Book Discussion

he quote below is a clear and fairly quick introduction of the book "A Child Called "It" written by Dave Pelzer. The quote below doesn't release any spoilers in any way. However, it does link to necessary parts farther beyond the introduction of this story.

"This book chronicles the unforgettable account of one of the most severe child abuse cases in California history. It is the story of Dave Pelzer, who was brutally beaten and starved by his emotionally unstable, alcoholic mother: a mother who played tortuous, unpredictable games--games that left him nearly dead. He had to learn how to play his mother's games in order to survive because she no longer considered him a son, but a slave; and no longer a boy, but an "it."

The most thought-provoking question that came up during the book discussion happens to be the obvious question of why? My discussion group and I, all came to an agreement of not fully understanding why David's mom had to abuse her child the way she did. The fact that she stabbed her child in the stomach, broke one of his arms, had nearly beaten him to death, and with more beatings threatened him not to report to anyone; this behavior seems to really reflect on his mother. Not understanding the first question also led to the confusion of understanding why she also filled his head and how she convinced him to believe that he was to blame for her beating. Almost as if she had him feeling that he was a worthless and as well a bad boy. What seemed to catch my attention was the question of: Why does he react in a confused way to the idea of being “free?” David hasn't felt the free sensation ever since his mother's troubles began, along with her troubles appeared his very own.

"David Pelzer,' he says, 'you're free.'" Chapter 1, The Rescue, pg. 14

This discussion had me thinking about the mothers mental instability. To think that David, the one that was just described earlier in this post as a hopeless child with a hopeless life. Soon came to realize that he had a family greater than anyone family I have ever heard of in description of a book. That the mother of this child was the greatest housewife, and had the best holiday houses out of every house within the neighborhood. Justice's question: Why do you think Dave's mother abused him? This question meant a lot to the whole group itself, and the recording group watching us. However, Christy's question of: Do you think there is an excuse for what she did? This question had the greatest effect in having me think deeply. I find Christy's question the best so far, since it is the main idea to think through out the story. What ever the reason was, David's mom had no right to blame her children. As I recall it was never his fault. Why do you think Dave's mother abused only him and not his siblings? A question presented upon us by Saber. The answer to this question still remains to be unknown, and that is why it interested me. These were the main topics of our group discussion.

"In the years before I was abused, my family was the 'Brady Bunch' of the 1960s." Chapter 2, Good Times, pg. 17

Sources:

Introduction