A Child Called 'It' cover art

A Child Called 'It'

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A Child Called 'It'

By: David Pelzer
Narrated by: Brian Keeler
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About this listen

Dave Pelzer was brutally abused as a child by his emotionally unstable, alcoholic mother. She considered him a slave - no longer a boy, but an "it".

He was physically and mentally tortured and starved. The outside world knew nothing of the nightmare he experienced behind closed doors, and his father was aware of the abuse but turned to denial and alcohol. The abuse only fueled a determination to survive and become stronger.

He eventually found amazing strength from his experiences: both in himself and other people.

Listen to the second book in David Pelzer's harrowing, multi-part memoir of child abuse: The Lost Boy.©1995 David Pelzer (P)2001 Recorded Books Abuse Dysfunctional Families Dysfunctional relationship Parenting & Families Relationships Inspiring Scary Heartfelt Biography Child Development

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Critic reviews

"Pelzer's portrayal of domestic tyranny and eventual escape is unforgettable." ( School Library Journal)
All stars
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Such a sad story, written well. Had a year in my eye. Definitely a recommended read.

Heartbreaking

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.....for those who ask the questions. this example of the hell too many american...global...children live within, you have the answers to 1) why do we need a death penalty and 2) why do children under 12 commit suicide. we can't afford to house child abusers in prison...the money should be used for early intervention, removal and a new life. Society is ignorant to just how many kids are in a living hell.
...heartbreaking....

The truth

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This is a very heartbreaking story. My takeaway is that at several points the boy described himself as a weak coward. However, I think he had the strength and bravery of a lion. A true survivor.

Harrowing

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so sad what happened to dave , no child should suffer any things like this im so proud of how he has .anaged to pull through and live his life s he has x well done dave

so sad and unbelievable but my god is it good x

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very hard to hear at some points but a very good insight into the life of an abuse victim. feel so sorry for this guy. great book. would 100% recommend.

heartbreaking story

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I loved this book, it’s hard to imagine it being anyone’s favourite, i couldn’t get over the fact that his father was aware and allowed these things to happen, the father left and had that courage but couldn’t help his son.

The sadness and pain omitted by this story

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i read this book many years ago and have now listened to it being told. its the best book ive ever read. it brought tears to my eyes. ishall go on to listenvto Dave Pelzers other books that i have also read

such courage and resilianxe

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It's frightening how evil someone could be. His mother went from being perfect to a horrible evil bastard. It takes a very strong soul to come out the other end of that an flourish in life, fair play. listening to this will make you hope his mother is suffering an eternity of horrifying pain. It's awful to think that this happens children every day.

Heartbreaking

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amazing book from the perspective of a child being abused and how he got through it

Book about child abuse

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so open and honest it's heartbreaking but also so desperate, I could not put it down and have passed the title on to friends

frightening and familiar

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