A Child Called 'It' cover

Author

Dave Pelzer

More by this author

A Child Called 'It'

by Dave Pelzer, David J. Pelzer

PreviewGoogle Books

About this book

A harrowing and inspiring true story of a young boy's abusive childhood, from international bestseller Dave Pelzer. 'A story where love, kindness, patience and endurance triumph' Daily Mail ***** Brutally beaten and starved by his emotionally unstable and alcoholic mother, Dave became a slave; he was no longer a boy, but an 'it'. His bed was an old army cot in the basement, his clothes torn and unwashed, and when he was allowed the luxury of food it was scraps from the dog's bowl. The outside world knew nothing of the nightmare played out behind closed doors. But throughout it all, Dave kept alive dreams of finding a family to love him. A Child Called 'It' shares the emotional story of the early years of his life, detailing the horrors of child abuse and the steadfast determination of one child to survive. It is the first book in the My Story trilogy. 'Heartfelt... cannot fail to move you' Heat

Publisher

Seven Dials

Published

2019

Pages

240

Language

EN

Biography & Autobiography / GeneralBiography & Autobiography / ReferenceBiography & Autobiography / SurvivalFamily & Relationships / Abuse / Child AbuseFamily & Relationships / Family RelationshipsSocial Science / Prostitution & Sex TradeTrue Crime / Sexual Assault

Preview & Source

Google Books provider

Preview bookView on Google BooksFind similar booksExplore category

Preview

A Child Called 'It' cover

This book is available for preview through Google Books.

More by Dave Pelzer

A Man Named Dave cover
Biography & Autobiography1999-10-01

A Man Named Dave

Dave Pelzer

A Man Named Dave, which has sold over 1 million copies, is the gripping conclusion to Dave Pelzer’s inspirational and New York Times bestselling trilogy of memoirs that began with A Child Called "It" and The Lost Boy. "All those years you tried your best to break me, and I'm still here. One day you'll see, I'm going to make something of myself." These words were Dave Pelzer's declaration of independence to his mother, and they represented the ultimate act of self-reliance. Dave's father never intervened as his mother abused him with shocking brutality, denying him food and clothing, torturing him in any way she could imagine. This was the woman who told her son she could kill him any time she wanted to—and nearly did. The more than two million readers of Pelzer's New York Times and international bestselling memoirs A Child Called "It" and The Lost Boy know that he lived to tell his courageous story. With stunning generosity of spirit, Dave Pelzer invites readers on his journey to discover how he turned shame into pride and rejection into acceptance.

Return to the River cover
Biography & Autobiography2023-03-07

Return to the River

Reflections on Life Choices During a Pandemic

Dave Pelzer

From #1 international bestselling author, speaker, and humanitarian Dave Pelzer comes the next chapter in his life—how, after spending decades saving others in the military, as a fire captain, and an internationally acclaimed advocate, he needs to confront a way to save himself. On the surface, Dave Pelzer’s life seems like an action movie—he’s walked the red carpet with celebrities and stood shoulder to shoulder with soldiers in Iraq; he’s flown top-secret missions for the U.S. Air Force, obtaining the rank of chief, and battled wildfires in California as a volunteer fire captain. And now—on the eve of the 50-year anniversary of this rescue from horrific childhood of abuse and into the safety of the foster care system—he reflects on the battles he’s fighting in his own heart. From a lifetime spent serving and saving others, can he learn how to serve and save himself? Banished to his basement at age five, Dave Pelzer had cried a river of tears before most children learned to tie their shoes. His now classic books, A Child Called “It” and The Lost Boy, chronicled how he was brutally beaten and starved by his emotionally unstable, alcoholic mother: a mother who nearly killed him multiple times. But despite the odds stacked against him, he rose to become a #1 New York Times bestselling author, inspirational speaker, and internationally recognized humanitarian. After fighting for years to vanquish his pain and to channel it into service for others, Pelzer sifts through the psychological rubble of a life that has seemingly crumbled around him. What he shares is deeply transformative and unflinchingly honest. In his struggle to simply survive, he never learned how to just be. Reeling from the loss of a love—and a broken spirit—Pelzer must reconcile his life choices and free himself of blame and shame to find peace and renewed purpose. Amidst the towering redwood trees and the serenity of his childhood utopia of the Russian River, Pelzer reflects on having the courage to move forward in your life, the peace to accept yourself, the vulnerability to strip yourself of facades, and to find the tenacity to carry on when life doesn’t turn out the way you planned. For anyone who has been hurt, victimized, or feels alone, there is hope and there is always a way to rewrite your own story. Pelzer’s soulful and inspiring story will remind you to keep your faith, live with gratitude, and find the well of resilience deep within you.

