A Man Named Dave [Paperback]

Dave Pelzer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1999

The inspiring conclusion to the New York Times bestselling series that includes A Child Called 'It' and The Lost Boy

Dave Pelzer's incredible and inspiring life story has already captured the interest of more than one million readers. A Man Named Dave is the long-awaited conclusion to his trilogy in which he describes how he triumphed over years of physical and emotional abuse from his parents to become a self-accepting and confident adult. Readers of Pelzer's previous two bestsellers await this book--the first of Pelzer's books to be available in hardcover--to learn how he finally confronts his pathologically abusive mother and his neglectful, alcoholic father in an effort to turn a childhood marked by rejection and emotional abuse into an adulthood filled with love and acceptance.

* Dave Pelzer's first two books have been on the New York Times bestseller list for more than one hundred weeks combined

* The first two books in this trilogy have been translated into ten languages

"A Child Called 'It' was so riveting, neither I nor my staff could put it down! Dave Pelzer's story does not focus on his life-threatening plight as much as his unyielding determination that inspires us all. Dave is a living example that all of us have the capability to better ourselves no matter what the odds. One's life is forever changed after living through the eyes of A Child Called 'It'."--Jack Canfield, coauthor of Chicken Soup for the Soul

"The Lost Boy stands shining as the premier book on the unique love and dedication that social services and foster families provide for our children in peril. Dave Pelzer is certainly a living testament of resilience, personal responsibility, and the triumph of the human spirit."--John Bradshaw, bestselling author of Homecoming

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

The third tale in David Pelzer's autobiographical trilogy, A Man Named Dave is an inspiring story of terror, recovery, and hope experienced by the author throughout his life. Known for his work as a child abuse advocate, Pelzer has been commended by several U.S. presidents and international agencies, and his previous memoirs of growing up as an abused child (A Child Called "It" and The Lost Boy) have touched thousands of lives. He provides living proof that we can "stop the cycle" and lead fulfilling, rewarding lives full of healthy relationships. Ultimately triumphant, this book will have you living through the eyes of a terrified child, a struggling young man, and an adult finally forgiving his dying father--reading with tissues nearby is recommended. Ending with a touching conversation between the author and his own son, you'll finish reading this with a warm heart and an enriched understanding of the need for compassion in all parts of life. --Jill Lightner

From Library Journal

In this follow-up to A Child Called "It" and The Lost Boy, which detailed the abuse Pelzer endured as a child, he explains how he grew beyond it.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Dutton Adult; 1ST edition (October 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0525945210
• ISBN-13: 978-0525945215
• Product Dimensions: 5.6 x 1.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (264 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #860,805 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Dave Pelzer is recognised as one of America's most effective and respected communicators addressing corporations, conventions and health/psychology/primary care workers. His unique accomplishments have garnered personal commendations from Ronald Reagan and George Bush. He was selected as torchbearer for the 1996 Olympic Torch relay. He has dedicated his life to helping others help themselves.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

163 of 164 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Power of Forgivness, April 20, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: A Man Named Dave: A Story of Triumph and Forgiveness (Paperback)

The book show the power of forgiveness. This principle works with abuse and is actually the only cure for abuse. I picked this little nuggett up in the book An Encounter With A Prophet and found it a powerful tool in dealing with my past. The man named David illustrates this point very well for those open to the concept. I loved the book.

119 of 125 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best of the Three, October 8, 2000

By 

"simondav14" (Chicago) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Man Named Dave (Paperback)

This book is about the compassion and forgiveness the author finds in the face of horrible abuse. In the first two book we all felt the author's natural reactions to his abuse. Now in the third book the author gives us the solution. Not the solution to abuse but the solution for all victims of abuse - compassion and forgiveness. I did not get this understanding until after I read the book An Encounter With A Prophet which more explicitly shows how to accomplish the solution.

51 of 55 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The trilogy is complete, January 20, 2000

By 

Rebekah Sue Harris (West Haven, CT USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Man Named Dave (Paperback)

I discovered the David Pelzer books after seeing him on the Montel Williams show. I was so horrified by his story. . . and my heart went out to A Child Called It.

And I bought the book.

I've read all three. David's survival is truly a triumph. Most people would not have continued to live, let alone rise above the problems, let alone be able to talk about them.

David's tales are comparable to the horror stories of the Holocaust - except that the villain in his stories was someone who was supposed to love him. I do wish that I had found out exactly WHAT had triggered David's mother. If the only stimulation for her actions was alcohol, then this series may be the most powerful lesson in the world against liquor.

I appreciate David's sharing his story with us. It's one more reason to be grateful every day.