2.90

4

Jul 21, 2019

The Lost Boy, Dave Pelzer
The Lost Boy (1997) is the second installment of a trilogy of books which depict the life of David Pelzer, who as a young boy was physically, emotionally, mentally, and psychologically abused by his obsessive mother. The book continues after the ending of the previous book, A Child Called "It" with David Pelzer, 9 years old, running away from his home in Daly City, California. He ends up in a bar, getting caught by a staff named Mark for stealing a quarter. Mark calls ‭The Lost Boy, Dave Pelzer
The Lost Boy (1997) is the second installment of a trilogy of books which depict the life of David Pelzer, who as a young boy was physically, emotionally, mentally, and psychologically abused by his obsessive mother. The book continues after the ending of the previous book, A Child Called "It" with David Pelzer, 9 years old, running away from his home in Daly City, California. He ends up in a bar, getting caught by a staff named Mark for stealing a quarter. Mark calls the police while tricking David to stay by baiting him with a pizza. The police brings David to the police station while sharing a pizza Mark gave David before he left. David's father arrives to bring David home to his abusive mother, telling the police that David is just upset for not being allowed to ride his bicycle. David's teachers eventually contact the authorities, causing David to be put together with a social services worker named Ms. Gold. Before the trial of whether or not to permanently remove him from his mother's custody, David becomes confused about whether he may have deserved the treatment his mother gave him. Ms. Gold, on the other hand, assures him it had nothing to do with him, and that his mother is sick. David eventually tells the truth of his mother, and becomes a permanent ward of the court, escaping from the abuse of his mother. ...
تاریخ نخستین خوانش: روز بیست و دوم ماه جولای سال 2004 میلادی
عنوان: پسر گمشده؛ نویسنده: دیو پلزر؛ مترجم: گیتا گرکانی؛ تهران، کاروان، 1382؛ در 251 ص؛ شابک: 9647033818؛ چاپ دوم 1383؛ چاپ دیگر: تهران، کوله پشتی، 1394؛ در 251 ص؛ شابک: 9786007642351؛ موضوع: داستانها و سرگذشتنامه ی کودکان آزار دیده از نویسندگان امریکایی - سده 20 م
عنوان: پسر گمشده؛ نویسنده: دیو پلزر؛ مترجم: مینا منصور؛ تهران، انتشارات معلم، 1383؛ در 198 ص؛ شابک: 9649128069؛ چاپ دوم: 1384؛
عنوان: پسر سرگردان: جستجوی کودکی بی سرپرست برای یافتن محبت خانواده؛ نویسنده: دیو پلزر؛ مترجم: سرور قاسمی؛ تهران، چشمه، 1388، در 239 ص؛ شابک: 9789643624590؛
ماجرای پسری جوان است، که از مال دنیا چیزی برایش باقی نمانده است، هر چند از شر آزارهای وحشیانه ی و غیرانسانی مادر الکلی‌ خویش نجات یافته، درد واقعی تازه در آغاز راه است. جایی را ندارد تا آنرا خانه بنامد. این، دنباله‌ ی داستان زندگی «دیوید پلزر»، از کتاب کودکی به نام «این»است. در این داستان گیرا، در زندگی او به عنوان یک نوجوان، به پرسشهای بسیاری پاسخی هم هست و از رخدادهای تازه‌ پرده برداشته می‌شود.‏ ا. شربیانی ...more

4

Apr 03, 2008

The Lost Boy, written by bestselling author David Pelzer, is about David’s own struggle in foster care. In this book, David has a conflict internally and externally. The internal conflict is how he feels sad and worthless after all those early years of abuse. The external conflict is between David and his mother. When David was about seven to nine, he excessively abused by his mother. Therefore, with the frequent visits she pays him at his different foster homes, she acts as though he is still The Lost Boy, written by bestselling author David Pelzer, is about David’s own struggle in foster care. In this book, David has a conflict internally and externally. The internal conflict is how he feels sad and worthless after all those early years of abuse. The external conflict is between David and his mother. When David was about seven to nine, he excessively abused by his mother. Therefore, with the frequent visits she pays him at his different foster homes, she acts as though he is still worthless and ‘no better than white trash’.
On a scale of one to ten (ten being very good) I would give this book a nine out of ten. This is because it was very sad, but written very well. The first book in this series, A Child Called ‘It’, David is about seven years old when his mother starts to beat him very much. She would starve him for days, clean the bathrooms with toxic fumes in the air, and she even stabbed him in the stomach once. I personally think that the first book was sadder than the second. I would definitely recommend these books to everyone. However, they are very sad and upsetting. I think everyone of all ages would enjoy these books very much.

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5

Apr 02, 2008

I had to read this one after The Child Called It. It was also compelling and opened my eyes to the foster care system.

