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A Child Called It
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.
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Cjbesh
Pickpick

Sad story. Hard to believe something so tragic could have actually have happened with so many people turning their backs and not doing anything to help out.

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EmberIvyRose
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Pickpick

Audiobook pick:
This was a recollection of the horrific abuse suffered at the hands of his mother. It was so unbelievable and devastating to hear what he endured. What a survivor.

44 likes1 stack add
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TieDyeDude
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My wife is jumping into Litsy with both feet! She is already hosting a giveaway, and starting a hashtag 🙂 Be sure to follow her, and check her profile for the post about her ‘666‘ giveaway
1. A Child Called It
2. The Descent
3. For movies, good, creepy music!

#terrifyingtuesday @WildAlaskaBibliophile

WildAlaskaBibliophile Terrifying because a child lived through that horror. Have you read the rest of his books?
That movie gave me the heebie jeebies!

Thanks for playing along, hubby! @tiedyedude :-)

12mo
28 likes1 comment
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Besha
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"Deine Mutter wird dir nie mehr weh tun."

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Coleen
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Mehso-so

I disliked this book for many reasons. Obviously the subject matter was disturbing (child abuse) but that didn‘t bother me as much as the “why?”s I kept asking. (Why was only one of the 5 siblings singled out? Why didn‘t he run away or seek help? Why didn‘t the father step in? etc.). I don‘t want to minimize the importance of needing to share this horrific story, but it was not that well written. An editor could‘ve made this even more effective.

LibrarianRyan What I find interesting is how long this book was considered a “true story”. A lot of people were not happy when it turned out to be fiction 3y
Coleen @LibrarianRyan I had read that there was some question about the accuracy of some aspects, but was not aware it was considered fictional. Thought it was mostly true. So similar to James Frey‘s A Million Little Pieces? 3y
LibrarianRyan @Coleen from my understanding yes. But I didn‘t delve. I saw it randomly when it happened. Now the Million Pieces I was super in the mess with that one. Libraries trying to decide if it should be reclassified etc. 3y
Blueberry My life had many similarities to A Child Called It that I never thought to doubt it's authenticity. But I do sort of remember some of the siblings verifying the story and some not. Which only added reality for me. 3y
Coleen @Blueberry So sorry to hear that. *hugs* 3y
16 likes5 comments
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nibech
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"Day 6: Book that broke your heart"

My heart aches for the author.

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ShawnYLibros
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Starting this book today. Not sure if Ill be able to get through it

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Blueberry
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Being #thechosenone isn't always good. Sorry, working through a lot right now.

#tropesinAugust @Klou

Cosmos_Moon_River This book is so sad. 4y
Klou I've heard of this one but didn't know what it was about. Sounds like a heartbreaker. Fitting choice for the prompt! 4y
41 likes2 comments
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BaroqueBee
Mehso-so

A heart wrenching story of a child‘s struggles with abuse from his mother. I found that this book never really gave me much fulfilment with the ending. But well written all the same.

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CRICKET
Pickpick

It was something I had been interested in reading for quite sometime. An eye opener and a reminder that though I will never be this parent, there are some people out there who are like this. My heart goes out to the abused children of the world.

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cerijones
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Looking forward to starting this book it has been on my tbr list for a very long time

2 likes1 stack add
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MumWhoLovesToRead
Pickpick

Very sad true story. Great author

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fischali000
Pickpick

This was a great book! It is about a child who gets beaten up by his mother, because she says he is a "bad boy". It is kind of sad, but you should read it to find out if he finally escapes her wrath or not!

