A Man Named Dave [Abridged, Audiobook] [Audio Cassette]

Dave Pelzer (Author, Reader)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 20, 1999

These words were eighteen-year-old Dave Pelzer's declaration of independence to his mother, representating the ultimate act of self-reliance. Dave's father never intervened as his mother abused him with shocking brutality, denying him food and clothing, torturing him in any way she could imagine. This was the woman who told her son she could kill him any time she wanted to -- and nearly did.

The more than one million readers of Pelzer's previous bestselling memoirs, A Child Called "It" and "The Lost Boy, know that he lived to tell his courageous story. But even years after he was resucued, his life remained a continual struggle. Dave felt rootless and awkward; an outcast haunted by memeories of his year as the bruised, cowering "It" locked in his mother's basement. Desperately trying to make something of his life, Dave was determined to weather every setback and gain strength from adversity.

With stunning generosity of spirit, Dave Pelzer invites listeners on his journey to discover how he turned shame into pride and rejection into acceptance -- how a lost, nameless boy finally found himself in the heart and soul of an man who is free at last.

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 --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Audio Cassette
• Publisher: HarperAudio; Abridged edition (October 20, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0694521612
• ISBN-13: 978-0694521616
• Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 4.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (264 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,501,342 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #7 in Books > Books on Cassette > Biographies & Memoirs > Family & Children
  • #27 in Books > Books on Cassette > Parenting & Families > Parenting
  • #67 in Books > Books on Cassette > Parenting & Families > Family Relationships

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

164 of 165 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.

52 of 56 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.