Customer Reviews

A Man Named Dave

5 star:		(209)
4 star:		(33)
3 star:		(9)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(11)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

I quickly read David Pelzer's three amazing and inspirational books. I am a special needs teacher who has witnessed many cases of abuse and neglect involving children. David's book provides hope for all educators who try to help children that come from homes that do not provide even the basic needs for their children. There is a light at the end of the tunnel for children who need help. David's story is an example of an exceptional person who picks himself up and dusts himself off to become a true hero and wonderful example to many. David's mother was a sick individual who tried her best to make her childrens lives as pathetic as her own. She did not succeed and I wish she were alive today to face the consequences of her actions. I admire David's ability to forgive and be there for his father as he lay dying in a hospital bed. David's father in my eyes was a weak person who failed to provide basic safety for his children. David's father was as much a villian as his mother. It would be wonderful to see how David's brothers have weathered the storm of their unacceptable childhood. I wish all the best to David and his family. It is nice to read such a sad story that concludes with a happy ending and a bright future.

I bought A Man Named Dave after skimming the first of his three books, A Child Called It, and having a hard time controlling my emotions in the bookstore! I kept wondering how a previously happy, loving mother could turn into the kind of monster who would so demean and damage her own child. These are the same questions that Dave Pelzer as an adult sought to understand, and he tells that part of his story in this third book. You read enough of his flashbacks to understand the kind of hell he lived through with his mother, and the turmoil of foster care (detailed in the second book, The Lost Boy), but you also see the hopeful results of his survival. Dave is honest about the damage his past did to his self-image and relationships, but this is definitely a happy-ending story! Reading it, you find yourself rooting for him to succeed in the Air Force, in his efforts to help other abused children, and in building his own family. The ideas here are old-fashioned ones: hard work, perserverance, courage, and self-sacrifice. This is a story which will deeply affect you. It's a reminder that there are children in our own neighborhoods who may be in desperate need. It's also a call that no matter how you've suffered, you can still take responsibility for your life and turn suffering into compassion. Dave Pelzer is a true hero and his story is well worth reading and taking to heart.

If my fairy god-mother granted me once wish, and I could spend a day with any person in the world, living or deceased, I would choose to spend a day with David Pelzer, for his wisdom, courage, humanity and ability to forgive. In this third book of David's trilogy, the adult years, he shows us the true meaning of forgiveness. He is living proof that until one can honestly look into their heart and forgive the abuser, one cannot truly begin to heal. With that healing process, comes peace of mind, self-worth and the realization that the world can become as beautiful and fulfilling as you choose to make it.

"All those years you tried your best to break me, and I'm still here. One day you'll see, I'm going to make something of myself." Those are David's words. How many other survivors have said those same words? It is what keeps the spirit alive. As adults, child abuse survivors are often high achievers not only because of their need to please, be accepted and loved, but because of their determination not to let the abuser "win the battle." David Pelzer won his battle. To forgive his dying father, a man who silently sat on the sidelines while David was being abused at the hands of his mother, is the ultimate attestation of David's healing, and the final destination in his journey. I think adult survivors in every corner of the world would join me in saying, "Thank you, David, for telling your story. You have, indeed, made "something of your life" and most graciously continue to do so through your work in helping others." May you, and those you love, continue to live, love and enjoy life eternally.

I can honestly say I have never read a series of books in which I have been so inspired! Dave is truly a better person than I in that he not only forgives his parents but honors those that finally saved his life by reporting the abuse to the authorities. I don't think I would have been as forgiving. Our society has come a long way in protecting our most vulnerable, our young people, but we still have a long way to go. When I have a down day, I think of a little boy named "It" and it brings things back into perspective. Stephan is a lucky young man to have a father like Dave. WAY TO GO DAVE!

I just finished A Man Named Dave this morning. I stayed up all night reading it, I could not put it down.

I have also read the other 2 books in the series.

This book is extremely well-written. You feel like you are really there with Dave. I was in awe at the dialogue... it was so real, not like the normal stuff you see on TV or in the movies.

One of the things that struck me the most was when he said this to Stephen, his son..

"Just like in baseball: you'll get a few hits, but most likely, you'll strike out more than you get on base. But don't quit. Find your focus, relax, take a deep breath, and give it a good swing."

Dave, please continue to keep us updated on your life. We can all learn so much from you.

No one deserves to be treated as you were. You were not at fault for what happened.

You broke the cycle of abuse... not only for yourself, but I am sure for many others as well.

You are a hero - just like Superman.

I think A Child Called "It" and the Lost Boy was breath taking. I couldn't put the book down after I started reading them. David Pelzer is an inspiration to all abused children in this world. I was glad to read that he had triumphed through such an ordeal as a child.

I have read all three books in the series, and I feel I have gained so much from all 3. Dave, as a boy, lived as no child should ever have to live. I am a single mom and have done everything in my power to surround my child with as much love as possible,so it almost was impossible to imagine any mother torturing her own flesh and blood as "The Mother" did with Dave.. After reading this book, not only did I feel extreme sorry for Dave and all other abused children in our world, but I also felt an extreme sense of pride for him and the amazing accomplishments he has made in his life. This is a must read. You will cry with Dave, laugh with him, and get angry at him so many times in this book. But most importantly, you will learn about surviving, willpower, trust, and how we all have to ability to make a difference. Thank you Dave Peltzer for making such a difference. I kiss and hug my child a little longer and a little harder each and every night because of what you've taught me. You're better than Superman!