5

Mar 14, 2019

By far these books have been one of my favorite series of books I have ever read. I definitely am not a big fan of autobiographies but these books are amazing!! This book is about how David made it through his teen years. He went through foster care, which took him to court, away from his mom and his family, and took him through a whole different life. He saw a chance so he ran. His mom, dad, and his siblings were not out of the picture. David missed his little brother Keven, his dad (for the By far these books have been one of my favorite series of books I have ever read. I definitely am not a big fan of autobiographies but these books are amazing!! This book is about how David made it through his teen years. He went through foster care, which took him to court, away from his mom and his family, and took him through a whole different life. He saw a chance so he ran. His mom, dad, and his siblings were not out of the picture. David missed his little brother Keven, his dad (for the most part), and occasionally his mom. If you are wondering why you will have to read this book. David didn't get to see his dad for over two years, and that was the person that David cared about the most. David had gotten in trouble a lot. He got set up for things to get him in trouble, he didn't understand why he was being punished for things he didn't do. He was known as the bad kid in town when one incident came around. Again you will have to read the book to figure out the incident. Before I spoil the whole book for you, you should pick up this series and read it!! ...more

4

Nov 16, 2007

"The Lost Boy" is the sequel to "A Child Called It," and it continues where the first memoir left off. This, the second installment, takes the reader through the author's years in foster care after being taken away from his sadistic mother. It is refreshing to hear positive commentary on the foster care system, since most of what is reported is horrible. Dave's strength, perseverence, and unshakeable spirit are extremely inspiring, and it is heartbreaking to learn of his experiences. This is a "The Lost Boy" is the sequel to "A Child Called It," and it continues where the first memoir left off. This, the second installment, takes the reader through the author's years in foster care after being taken away from his sadistic mother. It is refreshing to hear positive commentary on the foster care system, since most of what is reported is horrible. Dave's strength, perseverence, and unshakeable spirit are extremely inspiring, and it is heartbreaking to learn of his experiences. This is a moving and miraculous story of survival, but it is not quite as poignant as the first in the series. ...more

3

Feb 06, 2010

The Lost Boy is a sequel to "A Child Called It" which basically depicts the life of David (the author) at ages 12-18 years old.

The first book tells you about this little (literally) kid who was strong and determined enough to stay alive amidst all the abuse his mother had put him through.
This second part of the trilogy, however, tells you about a boy who's trying to become a man in order to fit in to the society that's all new to him.

After being rescued from his mother's abusive claws, Dave was The Lost Boy is a sequel to "A Child Called It" which basically depicts the life of David (the author) at ages 12-18 years old.

The first book tells you about this little (literally) kid who was strong and determined enough to stay alive amidst all the abuse his mother had put him through.
This second part of the trilogy, however, tells you about a boy who's trying to become a man in order to fit in to the society that's all new to him.

After being rescued from his mother's abusive claws, Dave was jumping from one foster house to another. Little did he know that the "likes" of him. The "F-kids" as what they were branded were being looked down by the society. Community saw them as rotten tomatoes, even freak of natures. Like being a foster kid was their fault and choice.

Physical abuse seemed more easier to conquer and hurdle than the battle that boiled inside this little man. His questions about his past had led him to slightly crooked paths. More than anything, he wanted to feel like a normal teenager. He wanted to be treated like a human being.
These wants eventually became needs. He needed acceptance. He needed to fit in. He needed to feel human. He needed respect.

He befriended kids who had given him the merest of attention. Acceptance and recognition came in the form of stealing and lying.
Deep inside, he knew he was doing something wrong but his early mind shrugged it off. He was elated. No matter how temporary the feeling was.

Foster parents, just like them, were also being frowned upon. But it was from and with these people that David later on realized his worth and found his identity. People who gave him the kind of love his biological parents weren't able to give.

-- This book made me cry my eyes out. My eyes were so swollen I didn't dare to go out of the room so that nobody would ask what was wrong. It made me cry not because I felt sorry for the boy that David was or used to. I cried because I admired his courage and strength to make a difference. In some ways, he was the same little kid that stutters every time people talk to him. But he felt the need to become a man or make a man out of himself.
And above all these, I especially admired his gift of love. He loved the mother who stabbed him and burned his arm on the stove. He loved the brothers who hated him for revealing "their secret". And he loved the father that never stood and fight for him. He loved them more than he loved himself.
And for that, He can't be the Lost Boy =)

Good Read! :-)
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5

Jan 28, 2008

A truly amazing story of Dave Pelzer, the little boy who was viciously abused by his mother. Again, I can’t come close to understanding the viciousness of this woman and how she could treat her own son this way. It is truly amazing that Dave survived and became successful as he did. Dave is so right about Foster Care and the System. I met a woman at work who became a Foster Parent and I truly looked at her in a different light. It takes an extraordinary person to commit themselves to something A truly amazing story of Dave Pelzer, the little boy who was viciously abused by his mother. Again, I can’t come close to understanding the viciousness of this woman and how she could treat her own son this way. It is truly amazing that Dave survived and became successful as he did. Dave is so right about Foster Care and the System. I met a woman at work who became a Foster Parent and I truly looked at her in a different light. It takes an extraordinary person to commit themselves to something like that. I really admired her. This book brought tears to my eyes. Truly inspirational. ...more

5

Mar 21, 2012

This is a book that explains the kids way of thinking, tells us how hard it is for anyone to fit in especially if everyone else thinks that you are different. I think the moral of the story is to understand, care and love children more.

