Johnny Connell
A Child Called It
Dave Pelzer
Pages read: 182
Rating: 10
The central issue in this book is David Pelzer’s behavior. The smallest of bad actions leads his mother to punish him in severe ways. It may seem Dave’s mother was always bad, but she was not. She used to be nice, caring, and loving. She ended up being a part of one of the worst child abuse cases in California history. David got to the point where he believed an easier way out of his misery was death. He was physically and emotionally neglected. He went without food for days on end. More importantly, he went through his childhood without love. Love is a simple thing to give. A thing no child should ever go without.
This book seems interesting, but very sad :(. Just thinking about going without food for days, seems hard. We all know its hard. From reading the post, his childhood was nothing easy, it sounds like everyday he was struggling. Having parents that don't care is not easy. Living in a household with child abuse must have made things not easy for this child. This book seems to be catching my attention to read, but sad.
ReplyDeleteAll who read this book: Is there a reason David's mom started beating him?
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ReplyDeleteJohnny, I had the sam emotions you had while reading this book. It tears me up inside that David was being so abused; by his own family. I also do agree with you that every child needs love. It's an important word.
ReplyDeleteTruely a great book. It really shows how history repeats itself, no matter how brutal or unfair. You can't help but feel sad for the poor boy, knowing that you want to help him in some way, but you can't. Either way, you had some good insights Johnny and I enjoy hearing your opinion on some of the other books you will begin to read this year ☺
ReplyDeleteThis book reminds me of the song Concrete Angel!It is about a girl whos mother beats her and it is so sad! Is this a true story?
ReplyDeleteYa Mikaela it is a true story :( I read it a couple years ago and almost had to stop reading it because i was getting so worked up, and mad at the mother. And Mitchell- I believe the abuse started with very small stuff and worked itself up to what it became. And I think the mother felt she wanted more control in her life. Also she felt she had to take her anger from who-knows-what on someone, and that poor someone happened to be her smallest, weakest son.
ReplyDeleteThis is such an amazing book. While i was reading i felt the most feeling for when the boy was beat and neglected, i felt bad for him. Yes i did feel furious at the mother, but more so sad for Dave, i couldnt understand how he could keep living life, and become a happy man after all that had happened to him, truly amazing.
ReplyDeleteTo mitch, her mom turned to alcohol after she left her husband. David was the only thing she could find to release the anger. And to Miki and others who are wondering the same thing, this is a true book. As sad as it may be, it is 100% true.
ReplyDeleteThank you all for seeing my review. And for Miki, thanks for another great idea for a book. This book can change you and your outlooks on life. It did for me. You have to read it to find your meaning !!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Johnny,
ReplyDeleteI heard about this book a long time ago, but didn't read it because I thought it would be too sad, but after reading your blog I have changed my mind and will take it out of the library when it comes back. Your review seems to have sparked a lot of interest and I understand there is a waiting list of the book. It sounds like David is able to overcome his terrible childhood - thanks for sharing.
Mrs. B.