A Child Called "It"

A Child Called "It" by Dave Pelzer is one of the saddest books I've read. Samantha has had a very rough weekend, and yesterday she just kind of passed out in my arms. I held her while she slept for 2 hours. Luckily Callie was sleeping too. During this time, I read this book. Many of my students read this book and I thought "why not?" as I passed it in the library. I think reading this book is a different experience than had I read it before Samantha was born. It was shocking to read such horrendous things, and then look down to see a little angel sleeping in my arms -- so peaceful and calm. I just can't imagine being so angry at another human being, a child -- so innocent and pure, that it would make me react in such a way. I know I have no authority to judge, but I believe that Judgement Day will be a very scary and damning day for people who take out their anger and frustrations on their children. The horror that little David Pelzer experienced as a child is just atrocious. I can't imagine someone being so cruel to even think of some of the punishments that he received. It is just so sad. However, I am impressed that Mr. Pelzer was able to take his life experience, with all its ugliness and pain, to help others and try to create a better world for those also suffering from abuse. I don't think I would recommend the book unless this is a topic that you are interested in. I don't plan on reading the 2nd and 3rd books in the trilogy, but I will probably find out the rest of his story on-line. He is a remarkable man whose fighting spirit saved his life and has impacted thousands of others.