David is a perfect example of a child craving for attention. Any child if not given the proper attention and guidance, even the most angelic and the nicest child in the world, can do things that may hurt others, destroy some property or worst destroy his own This is a book that explains the kids way of thinking, tells us how hard it is for anyone to fit in especially if everyone else thinks that you are different. I think the moral of the story is to understand, care and love children more.

David is a perfect example of a child craving for attention. Any child if not given the proper attention and guidance, even the most angelic and the nicest child in the world, can do things that may hurt others, destroy some property or worst destroy his own future- unintentionally.

The story makes you cry without you knowing it. That's how good the book is in playing with your emotion. It opens the mind of the reader to the realities of: the emotional battle of a foster child, the difficulties of foster parents, the hard work and dedication of social workers, the role of a teacher in every child's life, and most especially the "no one can define your future except yourself" also "your past can make you stronger only if you use it wisely."

Great book :) ...more

5

Feb 08, 2017

17/85, 5 stars *****

This book made me cry. One of the most heartbreaking things about this time period for the author (ages 12-18) is that all he still wanted, despite everything his mother had done to him, was her love and to know why she treated him the way she did. Ultimately, he manages to forgive both her for her abuse and his father for his neglect and I find it all so amazing. This author is truly inspirational. By telling his story, he teaches resilience and forgiveness and shows how the 17/85, 5 stars *****

This book made me cry. One of the most heartbreaking things about this time period for the author (ages 12-18) is that all he still wanted, despite everything his mother had done to him, was her love and to know why she treated him the way she did. Ultimately, he manages to forgive both her for her abuse and his father for his neglect and I find it all so amazing. This author is truly inspirational. By telling his story, he teaches resilience and forgiveness and shows how the human spirit can succeed in the face of the worst kind of adversity. What he went on to do with his life is quite simply phenomenal! I'll say it again - he is truly inspirational. ...more

5

Feb 01, 2017

"The lost boy" is a sequel to, "A Child Called It," and it continues where the first memoir left off. This, the second book, takes the reader through the author's years in foster care after being taken away from his...well, crazy mother. It is great to hear positive opinions on the foster care system since most of what is reported is horrible. Dave's strength, perseverance, and unshakeable spirit are extremely inspiring, and it is heartbreaking to learn of his experiences. This book is extremely "The lost boy" is a sequel to, "A Child Called It," and it continues where the first memoir left off. This, the second book, takes the reader through the author's years in foster care after being taken away from his...well, crazy mother. It is great to hear positive opinions on the foster care system since most of what is reported is horrible. Dave's strength, perseverance, and unshakeable spirit are extremely inspiring, and it is heartbreaking to learn of his experiences. This book is extremely wonderful, I recommend it to most anyone, and I can not wait to read the first book and those after. ...more

4

Apr 06, 2015

Published: 01/08/1997
Author: Dave Pelzer
Recommended for: fans of true life novels

This is the sequel to A Child Called It, in this book we read about the next stage in Dave Pelzer's life. It is a truly amazing and inspiring book, it is one that will move you to tears and make you feel for him. He grew up in an abuse household, with no-one to turn to, in the series of books about his life he reveals just how bad his life was when he was growing up and how he managed to make something of his life Published: 01/08/1997
Author: Dave Pelzer
Recommended for: fans of true life novels

This is the sequel to A Child Called It, in this book we read about the next stage in Dave Pelzer's life. It is a truly amazing and inspiring book, it is one that will move you to tears and make you feel for him. He grew up in an abuse household, with no-one to turn to, in the series of books about his life he reveals just how bad his life was when he was growing up and how he managed to make something of his life dispite what his childhood was like. This book truly makes you appreciate what your own life is like and makes you appreciate the people that you have around you. It is very well written and really draws the reader into the book and makes them feel many different emotions, it is truly a emotional rollercoaster but it is a great book for readers who enjoy true life novels. ...more

4

Jul 22, 2018

The second book in this trilogy starts to deliver as much shock as the first about the appalling treatment David suffered but then his fight for survival and love shine through as he is finally removed and placed in different foster homes.
It was amazing near the end going on to see just what David achieved and the real strength of character he has, I was in complete awe. The epilogue notes I found really added to the story as we got the recollections of the main characters in Davids life at the The second book in this trilogy starts to deliver as much shock as the first about the appalling treatment David suffered but then his fight for survival and love shine through as he is finally removed and placed in different foster homes.
It was amazing near the end going on to see just what David achieved and the real strength of character he has, I was in complete awe. The epilogue notes I found really added to the story as we got the recollections of the main characters in Davids life at the time and and their thoughts and feelings of what happened in his past as they lived it and now his present.
A compulsive read. ...more

2

May 31, 2014

The second book in the Dave Pelzer trilogy is The Lost Boy, chronicling Dave’s life in foster homes from the age of twelve to eighteen. Again I have come to the end and feel immediately like I have to put a few other books in between this and the next and final book, A Man Named Dave. I don’t feel like another book is necessary but have decided to read it for the sake of completeness.

