Kate K. (wishuponakate) reviewed A Brother's Journey: Surviving a Childhood of Abuse on + 7 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 7
If you haven't read David Pelzer's book(s) before, you should read them before you read Richard Pelzer's (or at least read D.P.'s first book, "A Child Called IT.")
I am glad I read this book, as it definitely gave a different perspective on the home situation that David Pelzer introduced us to in his books. It's been a number of years since I read David Pelzer's books, but the story has remained in my mind ever since. I didn't need to read them again to recall the horrible things that took place at the hands of their alcoholic mother.
At any rate, this book definitely gave me a good understanding of what took place in that home after David ("IT") was taken and put into foster care. Richard took his place as the new "It" being abused in the Pelzer home. The only qualm I have with this particular book is the ending. I feel almost as if I was left hanging, without any official closure. We are left with Richard as a teenager, having just been the victim of his mother's abuse once again, and that's it. He comes to realization that he can't/won't take the abuse any more, but he came to that realization several times in the book, and always backed down. I am left to assume he finally stood up to her, but how? When? What happened? Did he move away with his family? Did he report her? Did he see "IT" ever again? There are a lot of unanswered questions. Maybe he's planning to write another book.
At any rate, it's a good read for those who have read David's books.
I am glad I read this book, as it definitely gave a different perspective on the home situation that David Pelzer introduced us to in his books. It's been a number of years since I read David Pelzer's books, but the story has remained in my mind ever since. I didn't need to read them again to recall the horrible things that took place at the hands of their alcoholic mother.
At any rate, this book definitely gave me a good understanding of what took place in that home after David ("IT") was taken and put into foster care. Richard took his place as the new "It" being abused in the Pelzer home. The only qualm I have with this particular book is the ending. I feel almost as if I was left hanging, without any official closure. We are left with Richard as a teenager, having just been the victim of his mother's abuse once again, and that's it. He comes to realization that he can't/won't take the abuse any more, but he came to that realization several times in the book, and always backed down. I am left to assume he finally stood up to her, but how? When? What happened? Did he move away with his family? Did he report her? Did he see "IT" ever again? There are a lot of unanswered questions. Maybe he's planning to write another book.
At any rate, it's a good read for those who have read David's books.
Petra (amethyst) - , reviewed A Brother's Journey: Surviving a Childhood of Abuse on + 16 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
It gives you chills that once one boy was removed, the next had to step up and take the abuse. Most importantly what I got out of this book was how he was thinking, a young boy is thinking, he had no power, belived what was told by his mother to keep the fear going. It gives you an insight of how much kids have to learn in their younger years and get out of the thought process what was instilled into them.
Ralph R. (rwx) reviewed A Brother's Journey: Surviving a Childhood of Abuse on + 141 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
A 3rd party look at child abuse. David Pelzer wrote on his 1st person expirences without looking at the family, because he couldn't, but this book, written by his younger brother, looks at abuse from inside the family. He looks at his participation in the abuse of his older brother and at his own abuse. We get and insiders look at their mom!
Helpful Score: 2
I have read all of Dave Pelzers books, and this one written by his brother is very well written and an excellent book. A sad but true story that you will never forget.
Helpful Score: 2
Hmmmm. . . I have read Dave's books and found them compelling and believable. However, this book did not "ring true" to me. Richard was not cast in a very favorable light in Dave's books and this book, to me, seemed like some kind of rebuttal or a "hey, what about me?" whine kind of book. I just didn't "buy" his story.
Beth H. (HDsMom) reviewed A Brother's Journey: Surviving a Childhood of Abuse on + 4 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This book opened up a new view into the life of the Pelzer family, first introduced to us in 'A Child Named It' by Richard's brother Dave. I didn't think this book was as well written, but the story and the horror were no less enthralling.
Tonya C. (skydancer) reviewed A Brother's Journey: Surviving a Childhood of Abuse on + 27 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
The book is not as well written as his brother Dave Pelzer's books. He also did not suffer half as much, or do half as well as his brother did during and after the abuse. However, if you have read Dave Pelzer's A Child Called It, Lost Boy and A Man Named Dave, then I would suggest reading this book as well. It gives you another view point as to what was going on in that mad house.
Collene M. (cocorocks) reviewed A Brother's Journey: Surviving a Childhood of Abuse on + 5 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Reading Dave Pelzers book is helpful in this understanding of his brother's story. A look into the deranged my of an adult and the terrified existance of a son whose only hope is to just survive.
Tammy S. (tstip) reviewed A Brother's Journey: Surviving a Childhood of Abuse on + 225 more book reviews
After reading Dave Pelzer's books it was interesting to read his brother's story as well.
Kim G. (knappkim) reviewed A Brother's Journey: Surviving a Childhood of Abuse on + 12 more book reviews
I cannot believe the strength that children have to be able to grow up and become strong adults in spite of what their parent's message is for them. Must read if you read A Boy Named It.