A Child Called It cover
Abused children2000

A Child Called It

David J. Pelzer

Dave Pelzer was brutally beaten and starved by his emotionally unstable, alcoholic mother, a mother who played tortuous, unpredictable games - games that left one of her three sons nearly dead. She no longer considered Dave a son, but a slave; no longer a boy, but an 'it'.His bed was an old army cot in the basement, his clothes were torn and smelly, and when he was allowed the luxury of food it was scraps from the dog's bowl. The outside world knew nothing of the nightmare played out behind closed doors. But throughout Dave kept alive dreams of finding a family to love him. This book covers the early years of his life and is an affecting an inspirational book of the horrors of child abuse and the steadfast determination of one child to survive.

A Child Called It cover
Self-Help2010-01-01

A Child Called It

One Child's Courage to Survive

Dave Pelzer

This book chronicles the unforgettable account of one of the most severe child abuse cases in California history. It is the story of Dave Pelzer, who was brutally beaten and starved by his emotionally unstable, alcoholic mother: a mother who played tortuous, unpredictable games--games that left him nearly dead. He had to learn how to play his mother's games in order to survive because she no longer considered him a son, but a slave; and no longer a boy, but an "it." Dave's bed was an old army cot in the basement, and his clothes were torn and raunchy. When his mother allowed him the luxury of food, it was nothing more than spoiled scraps that even the dogs refused to eat. The outside world knew nothing of his living nightmare. He had nothing or no one to turn to, but his dreams kept him alive--dreams of someone taking care of him, loving him and calling him their son.

More in Biography & Autobiography / General

The Beatles as Musicians cover
Biography & Autobiography2001

The Beatles as Musicians

The Quarry Men Through Rubber Soul

Walter Everett

This volume is a comprehensive, chronologically-ordered study of every aspect of the musical life of the Beatles - composition, performance, recording and reception histories - from the group's beginnings in 1956 through to 1965.

American Sphinx cover
Biography & Autobiography1997

American Sphinx

The Character of Thomas Jefferson

Joseph J. Ellis

Offers a reassessment of the life, image, and career of Thomas Jefferson, examining his complex personality, controversies about the man and his beliefs, and his accomplishments.

My Grandfather's Son cover
Biography & Autobiography2007-10-01

My Grandfather's Son

A Memoir

Clarence Thomas

Provocative, inspiring, and unflinchingly honest, My Grandfather's Son is the story of one of America's most remarkable and controversial leaders, Supreme Court justice Clarence Thomas, told in his own words. Thomas was born in rural Georgia on June 23, 1948, into a life marked by poverty and hunger. His parents divorced when Thomas was still a baby, and his father moved north to Philadelphia, leaving his young mother to raise him and his brother and sister on the ten dollars a week she earned as a maid. At age seven, Thomas and his six-year-old brother were sent to live with his mother's father, Myers Anderson, and her stepmother in their Savannah home. It was a move that would forever change Thomas's life. His grandfather, whom he called "Daddy," was a black man with a strict work ethic, trying to raise a family in the years of Jim Crow. Thomas witnessed his grandparents' steadfastness despite injustices, their hopefulness despite bigotry, and their deep love for their country. His own quiet ambition would propel him to Holy Cross and Yale Law School, and eventually—despite a bitter, highly contested public confirmation—to the highest court in the land. In this candid and deeply moving memoir, a quintessential American tale of hardship and grit, Clarence Thomas recounts his astonishing journey for the first time, and pays homage to the man who made it possible. Intimately and eloquently, Thomas speaks out, revealing the pieces of his life he holds dear, detailing the suffering and injustices he has overcome, including the acrimonious and polarizing Senate hearing involving a former aide, Anita Hill, and the depression and despair it created in his own life and the lives of those closest to him. My Grandfather's Son is the story of a determined man whose faith, courage, and perseverance inspired him to rise up against all odds and achieve his dreams.