At the start of the book, Dave insists this one is written using the language and perspective he had at that age. The second book in the Dave Pelzer trilogy is The Lost Boy, chronicling Dave’s life in foster homes from the age of twelve to eighteen. Again I have come to the end and feel immediately like I have to put a few other books in between this and the next and final book, A Man Named Dave. I don’t feel like another book is necessary but have decided to read it for the sake of completeness.

At the start of the book, Dave insists this one is written using the language and perspective he had at that age. He also insisted the same thing in the last book. This is not a completely accurate description as many times I felt the writing to be reflective and also some of it beyond the years of the under-educated teenager he was at the time. We catch up with Dave where we left him in the last book, in the passenger seat of a police car heading outside the city limits, where after medical examinations he meets his social worker and is placed in the first of five foster homes.

Living in a foster home is very different from where Dave has come from and throughout the years that follow he struggles to find his place in the homes and in school. He has a stint or two in a juvenile detention hall and is passed around a bit until he settles down and decides where he wants to go in life.

More than anything I found this book to be a testament to the hard work of social workers and foster parents. Their job is far from easy and yet they strive to remove child from abusive homes and place them suitably, and provide them with the help they need. The part of the book I found most worth reading was after the Epilogue, the section entitled Perspectives on Foster Care which contained statements from Dave’s foster mother, a juvenile detention worker and a teacher. I found this to be an eye-opening view on the foster system and I appreciate the acknowledgement of foster carers and other authors of works on being a child in the foster system. If this content could be expanded further it would make for a great read on the work of foster carers and an insight to the foster system. Just maybe leave Dave Pelzer out. He’s got plenty of books under his belt already and we all know his perspective.

As for the content itself, I enjoyed reading this book more than I did A Child Called ‘It’. But considering it is supposed to be an autobiographical memoir, some of the recollections from his life as described in the first book had facts that didn’t match up, which makes you question the credibility of the ‘memoir’. It could simply be due to the passage of time, he was only a child so of course he’s not going to remember everything and things get mixed up. I would have hoped that the editor would fix this up but clearly it wasn’t noticed or was ignored. These kind of things can be infuriating for a reader like me.

A slight improvement. 2.5 stars.
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4

Mar 12, 2015

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. The book I read is called The Lost Boy. I really like this book. I like in some situations how David, the main character, handled himself. It is a very sad book, and it also tells a lot about a little boy’s family life.

This book starts out as David getting yelled at and abused by his mother. David is only nine. His mom calls them “games”, and to David, the only way to stay alive is to play those “games”, so his mom won’t hurt him as bad. One day he gets the chance to run away, so he takes it. The book I read is called The Lost Boy. I really like this book. I like in some situations how David, the main character, handled himself. It is a very sad book, and it also tells a lot about a little boy’s family life.

This book starts out as David getting yelled at and abused by his mother. David is only nine. His mom calls them “games”, and to David, the only way to stay alive is to play those “games”, so his mom won’t hurt him as bad. One day he gets the chance to run away, so he takes it. He gets found by the police and his dad. His dad lies to the police saying that his mother doesn’t beat him. His dad also says that David says that for attention. His dad gets to take him back home, and everything starts all over again. He has a cot in the basement with no blankets. He has to sit there on his hands and not move, otherwise he will play another one of his Mother’s games. He eventually goes to court and put into a foster home. He gets into trouble after being at his first foster home. David gets taken to a facility, since there is nobody to take him in right now. He liked it there, until he got a visit from his father. His dad said that he messed up the family by exploiting their secret about the abuse. Now, she abuses the other boys. He moves from different homes throughout the years. When he turns 18 he gets his G.E.D. David then joins the air force.

I think this book would be good for teenagers. They are more mature and would understand the situations in the book better than a ten year old would. I give this book four stars. ...more

5

Mar 05, 2011

Reading Response #16

I fell in love with this book. It was amazing. This book is a sequel to the first book called 'The Child Called It'. Some kids, teens or adults are afraid to talk about their abusive childhood past. The author does an autobiography about his past, how his mother made him drink washing detergent and make him vomit food. I cannot even imagine that this could even happen. Pelzer's father never bothered to help his own son, I cried when I read this book. It shocked me just to Reading Response #16

I fell in love with this book. It was amazing. This book is a sequel to the first book called 'The Child Called It'. Some kids, teens or adults are afraid to talk about their abusive childhood past. The author does an autobiography about his past, how his mother made him drink washing detergent and make him vomit food. I cannot even imagine that this could even happen. Pelzer's father never bothered to help his own son, I cried when I read this book. It shocked me just to read how miserable he was. I take back all I said about my parents, despite how annoying they are, they only 'annoy' you because they love you, and they care about you. Without them, I do not know what to do in life. I would be lost. Pelzer never had anyone for support, until a nearby school helps.

