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The third tale in David Pelzer's autobiographical trilogy, A Man Named Dave is an inspiring story of terror, recovery, and hope experienced by the author throughout his life. Known for his work as a child abuse advocate, Pelzer has been commended by several U.S. presidents and international agencies, and his previous memoirs of growing up as an abused child (A Child Called "It" and The Lost Boy) have touched thousands of lives. He provides living proof that we can "stop the cycle" and lead fulfilling, rewarding lives full of healthy relationships. Ultimately triumphant, this book will have you living through the eyes of a terrified child, a struggling young man, and an adult finally forgiving his dying father--reading with tissues nearby is recommended. Ending with a touching conversation between the author and his own son, you'll finish reading this with a warm heart and an enriched understanding of the need for compassion in all parts of life. --Jill Lightner

The inspiring conclusion to A Child Called "It" and The Lost Boy

"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."--Dave Pelzer, from A Man Named Dave

These words were Dave Pelzer's declaration of independence to his mother, and they represented the ultimate act of self-reliance. Dave's father never intervened as his mother abused him with shocking brutality, denying him food and clothing, torturing him in any way she could imagine. This was the woman who told her son she could kill him any time she wanted to-and nearly did. The more than two million readers of Pelzer's previous international bestsellers, A Child Called "It" and The Lost Boy, know that he lived to tell his courageous story. A Man Named Dave is the gripping conclusion to his inspirational trilogy. With stunning generosity of spirit, Dave Pelzer invites readers on his journey to discover how he turned shame into pride and rejection into acceptance.

Customer Reviews:

• "A Story of Triumph and Forgiveness"
  A story of triumph and forgiveness. This novel guides us through Dave Pelzer's past; as if we had experienced it first-hand. This would be a novel that i would recommend to people who are at least fourteen years of age due to the brutality, language and disturbing content.
  "You're not a person, but... a thing to do with as i please." These are the exact words that Dave's mom used to describe what she thought of her son. Never expecting anything like that to come out of a mother's mouth. The whole book tends to be shocking and repulsive.
  Dave was only able to relate to his father even thought he was rarely home. He was the only one who helped Dave when he was a child. That little bit of attention that he got from his father ended up to be the only good memories that he had. Sad enough, there is a whole chapter that talks about Daves' fathers' slow, painful death in which he endured. After the death of his father, he immedietly gained strength and was instantly encourages to make something of his life. All he wanted was to make his dad proud, thats all he cared about...
  Sad, yet inspiring......more info
• Awsome book
  I would reccomend this book to all teachers....I am a preschool teacher, and it gives me a glimpse into the future of some of the country's most tragic stories....more info
• A Man Named Dave
  As a boy, Dave Pelzer was abused by his mother to the point of starvation, lack of clothes, and extreme brutality while his father did nothing but watch. Now as a grown man, David Pelzer struggles to deal with his past. Dave joins the air force and meets a woman named Patsy who tries to bring some fun into his life. Along the way, David receives a letter from his father who is dying. He visits his dying father and realizes that he must confront his mother. Will his mother tell him why he was the only one abused out of his whole family?
  A Man Named Dave, written by Dave Pelzer himself, was an excellent sequel to A Child Called It, and The Lost Boy. Dave made you really feel like you were there and made you understand what he went through.
  This novel is a great book about a man struggling to deal with his past while helping people that went through the same thing. I recommend it to anyone, especially to people who might have gone through the same thing.
  ...more info
• heartbreaking yet inspiring
  The only reason I didn't give it a 5 is because it isn't the best of literature.
  This is the same review I will be giving for the trio of books written by Dave Pelzer, "A Child Called It" and "The Lost Boy".
  This trio of books is heartbreaking, yet inspiring. For someone to endure such shame, pain and abandonment of the soul and still come on the other side intact is quite a miracle, and one which I'm sure only God could have seen him through. I would recommend this book for anyone.
  ...more info
• What an example
  When true forgiveness isn't possible in your life, read this book and then, read it again.
  