Swords and Plowshares cover
Biography & Autobiography1972

Swords and Plowshares

Maxwell Davenport Taylor

"General Maxwell D. Taylor was one of the great military heroes of recent American history. During World War II, Taylor fought in Sicily and Italy before parachuting into France as head of the 101st Airborne Division on Dday, 1944. Later he commanded the Division in the Arnhem drop in Holland and in the defense of Basting in the Bulge. After the war, Taylor served as superintendent of West Point, U.S. Commander in Berlin, Commander of the Eighth Army in Korea, and Army Chief of Staff under President Eisenhower. John F. Kennedy named him chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and sent him to Vietnam in 1961; he returned to that country as Ambassador in 1965, and served as a key advisor to President Johnson until 1969. In Swords and Plowshares, Taylor tells the firsthand story of a life of action, courage, strategy, and dedication. Offering candid and controversial views of such central figures as Dwight Eisenhower, John Dulles, the Kennedy's, and General Westmoreland, Taylor contrasts their varying views of the role of air power in modern warfare, and presents his own approach to the problems of winning wars and making peace. These memoirs ably illustrate why General Maxwell Taylor deserves to rank among Marshall, Eisenhower, MacArthur, and Patton as one of the great American military geniuses of our time." -- Publisher.

The Generals cover
Biography & Autobiography2005-05

The Generals

Andrew Jackson, Sir Edward Pakenham, and the Road to the Battle of New Orleans

Benton Rain Patterson

The fight for the "booty and beauty" of New Orleans that propelled one general to the presidency.

Mark Rothko cover
Art1993-11-15

Mark Rothko

A Biography

James E. B. Breslin

This first full-length biography of one of the greatest artists of the 20th century draws on exclusive access to Mark Rothko's personal papers and hundreds of interviews with artists, patrons, and dealers. Breslin reveals the complexities and contradictions of the man, his art, and his time. 21 color plates. 52 halftones.

Similar books

Autobiography of a Child (Cram Edition) cover
Biography & Autobiography2026-07

Autobiography of a Child (Cram Edition)

Hannah Lynch

This XpressRead Cram Edition of Autobiography of a Child pairs the complete original text with carefully prepared study materials, designed for deeper engagement with this classic. Hannah Lynch's "Autobiography of a Child" offers a compelling glimpse into the formative years of a young life. This work of autobiographical fiction, deeply rooted in Irish literature, presents a captivating narrative reminiscent of a memoir. Blurring the lines between lived experience and imaginative storytelling, Lynch crafts a compelling account of childhood perceptions and experiences. Suitable for readers interested in biography, autobiography, and literary criticism, this book provides a unique lens through which to explore themes of identity and self-discovery. The careful republication of this historical text ensures its accessibility, preserving the nuances of Lynch's prose. Experience the world anew through the eyes of a child in this enduring piece of Irish autobiographical fiction.

Autobiography of a Child cover
Biography & Autobiography2025-03-29

Autobiography of a Child

Hannah Lynch

Hannah Lynch's "Autobiography of a Child" offers a compelling glimpse into the formative years of a young life. This work of autobiographical fiction, deeply rooted in Irish literature, presents a captivating narrative reminiscent of a memoir. Blurring the lines between lived experience and imaginative storytelling, Lynch crafts a compelling account of childhood perceptions and experiences. Suitable for readers interested in biography, autobiography, and literary criticism, this book provides a unique lens through which to explore themes of identity and self-discovery. The careful republication of this historical text ensures its accessibility, preserving the nuances of Lynch's prose. Experience the world anew through the eyes of a child in this enduring piece of Irish autobiographical fiction. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Autobiography of A Child cover
Fiction2024-02-02

Autobiography of A Child

Autobiography of A Child: Hannah Lynch's Whimsical Journey Through Innocence and Discovery