I enjoyed this book very much. I would recommend this book to everyone. We should raise more awareness about this issue. So many kids all around the world gets beaten (physical abuse), verbally abuse..etc every day. I wouldn't ever be able to live like this. The author wrote this autobiography as an example of how some kids are treated in this world, they should be fearless and speak now before its too late. Some kids don't tell anyone about their abusive lives because they are scared that their parents or guardians would abuse them more. It kills me to see how innocent they are, and how mean, cruel are the parents. They have a very icy cold heart. I pity on the kids who are abused everyday.

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5

Sep 06, 2019

I think that this book definitely helped me satisfy my wish for the kid to find a loving place to stay. I think that this book shows how much courage he had going to court and that amazed me how he did that. I would recommend this book to everyone who has read the first one because it is just amazing to hear the aftermath and how he dealt with everything.

5

Mar 06, 2013

The book I read for quarter three was “The Lost Boy”, by Dave Pelzer. This book is the sequel to the series of, “A Child Called It”. The author’s purpose of writing this novel was to show that God can give you any struggle in your life; however he will not give you any difficulty that you cannot handle. He has a plan for everybody, and it will all work out in the end. I feel that David tries to tell everyone who is reading the story that you should never give up on something even if it is the The book I read for quarter three was “The Lost Boy”, by Dave Pelzer. This book is the sequel to the series of, “A Child Called It”. The author’s purpose of writing this novel was to show that God can give you any struggle in your life; however he will not give you any difficulty that you cannot handle. He has a plan for everybody, and it will all work out in the end. I feel that David tries to tell everyone who is reading the story that you should never give up on something even if it is the littlest things, because you are not the only one going through whatever your struggle may be. You
have to put a smile on, even if you are feeling down on the inside.

The theme of this book is basically to tell everyone the struggle he went through and to show that you are not alone and you can get through anything. Dave Pelzer was abused at a very young age growing up by his mother. It was harder each day for him and it felt to him like it never got better. If you try and get through the day, it is just one day closer to the ending of your situation or struggle you have going on in your life and I feel that this is the main theme throughout the whole novel. Throughout the whole story, the author tried to stay on the same topic about his life and how he was abused and to tell everyone how to get through things in a better way and stay strong.
The style of this novel is narrative because the author is telling a story that happened to him at a young age. The author is trying to inform everybody his struggles he went through as a child. Dave Pelzer had it very hard as a young boy and it was defiantly not easy. Abuse is something that happens all over the world today. It is very cruel and unfair. Unfortunately, we live in a world where no matter what people do, it will never stop. Many children, teenagers and even adults have abuse in their life or have had it at a point in time. No matter whom you are, no human being deserves this and I really hope adults read this novel to see how unfair this is, and no child on Earth deserves it.
My opinion on this book, it I thought it was extremely incredible and almost life- changing. When I read this story, and all the events that happened to him, I could feel the emotion through the book. I felt sadness, angriness, and even happiness because he was saved from the terrible events in his life. I liked everything about the book and how Dave wrote it and I would not change a single line in the story. The book that is similar to the sequel, “A Child Called It”. This is the story where he is a child and is going through the pain. I feel that we do not know how lucky we really are. We take things for granted and don’t know how much we really have. It is really sad to think that we have to have something bad happen to us, for us to realize what is sitting right in front of us. This book made me realize how blessed I am to have an amazing and supporting family who loves and cares for me each and every single day. No child should EVER have to go through abuse. Every person deserves a mother and a father that loves them. Everyone on Earth should have somebody who treats them right and should not be treated badly and I love how Dave Pelzer tells that in this story.
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0

