Book Reviews of A Brother's Journey : Surviving a Childhood of Abuse

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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....

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

If you have read "A CHILD CALLED IT" this is a must read for everyone.

another sad book from the pelzer boys.but a great read.made me cry.

After reading Dave Pelzer's books it was interesting to read his brother's story as well.

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.

This is a totally wonderful book.

Fantastic book!!!

very good book