In today’s post, I am introducing you to a book that has deeply moved me, stirring emotions that range from heartbreak to hope. It is a story that speaks volumes about the human spirit’s capacity for resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity. The book in question is “A Child Called It: One Child’s Courage to Survive” by Dave Pelzer.
This memoir takes us through the harrowing journey of a young boy subjected to severe abuse, capturing the essence of survival against all odds. It’s a narrative that, while difficult to digest, is important for its unflinching look at the realities of child abuse and the incredible strength it takes to overcome such challenges.
My discussion of this book shall proceed as follows: First, I will provide a summary of the book, setting the stage for our exploration of its themes and the emotions it evokes. This overview will give you a glimpse into Dave Pelzer’s life and the profound impact his story has had on readers around the world.
Next, I will share a selection of book club questions designed to spark thoughtful discussion and deeper understanding. These questions are crafted to guide us through the complex layers of the book, from the psychological impact of abuse to the various ways in which the human spirit manifests resilience.
A Child Called It Summary
“A Child Called It: One Child’s Courage to Survive” is not just a book; it’s a heart-wrenching journey through the dark corridors of child abuse, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of a young boy named Dave Pelzer. This memoir uncovers the stark reality of Dave’s life under the roof of his emotionally unstable and alcoholic mother, who subjects him to one of the most severe and brutal child abuse cases recorded in California history. It’s a story that delves deep into the cruelties of an abusive parent, turning a child’s home, which should be a sanctuary of love and comfort, into a prison of fear and torture.
Dave’s mother, once caring and nurturing, transforms into a cruel tormentor, inflicting unimaginable pain and suffering upon him. She devises torturous games, with Dave as her unwilling participant, games that bring him to the brink of death. In her eyes, Dave is stripped of his identity and humanity, reduced to an “it” — a slave to her whims and furies. His existence in the household becomes one of survival, navigating through his mother’s unpredictable and sadistic punishments.
Photo: Amazon
The conditions in which Dave lives are deplorable. His bed is an old, tattered army cot in the basement, his clothes are ragged and filthy, and food is a luxury rarely afforded. When he is allowed to eat, it is only the spoiled scraps that even animals would reject. Despite the severe malnutrition and physical abuse, Dave’s will to survive is fueled by his dreams — dreams of a normal childhood, of being cared for and loved, and most importantly, of being seen as a human being worthy of dignity and respect.
Isolated from the world outside and betrayed by those who should have protected him, Dave finds solace in his vivid imagination and dreams. They are his escape, his hope in the darkest times. The book is a raw account of his struggle to hold on to these dreams, his resilience in the face of relentless adversity, and his unwavering belief in the possibility of a better life.
Through “A Child Called It,” Dave Pelzer invites us into his world, offering a firsthand account of the horrors of child abuse and the power of hope and perseverance. It’s a narrative that challenges the reader, evoking a spectrum of emotions from anger and sorrow to inspiration. Dave’s story is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to endure and overcome, to survive the unthinkable, and to emerge with a message of hope and survival against all odds.
A Child Called It Quotes
Here are some interesting quotes that capture the thematic essence of A Child Called It:
“Childhood should be carefree, playing in the sun; not living a nightmare in the darkness of the soul.” ― Dave Pelzer, A Child Called “It”
“After years of struggle, my purpose became clear; for above all, I came to realize that America was truly the land where one could come from less than humble beginnings, to become a winner from within.” ― Dave Pelzer, A Child Called “It”
“Inside, my soul became so cold I hated everything. I even despised the sun, for I knew I would never be able to play in its warm presence. I cringed with hate whenever I heard other children laughing, as they played outside. My stomach coiled whenever I smelled food that was about to be served to somebody else, knowing it wasn’t for me.” ― Dave Pelzer, A Child Called “It”
“It is important for people to know that no matter what lies in their past, they can overcome the dark side and press on to a brighter world.” ― Dave Pelzer, A Child Called “It”
“Even in its darkest passages, the heart is unconquerable. It is important that the body survives, but it is more meaningful that the human spirit prevails.” ― Dave Pelzer, A Child Called “It”
“Mother can beat me all she wants, but I haven’t let her take away my will to somehow survive.” ― Dave Pelzer, A Child Called “It”
“Love and honor thy Mother, for she is the fruit that gives thou life.” ― Dave Pelzer, A Child Called “It”
“I made sure I let go of my past, accepting the fact that that part of my life was only a small fraction of my life.” ― Dave Pelzer, A Child Called “It”
“That day I wished Mother would have mercy and kill me quickly.”
― Dave Pelzer, A Child Called “It”
“I made a promise to myself that if I came out of my situation alive, I had to make something of myself.” ― Dave Pelzer, A Child Called “It”
“Of all Mother’s punishments, I hated the gas chamber game the most.” ― Dave Pelzer, A Child Called “It”
A Child Called It Book Club Questions
Here are several questions designed to spark engaging and meaningful conversations:
- Exploration of Resilience: Dave Pelzer’s story is a testament to human resilience in the face of unimaginable abuse. What aspects of Dave’s personality or external factors do you think contributed to his resilience? Can you discuss any moments in the book where you felt Dave’s resilience was particularly tested?
- The Role of the Abuser: Dave’s mother is portrayed as the primary antagonist in his story. What do you think contributed to her transformation from a caring mother to an abusive one? Are there moments in the book that give insight into her psyche?
- The Bystander Effect: Throughout Dave’s ordeal, various adults—teachers, neighbors, and family members—witness signs of abuse but often fail to intervene effectively. Why do you think this was the case? What does this suggest about societal attitudes towards child abuse during the time period of Dave’s childhood?
- Themes of Hope and Despair: Despite the abuse, Dave never completely loses hope. How does Dave maintain his hope throughout his trials? Discuss how the themes of hope and despair are balanced in the book.
- The Importance of Identity: Dave’s mother refers to him as “it,” stripping him of his identity. Discuss how identity (or the loss of it) plays a role in the book. How does Dave manage to retain or reclaim his sense of self despite his mother’s dehumanization?
- Impact on the Reader: “A Child Called It” is a challenging book to read due to its graphic and emotional content. How did reading this book affect you personally? Did it change your perspective on child abuse or resilience?
- The Power of Dreams: Dreams play a significant role in Dave’s survival. Discuss how Dave’s dreams of a better life contribute to his resilience. Can you identify any specific dreams or aspirations that were most significant to him?
- Survival Tactics: Dave develops various strategies to survive his mother’s abuse. Discuss some of the survival tactics he employs and reflect on their effectiveness. What do these tactics reveal about Dave’s character and ingenuity?
- Aftermath and Healing: Considering the book as a whole, reflect on the process of healing from such profound trauma. The book doesn’t delve deeply into Dave’s life after his rescue, but based on what you’ve read, how do you think his experiences as a child shaped his adulthood?
- The Role of Forgiveness: Dave Pelzer’s story raises questions about the nature of forgiveness. Do you believe forgiveness is necessary for healing in cases of severe abuse? Why or why not? Discuss whether you think Dave forgives his mother by the end of the book.
Final thoughts
I hope you find this short review interesting enough to pick up “A Child Called It” and immerse yourself in the incredible journey of Dave Pelzer. As we’ve explored the summary and delved into some thought-provoking questions, my aim has been not just to highlight the heart-wrenching story of survival, but also to encourage deeper reflection on the themes of resilience, hope, and the human spirit’s capacity to overcome. This book, while challenging, offers profound insights into the realities of child abuse and the extraordinary strength required to transcend such experiences.