Dec 10, 2013

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Dave Pelzer’s The Lost Boy tells the story of his so called childhood, the years of abuse, disappearing with one decision that led to his discovery of a life and a world outside of his home. The book is set in his grade school to high school years, when he transit from being abused at home to living in the foster care system.
Wanting to escape his mother’s beatings yet yearning for her love and acceptance, Dave made a difficult decision of leaving his mother. Dave learns to adapt to his new life Dave Pelzer’s The Lost Boy tells the story of his so called childhood, the years of abuse, disappearing with one decision that led to his discovery of a life and a world outside of his home. The book is set in his grade school to high school years, when he transit from being abused at home to living in the foster care system.
Wanting to escape his mother’s beatings yet yearning for her love and acceptance, Dave made a difficult decision of leaving his mother. Dave learns to adapt to his new life in the foster care system, a life style that he has chosen. The book reflects on Dave’s childhood, which allows readers to be inspired to not let obstacles in their lives discourage them from doing what they want.
Ultimately, the story of Dave Pelzer is a story of a transition from childhood to manhood, adapting to new environments, and discovering one’s self amidst of internal conflicts and conspiracy against a foster child. It all adds up to a tale of acceptance and forgiveness, the true meaning of enlightenment that too many people disregard. The Lost Boy conveys that story emotionally through actual events, attempting to help lost souls, much like Dave Pelzer, to discover and be driven to achieve their passion, and to find their standing in society.
The most memorable event in the book was when Dave made the decision to leave his mother, despite her threat from her previous visit. Knowing that Dave was scared by his mother, Ms. Gold (Pam) encouraged him to tell the court about his mother and what he wanted. Dave was a brave soul making that decision, because during his stay in the foster care system, he has always feared that his mother would take him back. Dave gave up in wanting to escape his mother’s beatings after her threat, but Pam insist and inspired him to leave his mother. Dave listened to Pam due to their deep connection. He couldn’t stand disappointing her nor reject her feelings.
Through this book I was able to learn more about the foster care system. Its significance and affect on the community. This book also reminded me to not take things for granted and appreciate little things in life. This book motivated me to work hard to reach my goal because by the end of the day whatever you’re doing is for you and your own benefit in its own form.
This book truly touches my heart because I love children and I can’t stand the idea of them being abuse or neglected. Children symbolize innocence, but Dave Pelzer was forced to think about life in views beyond his comprehension. I felt as if I was Dave as he questioned life and desperately trying to find himself through his issues.
I would recommend this book because it was an inspiring story and it surely is a reality check. Often times when people want to make a change they would think about helping third world countries. They fail to realize that people in their own community also need help and support. If you ever feel like the world is conspiring against you or need a little motivation then read this book. It will remind you that there will always be the less fortunate and how hard it takes for them to overcome their situations.
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5

Oct 04, 2012

I read the book "The Lost Boy", which is a sequel to the book, "A Child Called It" it was about a man named Dave Pelzer's, and life as a foster child. "The Lost Boy" is an autobiography. In this book I read about how Dave had changed over the years of being a foster child because of the things he had gone through.

David Pelzer's life as a kid wasn't exactly perfect. He was abused by his parents for most of his life. His mother wasn't nice to him and his father was an alcoholic. His mother would I read the book "The Lost Boy", which is a sequel to the book, "A Child Called It" it was about a man named Dave Pelzer's, and life as a foster child. "The Lost Boy" is an autobiography. In this book I read about how Dave had changed over the years of being a foster child because of the things he had gone through.

David Pelzer's life as a kid wasn't exactly perfect. He was abused by his parents for most of his life. His mother wasn't nice to him and his father was an alcoholic. His mother would make him throw up his food that she found out he had stolen or that someone had given to him. She would make him sleep in a cold garage with no blanket, and work very hard all day every day except for when he went to school. Dave ran away from home when he was nine, and a concerned person had called the police. The police came and took him to a hospital and they cleaned him up. A social worker was called and Davis was taken to court to fight against his parents (mostly his mom. He won against his mom and was taken to foster home after foster home. The foster homes weren't easy for David. He had to get used to a new home,new family, new school, and new neighborhood every few months. David didn't fit in with other kids because he was a foster child and he didn't make friends easily. I think David was very courageous to face his mother and for just being a foster child. David learned over the years to keep his head up and stay strong. He talks about loving life and being happy for who you are, no matter what. Even if you don't like who you are at that point in time, you can always change it, but the one thing you can't change is who your parents are. When David got older he enlisted in the Air Force because he was very interested in flying. He said that if you believe in yourself, you can do anything.

This book helped me understand the hardships of being a foster child and the struggles of David Pelzer's life. I had read his first book "A Child Called It" last year and I always thought that he lived a good loved life after winning against his mom, and the I read this book read "The Lost Boy" and I couldn't help but feel sorry for David and how he still was pretty much neglected still even after winning against his mother, but he still had no one. No one to talk to about what he had been through or friends to play with and a family who loved him, thats just rough especially coming from the background he came from. Read "The Lost Boy" to find out more about Dave and his life.

I think the authors point of view was to share his story to the world to let other people know that if they are being abused that it is ok to tell someone because they can help you get away from the people who are harming you.
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5

