A Man Named Dave: A Story of Triumph and Forgiveness

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 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.

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.

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.

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.