Hannah Lynch

Explore the enchanting world of childhood through the eyes of Hannah Lynch as she unfolds the captivating 'Autobiography of A Child,' capturing the innocence and wonder of early life. Embark on a poignant journey through innocence with Hannah Lynch's deeply personal narrative, "Autobiography of A Child: Hannah Lynch's Journey Through Innocence." Step into the shoes of a child as Lynch recounts the magical and sometimes challenging moments that define the early years of life. As Lynch's journey unfolds, experience the world through the eyes of a child, where every discovery is a wonder and every emotion is felt with unfiltered intensity. Her autobiography becomes a touching exploration of the essence of innocence, capturing the beauty and vulnerability of childhood. But here's the twist that will tug at your heart: What if the innocence Lynch describes is not confined to childhood alone? Could her journey be a reflection of the enduring purity that resides within each of us, waiting to be rediscovered? Engage with short, heartfelt paragraphs that capture the essence of childhood innocence. Lynch's words transport you to a time when the world was a canvas of endless possibilities, inviting you to reconnect with the child within. Are you ready to rediscover the magic of innocence through Hannah Lynch's heartfelt autobiography? Immerse yourself in paragraphs that bridge the gap between past and present. Lynch's narrative is not just a memoir; it's an invitation to embrace the enduring spirit of innocence. Will you allow yourself to be transported back to the simplicity and wonder of childhood? Here's your chance to not just read but to experience the journey of innocence. Acquire "Autobiography of A Child: Hannah Lynch's Journey Through Innocence" now, and let Lynch's narrative be your guide into the timeless realm of pure and unspoiled wonder.

Arise and Call Her Blessed: A Daughter's Memoir cover
Biography & Autobiography2017-03-29

Arise and Call Her Blessed: A Daughter's Memoir

C. D. Collins

More than just a simple chronology of dates and facts, this touching biography about the author's beloved mother, Kakki, captures both her spirit and her heart and demonstrates how any person is really an extraordinary person. It presents a lively account of a warmly human woman living an ordinary life with its good times and bad times and dealing with whatever life gives her. These remarkable stories span five decades of life shared by mother and daughter. The retelling of the mother/daughter role reversal that occurred after Kakki's manifestation of Alzheimer's is handled with grace and dignity. A woman with both a strong moral compass and firm Christian beliefs, Kakki leaves an incredible legacy for her child. A fluid and natural storyteller, C.D. Collins shares what she has learned about the human heart and its resilience in this unique memoir of a well-loved mother, whose example made a strong case for motherhood being the highest calling of all.

MARK TWAIN - The Man Behind the Humor: Complete Autobiographical Books & Biographies cover
Travel2017-07-21

MARK TWAIN - The Man Behind the Humor: Complete Autobiographical Books & Biographies

The Complete Travel Books, Essays, Autobiographical Writings, Speeches & Letters, With Author's Biography; The Innocents Abroad, Roughing It, Life on the Mississippi, What Is Man, Christian Science…

Mark Twain

This collection of travel books, essays, speeches, letters and autobiographical writings illustrates the other side of the man known as Mark Twain. Travel Books The Innocents Abroad Roughing It Old Times on the Mississippi A Tramp Abroad Life on the Mississippi Following the Equator: A Journey Around the World Some Rambling Notes of an Idle Excursion Essays, Satires & Articles How to Tell a Story, and Other Essays What Is Man? And Other Essays Editorial Wild Oats Advice to Youth Fenimore Cooper's Literary Offences Concerning the Jews To the Person Sitting in Darkness To My Missionary Critics Christian Science Queen Victoria's Jubilee Essays on Paul Bourget The Treaty With China, its Provisions Explained In Defence of Harriet Shelley Mrs. Eddy in Error Stirring Times in Austria The Czar's Soliloquy King Leopold's Soliloquy Adam's Soliloquy Essays on Copyrights Other Essays The Complete Speeches The Complete Letters Chapters from my Autobiography Biography Mark Twain: A Biography by Albert Bigelow Paine Samuel Langhorne Clemens (1835-1910), better known by his pen name Mark Twain, was an American writer, humorist, entrepreneur, publisher, and lecturer. He is best known for his two novels – The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and its sequel, the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, but his satirical stories and travel books are also widely popular. His wit and satire, in prose and in speech, earned him praise from critics and peers. He was lauded as the greatest American humorist of his age.

Book details

Publisher: Seven Dials

Published: 2019

Pages: 240

Language: EN

Categories: Biography & Autobiography / General, Biography & Autobiography / Reference, Biography & Autobiography / Survival, Family & Relationships / Abuse / Child Abuse, Family & Relationships / Family Relationships, Social Science / Prostitution & Sex Trade, True Crime / Sexual Assault

Preview: Preview available

Ventari Books links to external provider metadata and access states and does not rehost copyrighted text.

We use optional analytics and advertising cookies to understand how visitors use Ventari, measure ads, and improve the experience. You can accept all optional cookies, allow analytics only, or decline them. See our Cookie Policy.