Apr 08, 2014

I recommend this book because it has a very detailed description about a very young boys life named David. Lives in a physical and verbal abuse home with an alcoholic mother that has so much hate towards her son David. His mother doesn't give him the "identity" of a child. Just imagine 7 year old getting hit and beaten everyday without any cry out for help. Terrified of everything and anything that surrounds him. His only possession that he can call his own is his torn up clothes that he has in I recommend this book because it has a very detailed description about a very young boys life named David. Lives in a physical and verbal abuse home with an alcoholic mother that has so much hate towards her son David. His mother doesn't give him the "identity" of a child. Just imagine 7 year old getting hit and beaten everyday without any cry out for help. Terrified of everything and anything that surrounds him. His only possession that he can call his own is his torn up clothes that he has in a paper bag. His mother treats him like an animal more specifically, like a dog. Lives in fear that if he leaves his home that his mother will look for him and torture him again like she always does. Although he gets rescued from this horrible alcoholic mother and is sent to foster care, his pain and suffering and living in fear everyday and night is just the beginning for David. The theme of this novel would have to be self discovery for young David. Why self discovery? Well, Davis is finding and figuring out who he is and is battling to overcome the suffering of his mothers abuse. He wants to feel "free" and feel the love with somebody cares deeply for him and will defend him whenever he needs it. Even though he wants to please his mother in staying home he knows what has happened is best for him to discover who he really is. What I mean by self discovery I mean is that David the main character in this book was isolated with suffering and never felt how it really is to have a "normal life". So now that he is away from all these things, he is feeling how it really is to be a kid and looking for the answers he always wondered about his family. That is the theme of this novel, self discovery. Symbolism takes a really big part of this book. The descriptiveness within the words that give you the clear image of how David feels is incredible. I cant say I cant relate to this but I sure know how David felt living with his alcoholic mother and family that did nothing but hurt him mentally and physically. If I would have to convince or persuade someone to read this book I would say that its incredible book never boring and keeps you guessing. I was not disappointed reading it and from the people that I know including my family members they read this book. Specifically someone who enjoys emotional reading, nerve wrecking, love and affection ...more

5

Dec 13, 2012

The Lost Boy

The book, The Lost Boy, by Dave Pelzer, tells a story of a boy named David and his personal experiences through the search for the love of a family. It is a sad story based around his physical and mental abuse that he receives from his mother. David is eventually placed into multiple foster homes, seeking for the safety and love from others. An important theme in this story tells us about the importance of staying strong and never giving up.

David received the strength to run away The Lost Boy

The book, The Lost Boy, by Dave Pelzer, tells a story of a boy named David and his personal experiences through the search for the love of a family. It is a sad story based around his physical and mental abuse that he receives from his mother. David is eventually placed into multiple foster homes, seeking for the safety and love from others. An important theme in this story tells us about the importance of staying strong and never giving up.

David received the strength to run away from home knowing it was his last chance of survival. What hurt him the most was the thought of losing his father, his hero, through the events that were about to take course. This young boy was placed into a bulk of foster homes and kept his head up through every change he encountered. David went through both rough and smooth patches because of the choices he had made, but eventually gains the confidence and strength necessary to overcome them all.

This is my favorite book and I highly recommend any age group to read it. It provides you with vivid details, making you feel as if you were experiencing these hardships with David. This book is written extremely well and is also very easy to follow along with. What stood out the most to me in this story was the fact that this young boy acquired the strength to never give up through every encounter he was challenged with and was heading towards a successful future. David is so inspirational to me and makes me personally rethink my hardships.
With every rough spot that I go through I am reminded that they could always be worse, and to be thankful that I do not have to go through the abuse and challenges that David did.

It is remarkable that this man wrote these books himself and is willing to share his story. This book would be a good example to younger children to not bully and be more aware that their peers could be hurting. This may also send a positive message out to those who are taking part in an abusive relationship, showing them that it is ok to seek help and that they are in for a brighter and healthier future. This is a perfect example of staying strong, never giving up through difficult life experiences, and that nothing is too hard to overcome. ...more

3

Mar 04, 2014

This is a continuation of the series from the book A Child Called It. This takes place after Mr. Pelzer is removed from his home and into foster care at the age of 12. The book starts off with a heart wrenching scene of the gross mistreatment to him by his mother. I couldn't even get through the first chapter without practically crying on the outside and screaming on the inside, "Why did this happen to him?" Throughout the book I wanted to know why his mother was such a monster and why did she This is a continuation of the series from the book A Child Called It. This takes place after Mr. Pelzer is removed from his home and into foster care at the age of 12. The book starts off with a heart wrenching scene of the gross mistreatment to him by his mother. I couldn't even get through the first chapter without practically crying on the outside and screaming on the inside, "Why did this happen to him?" Throughout the book I wanted to know why his mother was such a monster and why did she single out Dave? A person would think that once a child is put into foster care that they would be safe from the one who tried to harm them, I found out that this is not always the case especially in the mid to late 70's. Even after being removed from the home, his mother tried to mentally abuse him by visiting him and letting him know that she would be watching him and if he messed up she would make sure that he would pay for his transgressions.

The foster care system is a place of refuge for Dave and the families that he is placed with are kinder to him than his real parents. He had his issues and acted out on them because of the confusion he had on the inside, but he wasn't necessarily as bad or dangerous of a kid as he could have been due to the circumstances of his life. He was aggressive, but only to those who sought to harm him. He stole, in order to be accepted by others. He retreated into himself when he was in public forums because people treated him as an outsider. He hung out with the wrong crowd, but during all that time he never lost himself to the madness because he always knew what was right and eventually got himself back on track with the help of the foster parents around him.

