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A Man Named Dave by Dave Pelzer

A Man Named Dave

A Story of Triumph and Foregiveness

by Dave Pelzer
  • Readers' Rating:
  • First Published:
  • Oct 1, 1999, 284 pages
  • Paperback:
  • Sep 2000, 304 pages
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Reviews

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There are currently 281 reader reviews for A Man Named Dave
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Vicki Pearmain
This book answered a lot of questions that I had from reading the two
previous books. I read all three books in a two week period - as soon as
I had finished one I had to read the next one. I 17 years old and I
think that the books were so inspiring that I think that at least one of
them should be put on the National Curriculum in the UK so that today's
generation get to see what priviledged lives we lead and not to take
everything for granted. My wishes for Dave are to always be happy in
life and to remember that he has done himself and his family VERY proud.


Sheri Fisher, Des Moines, Iowa
"A Man Named Dave" Is a very touching story. I respect Mr. Pelzer for
writing a book about his past. Being a survivor of abuse I can see where
Dave is coming from. It is not easy to break the cycle of abuse. I
have, and I hope many others will as well.


Sandra D. Peters
If my fairy god-mother granted me once wish, and I could spend a day with any person in the world, living or deceased, I would choose to spend a day with David Pelzer, for his wisdom, courage, humanity and ability to forgive. In this third book of David's trilogy, the adult years, he shows us the true meaning of forgiveness. He is living proof that until one can honestly look into their heart and forgive the abuser, one cannot truly begin to heal. With that healing process, comes peace of mind, self-worth and the realization that the world can become as beautiful and fulfilling as you choose to make it.
"All those years you tried your best to break me, and I'm still here. One day you'll see, I'm going to make something of myself." Those are David's words. How many other survivors have said those same words? It is what keeps the spirit alive. As a counsellor and survivor, I can attest to the fact child abuse survivors are often high achievers not only because of their need to please, be accepted and loved, but because of their determination not to let the abuser "win the battle." David Pelzer won his battle. To forgive his dying father, a man who silently sat on the sidelines while David was being abused at the hands of his mother, is the ultimate attestation of David's healing, and the final destination in his journey. I think adult survivors in every corner of the world would join me in saying, "Thank you, David, for telling your story. You have, indeed, made "something of your life" and most graciously continue to do so through your work in helping others." May you, and those you love, continue to live, love and enjoy life eternally.


Shawn Lachman
I was never much of a reader, a friend left the book at work. I couldn't put it down. The courage and strength of the author was so touching. I had to tell everyone of the book. It was written so well you could just feel the misery that was encountered. It will change the way a person feels and thinks. Forgiveness will be a true lesson learned from this book. If David could anyone can. The most touching heart felt book of bravery.


Maggie Benham Kent ,England
WHAT A BOOK! Probably the most enthralling I have ever read. As a mother of a four year old boy myself ,I could not even imagine how anyone could contemplate hurting someone so innocent let alone their own child. To then try to manipulate the rest of his life is beyond words. I have read all three books and was overwhelmed with sadness through each one, but am truly inspired by the way you "Dave" fought so hard to carry on. these books are compelling reading ,I could not put them down. Be proud of yourself Dave, I wish you and your family a good life "you deserve it!"xxxxxx


Paula
Dave Pelzer is truly an amazing person. I couldn't believe how hard his childhood was. I am very inspired. I am currently doing a author study on him, and I am amazed at how many awards he has received. I would like to write to him and tell him what an inspiration he has been! I didn't like how the father was SO wimpy. He should have taken Dave with him, when he left. I was surprised that he lived when he drank the ammonia. You rock Dave!!


Susan C. R.
Most authors use descriptive, flowery words when writing, creating a waxy bed of clay that goes nowhere. Their stories flat, lack substance and meaning. Unlike David Pelzer's book, simple as "It" seems, "A Man Named Dave" is easily described: A treasure chest filled with messages to discover, meanings to find, as his story flourishes into a garden of inspiration for all who reads this book!


Catherine
This book was the most inspiring piece of work I have ever read in my life! As a child I have overcome abuse and lived my life in several different foster homes. No other book I have ever read has had such a deep inspiring affect on me! David Pelzer is by far one of the most strong, loving, and forgiving human beings that I have known of! Just the fact that he was able to live through the abuse and the virtual living hell as an child and then as an adult have the courage and compassion to want to help others and finds it in his heart to wish his mother peace, is an extraordinary task. He is truly someone that we can all look up to and learn something from. May his adult life find him and his son and wife well! For the sake of human compassion and to stop the vicious cycle of abuse that too many of us have experienced, I hope that David Pelzer continues his plight!!!

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