A wonderful book about a devastating story. A great read
Dolores C. (farmerj) reviewed A Brother's Journey: Surviving a Childhood of Abuse on + 47 more book reviews
The Pelzer' family's secret life of fear & abuse was revealed in the NYT bestseller, A Child Called "IT".
RENAE T. (iowagirl) reviewed A Brother's Journey: Surviving a Childhood of Abuse on + 9 more book reviews
If you've read Dave Pelzer's books, you'll want to read this one too.
Tish O. (tish) -
This is the follow up book to the Boy Called IT. it is by his brother who took his place as the abused one. The author tells his story in great deatail,which may be too much for some.
i've heard that this book seemed self-serving. i did not find that to be so. i just do not understand how the family,neighbors and mostly the school system could allow for these things to go on under their noses. the author admits that it is the early 70"s and maybe the state was not as active.I do not know...but these kids were beaten to an inch of their death....i hope that his mother has gone where she belongs.
i've heard that this book seemed self-serving. i did not find that to be so. i just do not understand how the family,neighbors and mostly the school system could allow for these things to go on under their noses. the author admits that it is the early 70"s and maybe the state was not as active.I do not know...but these kids were beaten to an inch of their death....i hope that his mother has gone where she belongs.
Sharon K. (skennedy) reviewed A Brother's Journey: Surviving a Childhood of Abuse on + 3 more book reviews
This was interesting to read as a follow-up to Dave Pelzer's books. I am again amazed at how anyone could treat their children with such cruelty, even when mental illness is the issue. However, the lack of protection by the child's community is even harder to imagine. This book exposes the situation that can exist when we see a hurt child, but do not react.
Monica (monicadawn) -
This book is just as sad as 'A Child Called IT'. When I saw that Dave's brother Richard wrote a book too, I had to read it. It's definately not a "feel good" type of book. If you've read the prior ones though, you need to read this so you can get the full pic of the Belzer family.
Missy C. (missyfotog) reviewed A Brother's Journey: Surviving a Childhood of Abuse on + 4 more book reviews
I have read the books written by Dave Pelzer who is the brother of this authors older brother, so when I saw this book I had to read it. Its a very intense book which throughly describes the horrific abuse suffered by these boys at the hands of thier mother. Its so difficult to understand how so many could know but do nothing. My only issue with this book was the ending, it just ends with no explaination or any clue as to what happened....
Lori M. (momandgirls) reviewed A Brother's Journey: Surviving a Childhood of Abuse on + 9 more book reviews
Although not written nearly as well as his brother's David, this book provides another perspective of how a child has delt with abuse and survived. I found the book to be repetitive and somewhat boring.
very good book
Karen D. (augieandlourock) reviewed A Brother's Journey: Surviving a Childhood of Abuse on + 117 more book reviews
I cant believe that once David was removed from the house she started taking out her abuse on her other son.What a tragic story. you will see just how sick this woman was to do such harm as she did.and Im glad his brother shared his story with us also.
Jeannie H. (ilovebooksanddogs) -
This was a very hard book for me to read and understand. I read his brothers Davids book many many years ago and what he was saying made me feel like he was making excuses for his behaviour with his brother but the further I got into this the more I felt for him. he was manipulated by his mother...a very damaged and abusive person. Shakes head. I just cannot understand such cruelty and no matter how I try I am sure I never will. those people are not deserving of my concern...their victims are. Bless you Richard...I think you writing this book helped you to come to terms with how your mother destroyed your family and I hope and pray you will never blame yourself ever for her bad decisions. This book brought many emotions to the surface for me..maybe some I myself have trouble facing. but I do thank you for that.
This is a totally wonderful book.
Varinia C. (LUNARADIUS) reviewed A Brother's Journey: Surviving a Childhood of Abuse on + 34 more book reviews
If you have read "A CHILD CALLED IT" this is a must read for everyone.
Amanda F. (amasauz) reviewed A Brother's Journey: Surviving a Childhood of Abuse on + 5 more book reviews
Fantastic book!!!
BARBARA D. (TINKER) reviewed A Brother's Journey: Surviving a Childhood of Abuse on + 354 more book reviews
THIS IS A TOUCHING BOOK,I JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW PEOPLE CAN DO THIS TO A CHILD OR STAND BY AND KNOW ITS GOING ON AND DO NOTHING.
Melissa G. (missgwhiz) reviewed A Brother's Journey: Surviving a Childhood of Abuse on + 186 more book reviews
another sad book from the pelzer boys.but a great read.made me cry.
The audio cassette version of this book is an abridged version on 2 cassettes.
Unbelievable true story of one child's abuse at the hands of his mother. This is the first in the series as it follows the author from childhood through adulthood. Riveting and bone-chilling about what horrors a mother could actually do to her child.
I HAD THIS POSTED AND FORGOT I DID AND THEN REPLIED TO SOMEONE THAT I DIDN'T HAVE THIS "BOOK". MAINLY BECAUSE ITS A CASSETTE AND I AM LOOKING FOR THE ACTUAL BOOK.. SORRY PLEASE RE-REQUEST AND I'LL SEND IT TO YOU...