It was a good story, but being told from the child's POV continually left questions that were never answered because the details may or may not have been discussed with Dave, or it could be that children remember what they want to remember so some details are lost in the shuffle. The book goes from Dave being placed in foster care up until the time he phased out and entered the Air Force. ...more

3

Jan 10, 2013

The Lost Boy by Dave Pelzer

Rating: 7

Review:

In his sequel to the haunting and devastating A Child Called “It”, Dave Pelzer takes us through the journey of his removal from his mother’s cruel home and into the world of a foster child. As an “F-Child” in Northern California in the early 1970s, Dave often faces hostility and prejudice from other children, teachers, and the community at large. Dave describes the various foster homes in which he was placed, ongoing court battles with his mother, and The Lost Boy by Dave Pelzer

Rating: 7

Review:

In his sequel to the haunting and devastating A Child Called “It”, Dave Pelzer takes us through the journey of his removal from his mother’s cruel home and into the world of a foster child. As an “F-Child” in Northern California in the early 1970s, Dave often faces hostility and prejudice from other children, teachers, and the community at large. Dave describes the various foster homes in which he was placed, ongoing court battles with his mother, and his painful struggles to be accepted by his peers. The Lost Boy is ultimately about Dave’s quest to find a home and a real family, “I didn’t care whether I slept on a couch or a bed of nails. I just wanted to stay at a place that I could call home.” (Pelzer 252).


The Lost Boy is a really difficult book to read because Dave has to overcome so many challenges and a stunning amount of hardship at such a young age. The book also exposes the unbelievable cruelty and insensitivity of others. At one point the mother of one of Dave’s friends shouts, “”I know all about your kind. You’re a filthy little hooligan! Just look at your attire-you reek of street trash. I don’t know what you do to become….fostered children, but I’m sure you did something hideous, didn’t you?” (Pelzer 271) By the end of the book, however, the generosity and kindness of a few individuals becomes evident and some faith in society is restored.

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4

Nov 10, 2016

"I'm alone. I'm hungry and I'm shivering in the dark. I sit on top of my hands at the bottom of the stairs in the garage. My head is tilted backward. My hands became numb hours ago. My neck and shoulder muscles begin to throb. But that's nothing new - I've learned to turn off the pain."The Lost Boy"the second installment of a trilogy. New York Times #1 International Bestseller By Dave Pelzer Will have you intrigued from the moment you read the first sentence. There's no doubt David wants to "I'm alone. I'm hungry and I'm shivering in the dark. I sit on top of my hands at the bottom of the stairs in the garage. My head is tilted backward. My hands became numb hours ago. My neck and shoulder muscles begin to throb. But that's nothing new - I've learned to turn off the pain."The Lost Boy"the second installment of a trilogy. New York Times #1 International Bestseller By Dave Pelzer Will have you intrigued from the moment you read the first sentence. There's no doubt David wants to please " The Mother" and his father but is also looking to find himself. He wants to be "Good" but doesn't know how. Now his pathway on self discovery begins when he's taken from his mothers custody. It takes David years to truly discover his feelings about his mother and father. And gets help a long the way from the series of foster parents, social workers, teachers and friends. David spent the first nine years of his life being abused in "The Home" and once taken from his mothers custody he was moved to a series of foster homes until he was 18. David then goes through a rebellious stage and attempts to burn down a school. Which causes him to land in the San Mateo County Juvenile Hall. David finally finds his way, though the road is not without a series of bumps. He then finally finds the love of a true family his been craving for. This touching series will put tears in your eyes. I recommend this book to all lovers of stories filled with courage and beautiful emotions. ...more

5

Oct 04, 2012

The author’s purpose in writing The Lost Boy is to show how one boy finds ways to survive in his life. He tries to find his strengthens and weaknesses to balance out his daily routine. The boy is telling the story, which is easier for him to express how he feels.
The theme of The Lost Boy is to fight your way through life’s struggles because struggles make you stronger. In the beginning of the book, the struggle begins like this, “I’m alone. I’m hungry and I’m shivering in the dark…My neck and The author’s purpose in writing The Lost Boy is to show how one boy finds ways to survive in his life. He tries to find his strengthens and weaknesses to balance out his daily routine. The boy is telling the story, which is easier for him to express how he feels.
The theme of The Lost Boy is to fight your way through life’s struggles because struggles make you stronger. In the beginning of the book, the struggle begins like this, “I’m alone. I’m hungry and I’m shivering in the dark…My neck and shoulder muscles begin to throb. But that’s nothing new I’ve learned to turn off the pain. I’m Mother’s prisoner.” The first paragraph in the book shows that he is already struggling and needs help.
The style the book was written in is narration. Narration is the telling of a story through a series of events that describes what happened, usually in chronological order. In The Lost Boy, most of the chapters would start out as a date or where the chapter was taking place. The book walks you through the boy’s life, starting at age 9 until he was 18. It clearly shows the boy’s journey through the foster families.
This book was enjoyable and easy to read. I liked the book because it gave me a glimpse of another person’s life, but I disliked the abuse suffered by the boy. I would give this book 5 out of 5. The book made me realize how lucky I am to have a loving family and safe home.
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