40 pages • 1 hour read
The Lost Boy
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Book Brief
250
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
California • 1970s
1997
Adult
12-18 years
720L
Super Short Summary
The Lost Boy by Dave Pelzer recounts his transition from an abusive household to various foster homes, where he struggles to adjust but eventually finds a sense of belonging. David faces numerous challenges, including legal battles, school prejudice, and difficulties in foster placements, but ultimately achieves stability through the supportive relationships he forms in foster care. This book depicts severe child abuse.
Emotional
Challenging
Dark
Hopeful
Inspirational
Reviews & Readership
74,420 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Lost Boy by Dave Pelzer is generally well-received, praised for its raw and emotional recount of the author's childhood in foster care. Readers appreciate the honest depiction of overcoming severe abuse, though some criticize the writing style as overly simplistic. Others find the relentless hardship hard to read but acknowledge its inspirational value. Overall, it's a compelling, if at times harrowing, memoir.
Who Should Read The Lost Boy?
Readers who appreciate The Lost Boy by Dave Pelzer are typically drawn to heart-wrenching memoirs detailing personal resilience and survival against adversity. They often enjoy books like A Child Called "It" by Dave Pelzer and The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls, seeking compelling narratives of overcoming childhood trauma and transformative journeys.
74,420 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
250
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
California • 1970s
1997
Adult
12-18 years
720L
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