and the Outstanding Young Persons of the World Award, recognize his advocacy work and the impact of his story on a global scale.3
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A Child Called 'It' (Photos)
Pelzer's Harrowing Memoir
Closing Thoughts on A Child Called 'It'
reddit.com
"A Child Called 'It'" by Dave Pelzer is a powerful and emotionally charged book about abuse that has left an indelible mark on readers worldwide. This acclaimed author's account of extreme abuse at the hands of his abusive mother, coupled with the neglect of his alcoholic and careless father, paints a horrific picture of a child's life filled with pain and suffering. Throughout the entire book, Pelzer's vivid descriptions of both physical and emotional abuse resonate deeply, making it an excellent, albeit challenging, read. While some critics have questioned the authenticity of certain details, the book remains a compelling testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of horrible abuse. As with many true stories of this nature, "A Child Called 'It'" serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of child abuse and the importance of vigilance and intervention in protecting vulnerable children.
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Related
How does the book end on a hopeful note despite the extreme abuse described
What was the public reaction to "A Child Called 'It'” when it was first published
How did Dave Pelzer's father react to the abuse his son faced
What impact did "A Child Called 'It'" have on child abuse awareness
How does the book portray the psychological effects of emotional abuse on a child
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