Product Description

'I don't blame others for my problems. I stand on my own. And one day, you'll see, I'm going to make something of myself.' These words were eighteen-year-old Dave Pelzer's declaration of independence to his mother, a woman who had abused him with shocking brutality. But even years after he was rescued, his life remained a continual struggle. Dave felt rootless and awkward, an outcast haunted by memories of his years as the bruised, cowering 'It' locked in his mother's basement. Dave's dramatic reunion with his dying father and the shocking confrontation with his mother led to his ultimate calling: mentor to others struggling with personal hardships. From a difficult marriage to the birth of his son, from an unfulfilling career to an enduring friendship, Dave was finally able to break the chains of his past, learning to trust, to love, and to live.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #55477 in Books
• Published on: 2002-04-04
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 448 pages

Amazon.co.uk Review
The third tale in David Pelzer's autobiographical trilogy, A Man Named Dave is an inspiring story of terror, recovery and hope experienced by the author throughout his life. Known for his work as an advocate against child abuse, Pelzer has been commended by several US presidents and international agencies, and his previous memoirs of growing up as an abused child (A Child Called It and The Lost Boy) have touched thousands of lives. He provides living proof that we can "stop the cycle" and lead fulfilling, rewarding lives full of healthy relationships. Ultimately triumphant, this book will have you living through the eyes of a terrified child, a struggling young man, and an adult finally forgiving his dying father--reading with tissues nearby is recommended. Ending with a touching conversation between the author and his own son, you will finish reading this with a warm heart and an enriched understanding of the need for compassion in all parts of life. --Jill Lightner

Review
'His story is a stirring testament to the power of the human spirit and has helped victims of abuse the world over come to terms with their own experiences' THE MAIL ON SUNDAY, 14 July 2002

About the Author
Dave Pelzer is recognised as one of America's most effective and respected communicators. His unique accomplishments have garnered personal commendations from Ronald Reagan and George Bush. He has dedicated his life to helping others help themselves.

Customer Reviews

thoght provoking and inspiring
I read this book while on holiday this year and could not put it down it was hard to beleive that a person had endured so much pain in their life but still found it in them to forgive and go on with life. It is difficult to reveiw the book without saying just how much this person is an extraordinary human being. I cannot begin to say how much admiration I feel for Dave to go on and write so well about obviously very bad experiences, the way it reads is that all that happens to us good and bad is a learning experience, he has talent that comes from within and used this in his writing very well. All I can say is a very painful experience not enjoyable to read about but nonetheless im glad he wrote it and we can all share and learn from it. I can sum this book up by saying Dave proves that we are all wothwhile and whatever happens learn from it and give hope to others. I say this because it certainly makes me think more of life and whats in it.

Life CAN Get Better!
"A Man Named Dave" is such a fantastic book and a 'must read' following the previous two books, if only you wish to find out how Dave's life carries on. I was moved to tears reading about his father and the still ever-present bitterness of his mother. To rid yourself of the "ghosts" of your past is something that you have to fight at and it means having to come to terms with events that are too painful to remember, but Dave shows us that it CAN be done and is worth doing! Thankyou Dave Pelzer for sharing your life - you are an inspiration to those (like myself) who need a guiding hand!

The third and final chapter of a very moving life
I read the first part of this book last year and was deeply moved by the story of this young boys struggle and was desperate to find out how he recovered from such a horrendous ordeal. This book answers all the questions and is written with the compassion I would find difficult to have if I'd been treated in such a way. The book centres around Dave growing to love and trust again, and trying to understand why his mother did the things she did and why she continued to deny she did anything wrong even when confronted by her son as an adult. This book is well written and although the content maybe disturbing its has been written so its message is more important. I would recommend that you read the previous two books to get the full heart rending story. If you do nothing else this year read this trilogy it will make you laugh and cry but mostly it will make you appreciate how lucky you are. This should be read in schools to give other abused children the courage to speak out and not feel ashamed. It is an amazing story of courage, compassion and love. I couldn't put it down.