58 pages 1 hour read

Dave Pelzer

A Child Called It: One Child’s Courage to Survive

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1995

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

A Child Called It by Dave Pelzer is a memoir of his harrowing experiences with severe child abuse at the hands of his mother until he is rescued by authorities in the fifth grade. The book details his mother’s drastic transformation from a caring parent to a violent abuser, the various cruel punishments she inflicts upon him, and his ultimate rescue and journey towards healing and stability. This work includes detailed depictions of child abuse.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Dave Pelzer's A Child Called It garners high praise for its raw, compelling narrative and emotional impact, effectively bringing attention to the grave issue of child abuse. Critics appreciate Pelzer's bravery in recounting his traumatic childhood. However, some challenge its authenticity and criticize the writing style as simplistic. Overall, the book is impactful but polarizing.

Who should read this

Who Should Read A Child Called It?

Readers who would enjoy A Child Called It by Dave Pelzer are typically interested in deeply personal, harrowing memoirs of overcoming traumatic childhoods. Similar to those attracted to Jeannette Walls's The Glass Castle or Mary Karr's The Liars' Club, they seek powerful, emotional stories of resilience and survival.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Topics

Trauma / Abuse / Violence

Addiction / Substance Abuse

Psychology

Genre

Psychology

Biography