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  • A Child Called 'It'

  • One Child's Courage to Survive
  • By: David Pelzer
  • Narrated by: Brian Keeler
  • Length: 3 hrs and 46 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (245 ratings)
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A Child Called 'It' cover art

A Child Called 'It'

By: David Pelzer
Narrated by: Brian Keeler
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Summary

Dave Pelzer's astonishing, disturbing account of his early years describes one of the most severe child-abuse cases in California history. This book spent over 175 weeks on the New York Times best-seller list and was also nominated for the Pulitzer Prize.

Dave was in first grade when his unstable alcoholic mother began attacking him. Until he was in fifth grade, she starved, beat, and psychologically ravaged her son. Eventually denying even his identity, Dave's mother called him an "it" instead of using his name. Relentlessly, she drove him to the brink of death before authorities finally stepped in. With faith and hope, Dave grew determined to survive. He also knew that he needed to share his story.

A Child Called "It" is the first of three books that chronicle his life. Through publications and public appearances, Dave is now recognized as one of the nation's most effective and respected speakers about child abuse.

Listen to the second book in David Pelzer's harrowing, multi-part memoir of child abuse: The Lost Boy.
©1995 David Pelzer (P)2001 Recorded Books

Critic reviews

"Pelzer's portrayal of domestic tyranny and eventual escape is unforgettable." ( School Library Journal)

What listeners say about A Child Called 'It'

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

A stunner

Brilliant book, beautifully narrated by Brian Keeler. A emotional and turbulent insight into child abuse. Everyone should take a listen, you will be truly moved.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Utter sadness

A most difficult story to hear but one that everyone person should. Knowing David went on, not only to survive, but thrive in life and help other children makes this story all the more compelling.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

The truth

.....for those who ask the questions. this example of the hell too many american...global...children live within, you have the answers to 1) why do we need a death penalty and 2) why do children under 12 commit suicide. we can't afford to house child abusers in prison...the money should be used for early intervention, removal and a new life. Society is ignorant to just how many kids are in a living hell.
...heartbreaking....

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Heartbreaking 💔

What a heartbreaking and gut wrenching story, this book is about child abuse and how this man survived and what he went through. I listened to it as an audiobook and I would recommend that but read the content before diving in.
Utterly heartbreaking, however I would recommend to anyone interested in this book as it was recommended to me!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Heartbreaking

Dave Peltzer is a true warrior , it was a privilege to hear your story

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

How much his life was like mine

Dislike the way nobody came to help him I felt so sorry for him and I could see a lot of my own feelings in the book

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Incredible story

Thank you for sharing the story. What a brave person you are would love to know more about the effect your childhood has had on you as an adult and what became of your mother

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

David

Wow. His mother (if you can call her that ) was one sadistic evil bitch. But for the father to stand back and allow it is even worse.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

WOW

Such a sad story…. The poor little boy. So so please he got rescued at long last!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

easy to listen to

very nicely read, my only thing I didnt like is there was no gap between chapters, the change was too sudden

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