"A Child Called It" is a heart-wrenching and gut-wrenching true story about the abuse and neglect suffered by Dave Pelzer, the author, at the hands of his alcoholic mother. The book follows Pelzer's life from the age of four to twelve, during which he was subjected to unimaginable physical, emotional, and psychological abuse.
Pelzer's mother was a deeply troubled woman who took out her frustrations on her children, and Pelzer was the primary target of her rage. She would beat him with belts, burn him with cigarettes, and force him to drink ammonia. She also deprived him of food, forcing him to scavenge for scraps in the garbage and to drink from the toilet.
Despite the constant abuse and neglect, Pelzer never lost his determination to survive. He found ways to cope with the abuse and to keep himself alive, even when his mother was trying to kill him. He learned how to hide from her when she was in a rage, and he found solace in the small acts of kindness shown to him by his teachers and other adults.
One of the most powerful aspects of "A Child Called It" is the way it shows the resilience and strength of the human spirit. Despite the horrors he faced, Pelzer never gave up hope and never lost the will to survive. His story is a testament to the indomitability of the human spirit and the power of the human will.
Another powerful aspect of the book is the way it highlights the devastating effects of child abuse and neglect. Pelzer's story is a sobering reminder of the importance of protecting children from harm and of the need to intervene when abuse is suspected. It is a call to action for all of us to do our part to ensure that every child grows up in a safe and nurturing environment.
In conclusion, "A Child Called It" is a poignant and powerful book that tells the story of one man's struggle to survive the abuse and neglect inflicted upon him by his mother. It is a testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit and a call to action to protect children from harm. It is a must-read for anyone who cares about the well-being of children and the future of our society.
"A Child Called It" is a poignant and heartbreaking memoir written by Dave Pelzer. The book chronicles the abuse and neglect that Pelzer suffered at the hands of his mother during his childhood in the 1970s.
The book begins with Pelzer's early childhood, when he was a happy and well-loved child living in a close-knit family. However, as Pelzer gets older, his mother begins to treat him differently. She becomes abusive and controlling, and Pelzer becomes the target of her rage and cruelty.
Pelzer's mother subjects him to a variety of forms of abuse, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. She frequently beats him and subjects him to severe physical punishment for even the slightest misbehavior. She also emotionally and mentally tortures him, calling him names and making him feel worthless and helpless.
Despite the abuse, Pelzer manages to hold on to hope and a sense of self-worth. He finds solace in his schoolwork and in the kindness of his teachers and schoolmates. He also finds strength in his faith and in his dreams of one day escaping his mother's abuse and finding a better life.
Throughout the book, Pelzer's resilience and determination are truly inspiring. Despite the terrible circumstances of his childhood, he never gives up hope and never loses sight of his dreams. His story is a testament to the human spirit and the power of resilience in the face of adversity.
In conclusion, "A Child Called It" is a powerful and poignant memoir that gives a voice to the victims of child abuse. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the devastating impact of abuse on a child's life and the strength and resilience it takes to overcome it.
A Child Called "It" is a heart-wrenching and powerful memoir written by Dave Pelzer. The book tells the true story of Pelzer's childhood, in which he was subjected to severe physical, emotional, and sexual abuse at the hands of his alcoholic mother.
Pelzer's story begins when he is just five years old and his mother begins to turn on him. She begins by calling him "It," and treating him like an animal, making him sleep in the garage and denying him basic necessities like food, clothing, and medical care. As the abuse escalates, Pelzer is forced to endure unimaginable horrors, including being locked in a closet for days at a time, being scalded with hot water, and being beaten with a belt.
Despite the overwhelming odds against him, Pelzer manages to hold onto hope and survival. He finds solace in the small acts of kindness shown to him by others, such as a neighbor who gives him a sandwich when he is starving or a teacher who takes an interest in his well-being.
As Pelzer grows older, he becomes more aware of the abuse he is suffering and the impact it is having on his life. He begins to rebel against his mother and seek help from those around him, but his cries for help are often ignored or dismissed. Eventually, Pelzer is removed from his mother's care and placed in the foster system, where he begins the long and difficult process of healing and rebuilding his life.
A Child Called "It" is a poignant and inspiring tale of survival and resilience. It is a reminder of the importance of standing up for oneself and seeking help when it is needed. It is also a call to action for those in positions of authority to recognize and intervene in cases of child abuse. This powerful and moving book is a must-read for anyone interested in the issue of child abuse and the resilience of the human spirit.