58 pages • 1 hour read
A Child Called It: One Child’s Courage to Survive
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Book Brief
184
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
California • 1970s
1995
Adult
18+ years
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.
Dark
Unnerving
Emotional
Challenging
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
457,361 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
457,361 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Catherine Roerva
Catherine Roerva
Dave's abusive mother, who directs her frustrations and manipulative behavior towards her children, particularly Dave, demonstrating a lack of empathy and remorse.
Stephen Joseph
Stephen Joseph
Dave's father, initially portrayed as a kind and nurturing presence, but who becomes complicit in the abuse by failing to effectively intervene or protect Dave.
184
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
California • 1970s
1995
Adult
18+ years
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