4 likes1 stack add
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Naz786
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Pickpick

🌟🌟🌟🌟.5. I am angry at Dave's dad for not speaking up for him! 🤬

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alecia3dixie
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Pickpick

This was a very hard book for me. I heard about this book a long time ago but never could bring myself to read it. I finally decided to. It took me several days to read this book because it was so raw and real. I am a mother of 2, and could not imagine doing anything to hurt my children in any way. I cannot even fathom the experience he went through, and what children still go threw to this day. What people are capable of doing is astonishing

Clwojick I can‘t believe that I read all of his books in grade 8-10. Now that I‘m older, I think it would be harder for me to get through. 5y
alecia3dixie Yes definently! I think I could have took this in all in one sitting back then, not now tho. I had to walk away from the book. But I also felt bad for walking away from it, like I'm sure he wanted to walk away from his tragity 5y
6 likes2 comments
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BoleyBooks
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Tackle the TBR...started this one. It looks like a quick read. Hope it isn‘t too upsetting. Have a good weekend! 📚💕

KatieDid927 Oh it‘s pretty upsetting, but worth it. 5y
BoleyBooks @KatieDid927 good to know, thank you! 5y
EagleReader 😔 sad story 4y
37 likes2 stack adds3 comments
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Always_booked
Pickpick

Such a hard read I almost put it down.

TheShaggyShepherd It was a very difficult read but I'm glad I pushed my way through it. 5y
Always_booked @IvoryLunatic exactly how I feel. Im on book 2 now. It's good so far less emotional. 5y
TheShaggyShepherd @always_booked I can't remember right now if I've read the second one but if I haven't, I know it's on my list. 5y
Always_booked @IvoryLunatic yes there's a 3rd one too! 5y
TheShaggyShepherd @always_booked Oh wow! I don't think I knew that. They're definitely moving up on my list then! Thanks for letting me know! 5y
1 like5 comments
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Elsuttie
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Pickpick

A truly horrifying read. It is written in such a descriptive way, you find yourself totally drawn into the story. A must read.

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AJones
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Pickpick

My C book. I have been wanting to read A Child Called IT for quite some time, an I finally took the plunge. The topic and sickening descriptions really turned me away, but it also spoke volume on what David went through. I cannot believe this poor child had to live like that. I am so glad he told his story. People can be so different in public when compared to their normal home life.

AJones Especially with the usage of social media. It‘s sad to say, but child abuse is far to common and must be reported. As an educator, I know issues like this will be apparent in my line of work. I hope I will never witness or find a child in a similar circumstance, but it‘s my job to report such concerns to the proper officials. #LitsyAtoZ @BookishMarginalia (edited) 6y
11 likes2 comments
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Kodak2057
Mehso-so

The horrific story is what it is, I just wish there was a bit more information. I guess I‘ll have to read the other books but not sure I want to

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nibech
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My thriftbooks haul came in 😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁

Titles:
When Dimple Met Rishi
The Lowland
A Child Called It
The Lost Boy
The Privilege of Youth
A Man Named Dave

Still waiting on The Namesake to come in from this order. All for $20.90. Merry Christmas to meeeeeee!

#davepelzer #achildcalledit #thelostboy #theprivilegeofyouth #amannameddave #jhumpalahiri #thelowland #thenamesake #sandhyamenon #whendimplemetrishi

11 likes2 stack adds
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lexlie
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Pickpick

Very sad yet relatable book. Well written, a book that stays with you.

3 likes1 stack add
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LiterRohde
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Year after year, it surprises, scares, and makes me happy that my kids like this book, as well as the whole series. I would recommend anything by Dave Pelzer if you are looking for someone to cover horrendous topics with a message of hope.

#YAWednesday

📷: Google Books

TheFunkyBookworm I‘ve had a few kids read and enjoy this one but I‘ve never had the courage to pick it up myself... maybe it‘s time! 6y
LiterRohde @TheFunkyBookworm It is a difficult book. Which is the scare part for me. That means they can relate. Reading the other two in the trilogy kind of rounds out the experience as A Child Called It really ends with a lot of questions unanswered. (edited) 6y
Suzze I‘ve read it and was amazed at all the school kids who wanted more of his books after reading it. 6y
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Meeko93 I loved this book. I read it when I was pretty young too, but not a lot of his other books. 6y
GingerAntics I devoured this series in high school. All my friends stopped at the first book, but I couldn‘t get enough. 6y
TiredLibrarian This is really popular in my library, and a lot of the people who love it aren't regular readers. It's also one of those titles that often goes missing, so we usually have a few backup copies. 6y
69 likes3 stack adds6 comments
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LiterRohde
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“Inside, my soul became so cold I hated everything. I even despised the sun, for I knew I would never be able to play in its warm presence. I cringed with hate whenever I heard other children laughing, as they played outside. My stomach coiled whenever I smelled food that was about to be served to somebody else, knowing it wasn't for me.”

