Helpful Score: 2
Be prepared-first book is very graphic. Is written from the view of the child, and when you pass on to the next book, there are some continuity issues- most notably a "run away" attempt that was never mentioned in book one. Book two expands into decribing not only the physical abuse, but the mental abuse and manipulation as well.
Throughout the books, I couldn't help but wonder "why" and found myself searching for a neat little diagnosis that today's society would have readily handy to explain the adults behavior, but it just doesn't come to the point of helping you understand.
Generally, an excellent telling of mental illness and child abuse, told from the primary victim, with no apologies. I had wanted to start this series since I first saw it at Target, and was lucky enough to come across this double book option at the local Goodwill.
Throughout the books, I couldn't help but wonder "why" and found myself searching for a neat little diagnosis that today's society would have readily handy to explain the adults behavior, but it just doesn't come to the point of helping you understand.
Generally, an excellent telling of mental illness and child abuse, told from the primary victim, with no apologies. I had wanted to start this series since I first saw it at Target, and was lucky enough to come across this double book option at the local Goodwill.
A hard but, eye opening book about the state of Social Services and one boy/man's experience. It's sad to think that so many people failed Mr. Pelzer before he was finally rescued.
Helpful Score: 1
This book will stay with you! I read this book in middle school and again in college. The things that Dave Pelzer goes through is astounding. The books are graphic, but in order for you to see the suffering of this small child, I feel it is needed. Prepare yourself to feel upset and angry and love all at the same time. This is such a moving book.
These stories are so incredibly moving. It is unreal that a child can survive the abuse that Dave Pelzer went through and still become a functioning adult, but that is just what Pelzer has done. His first book, "A Child Called It", details his life up to the age of 12 when he became a foster child. The second book, "The Lost Boy", chronicles his struggles of adjusting to his new life as a foster child. While his story is sad, the books are also strangely uplifting.
This book broke my heart. But, I couldn't put it down. That he survived it amazing!!
I could not put this book down. I cannot imagine a mother doing what this mother did. It opens your eyes to reality.
Love it. Unbelievable what this child went through and survived to become what he is today.
This book is a heart-wrenching story of a child's will to survive despite his mother's non-stop torture. It is not intended for the sensitive reader and definitely not for children. The first book, A child Called "It" is from page one to the end, incident after incident of unthinkable abuse. The sequel, The Lost Boy is not overshadowed by abuse but is still full of injustice. I read it in hopes of learning about the role of foster care in helping children overcome the victimization of abuse, but closed the book with more questions than answers. I found the most helpful information to be in the last 20 pages with information directed toward the roles of people committed to helping those that cannot help themselves. Reading this book could be beneficial if you are willing to take a role of action to help children caught in the web of abuse, otherwise it is depressing and will only haunt your thoughts.
Great book. Sad and inspiring.
This book is great.It has some pretty sad parts in it buut other wise it is gREAT!!
I could not put this book down!
Fast but very disturbing read. Amazing what parents do to their children. Book was uplifting but upsetting.
What a read! Can't believe people are so thoughtless and cruel.
The first two installments in Pelzer's horrifying autobiography. Chilling reading.
This is a great book but is very sad and heart-wrenching. It opens your eyes to the reality of child abuse and gives insight into the foster care system.
Two Books in one wonderful Stories
This is two books in one. Heartbreaking and moving. You won't believe the terrible things a mother (she doesn't deserve the title) did to her child.
A double volume such an incredible story
I couldn't put this book down. It is hard to imagine that a parent could treat a child this horribly! Dave Pelzer is a terrific author and has done well in overcoming this horrific experience.
Sad but true story a tear-jerker.
It is how to believe just how evil and cruel Dave's mother was to him. I am glad he survived and is helping other people.