#QuotsyJune18 | 10: #Cool

📷: Made with Typorama

Blueberry So sad.... 6y
GingerAntics That book is still so powerful, even after I‘ve read it multiple times. 6y
65 likes1 stack add2 comments
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olivia.ferz
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Cinfhen This was soooooo sad 😭😭😭😭 7y
olivia.ferz @Cinfhen The descriptions of the mental and physical abuse he had to go through at such a tender age was so heart-wrenching😢 7y
LiterRohde I work with high school reluctant readers. This is always one (as well as the rest of the series) they like to read. Hey, if YOU read the rest of the series, you will have read a series, and that monkey will be off your back! (edited) 6y
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rather_be_reading 😭😭 6y
olivia.ferz @LiterRohde I really loved this book💚. But I don't think I have the stomach to read more of this. But I do want to read the entire series 🙈. 6y
olivia.ferz @rather_be_reading I know😩. This is probably the most heart breaking story I've ever read. 6y
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Kali
Pickpick

This book is really enlightening for those who don't know how bad child abuse can be. A first hand description of one young boy's hell.

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MissAimz_55
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Pickpick

Catching up on #monthlychallenges . I remember A Child Called It was one of the books I cried the longest at and is just so horrible to know about this abuse. #tearjerker #readingresolutions .
🌲Speak is a quick read and also very deep, highly recommend it. #quickread .
💚 Bear Town is the book I'm using for #llamalibrarychallenge #greencover #marchinbooks

MrsSpencer I cried so much with this book- just terrible to imagine 7y
31 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Jamoe76
Pickpick

This was an excellent book. Bittersweet tale of a young abused boy.

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lane
Pickpick

Wow this book had so many emotions! I was mad I was happy and i cried!!! I loved this book!!!

2 likes1 stack add
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blithebuoyant
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This is my girls day/lunch and bookstores mini-haul! I don't often read paper books but I had been hankering for one recently. I read A Child Called It a few years ago and didn't really feel emotionally prepared to read the sequel, but a friend bought it for me today from Roma's, AND the sequel so here I go again. ❤️

10 likes1 stack add
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destiny.jh
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“ I lean back against the seat. A reflection from the sun hits my eyes. “ #san_35

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destiny.jh
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I chose this book because everyone was telling me about it & how crazy it was . #san_35

RaimeyGallant Welcome to Litsy! #LitsyWelcomeWagon And here's a compilation of Litsy tips that a bunch of us put together:
http://litsy.com/p/aDJja2lMZFFY
7y
1 like1 comment
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Astramu
Pickpick

One of the best

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Cupofjo
Pickpick

Holy cow, I devoured that book and flew through it in just a few hours. I was shocked I didn't shed tears, as this story is heartbreaking. I will be reading the other books in this trilogy, and am thankful that David was successful in life after going through what many would have given up with
#heros

Peddler410 I have mixed feelings about this book. 7y
Kaylamburson This book broke me! 7y
Kaylamburson Although I had no idea it was a trilogy... I don't think I could handle more of that! 7y
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Cupofjo @Peddler410 how so? (edited) 7y
Cupofjo @Kaylamburson I'm hoping the next two books are the positive ways he succeeded 7y
Peddler410 There have been allegations regarding how much is fact and what was embellished--the author appeared on Oprah many years ago. It's used as a class read in one of my schools and for years the book would disappear from the library. I stopped replacing it years ago. 7y
Cupofjo @Peddler410 really? How interesting... I will have to do a little digging and see what I find 7y
Kaylamburson Yes, that would be much more encouraging! @Cupofjo 7y
Cinfhen Hi 👋 just sending some #RandomLitsyLove as part of @RaimeyGallant #SmittenByLittens challenge 7y
RaimeyGallant Here's some #RandomLitsyLove from me too. Big hugs! @Cinfhen 7y
Cupofjo @Cinfhen how cool is this#SmittenByLittens challenge! Thanks 😊 7y
Cupofjo @RaimeyGallant thank you! 😊 7y
Cinfhen Oh good! You didn't think I was some #creepyStalker 🙄😉looking forward to seeing your posts~ xx 7y
Cupofjo @Cinfhen lol!! 7y
RaimeyGallant @cinfhen actually does a pretty cool Litsy game. You should scroll down her posts to find the September one. 7y
Cupofjo @RaimeyGallant I'll look! 7y
Cinfhen Thanks for the shoutout @RaimeyGallant ?This month I have a "guest" host @Marchpane has created #SeptemBowie ~ a musical bookish challenge matching David Bowie song titles to book titles....it's fun ~ join in!!! 7y
22 likes2 stack adds17 comments
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Cupofjo
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Reading until football! (I'm actually a Buckeye for life, but don't tell AZ that!)

15 likes1 stack add
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FantasyChick
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This is a bit darker than some others I've seen posted but nothing works for #tearinupmyheart like this book. I mean ugly tears and heartbreak. I absolutely believe everyone needs to read this book but I warn you.....it's hard to handle.

#90sinJuly @Cinfhen @Robothugs

Cinfhen OMG 😭😭😭😭😭so sad 7y
FantasyChick It's absolutely devatstating!!! A hard read for sure 7y
9 likes2 comments
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southerninlaw
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Pickpick

A horrible story, but an important one to read. The abuse Dave Pelzer endured is unimaginable - but a reminder that these atrocities happen every day, and the only chance children like Dave have is if people around them speak up. #biography #memoir #davepelzer

RaimeyGallant I'm afraid to read this, but have added it to my stack. Atrocious. 7y
southerninlaw @RaimeyGallant it's impossible to believe that someone could endure what he went through - but an important story to read. I also just finished his brother's perspective, "A Brother's Journey" by Richard B Pelzer. Interesting to read them side by side. I just ordered Richard's second novel. 7y
21 likes3 stack adds2 comments
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CaylasBooktopia
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Pickpick

I have not read a book that brought upon myself so much emotion and so much gratitude for my parents…until now. This book is on a whole other level. A level that really makes you think about the fact that not everyone has the basic needs and privileges of love.

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Mlogsdon816
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Panpan

I hate to say this because my heart breaks for Dave Pelzer and the torture he endured as a child at this hands of his alcoholic mother----however, this book read like a documentation of the abuse and not about his emotional or growth experience. There is such an opportunity here to surface to the reader his surely deep emotional turmoil during and after his childhood. The book left me asking "why" too many times.

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KellyK
Mehso-so

I want to believe this book is NOT true because of all the horrible things. Sadly I can imagine a parent doing these awful things to a child, yet what I find most difficult to believe is that the other parent would chose to walk away and leave the abused boy without so much as an attempt to take him to safety. Then after reading some articles about the author, I'm not sure how much is true and how much is embellished. Very conflicted on this one.

readinginthedark I haven't read any articles! I always thought this was true, and he wrote that other one about being in the foster system. 😕Not that I want it to be true, you know, but still. 8y
11 likes2 stack adds1 comment
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Sabrinacasto97
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Pickpick

A client of mine was speaking to me about his recent writings on the trauma he faced growing up which lead him to using substances to cope with the pain. While discussing his life he had brought up this book and gave it to me to read. Defiantly worth the read and gave me chills and was such an inspirational story!

6 likes2 stack adds
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snowdrop
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Pickpick

Shocking. :'( I didn't think that a child could ever suffer like this. It was heartening to watch Pelzer overcome all the pain, though. And I'm glad for the happy ending. 😊
A book like this shouldn't be banned! This way we learn from our mistakes! #bannedbooksweek #mdlibrary

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freyaheart
Mehso-so

Read this book if you are ready to have your heart broken. I want this story to not be true. It's so awful what this man had to go through.

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RavenclawOwlCat
Mehso-so

I read this years ago in middle school and I liked it even though it's a hard book to like because of what he goes through

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Turtley_Awesome_Bookworm
Pickpick

A heart wrenching true story about child abuse and its impact on the abused. I sobbed many times & had to stop reading for feeling distraught and sickened that this was/is some children's life. I have never been so moved by a book, as I was by this one. This story is why I became a social worker.

2 likes2 stack adds