  I am now convinced of the power in forgiveness, even more than before....more info
• I am so glad I did
  I bought this book as well as Nightmares Echo. I am so glad I did. I cryed through most of this book, but I could not put it down. Indeed this author had/has courage beyond his years. In todays time, With people facing far less than this child went through...they run,they hide...they can not cope. But this child lives on and becomes someone special...in our world today. Opening our eyes to what has been going on around us. I rate this highly!! Janice...more info
• A Man Called Dave
  This man is a productive individual in spite of the hell he went through as a child with a drunken and abusive mother and a father who failed to protect his child from the abuse. Dave proves that you can be productive as an individual when you aren't taught you will be at home. ...more info
• A wonderful book
  This was a really good book. It's almost like as soon as you read the first page you can just about guess what's going to happen next. My opinion on the author is, he's a very good writer. It's like he know what to write to catch people eyes. The reason for me picking this book is my best friend read the book "A child called it" and said it was good. So i figured a man named Dave was going to be the sequel, so i thought i might find out....more info
• Best one so far!
  
  The book A Man Named Dave by Dave Pelzer was an awesome book. It is a true story with amazing details showing how cruel his mother really was. It tells people reading that there really parents that abuse there children and that there are many kids still being abused by their parents and we need to help them. In this book it tells the reader how Dave's life turned out after escaping his mother. It tells how he feels and reacts when he joins the military, when his father dies and when he finds his brother Russell. I thought this book was great! I would give it five stars. I would recommend this book to anyone who has read Dave Pelzer's other books A Child Called It and The Lost Boy and enjoyed them....more info
• A Man Named Dave
  This is an riviting true story written by a man who survivied the most horrible child abuse. He has written two books previous to this book and the reader should order all the books and read them in order of date written. He puts the reader in the shoes of an abused child so you feel the pain the author felt. Sadly, child abuse still goes on today and reading these books helps the reader under stand what goes on in the mind of a child being abused.
  
  ...more info
• One Man's Story of Abuse
  Have you ever wondered how people overcome abuse? The nonfiction book, A Man Named Dave, shows how he gets abused by his alcoholic mother. The author of the book is Dave Pelzer. This book is a story of triumph. Dave Pelzer triumphs over the abuse from his mother, who, badly hurts him. For example, Dave gets burned on the stove. Another example of his mother's cruelty is when she makes him sniff ammonia.
  Dave Pelzer doesn't tell anyone that he is getting abused. His mother doesn't abuse his brothers; she only abuses Dave. She makes him sleep on a cot in the garage and starves him. Dave has to sneak to get food. For food his mother gives him garbage. I think that kids shouldn't be abused because if you are going to be abuse your kid than you shouldn't have a child. The nurse realizes that he was getting abused when she says "Your Adam's apple is swollen."
  I can relate to this because a lot of people get abused. Also, people don't tell other people that they are getting abused. They need help to live through child abuse. I recommend this book to all teenagers and preteens they will understand that abuse is wrong. It can also inspire those who are being abused.
  
  By: Natasha Rosen
  ...more info
• Best one so far!
  
  The book A Man Named Dave by Dave Pelzer was an awesome book. It is a true story with amazing details showing how cruel his mother really was. It tells people reading that there really parents that abuse there children and that there are many kids still being abused by their parents and we need to help them. In this book it tells the reader how Dave's life turned out after escaping his mother. It tells how he feels and reacts when he joins the military, when his father dies and when he finds his brother Russell. I thought this book was great! I would give it five stars. I would recommend this book to anyone who has read Dave Pelzer's other books A Child Called It and The Lost Boy and enjoyed them....more info
• Trying to find peace
  What I found heartbreaking about this book is the impact that Dave's childhood continues to play in his adulthood.
  His confrontation with his mother is heart wrenching. Dave's relationship with his child, and the constant striving to ensure that the cycle of abuse is broken, and that he himself does not become an abuser.
  Another powerful book, and an amazing life achievement....more info
• A Man Named Dave
  A Man Named Dave is a story that will touch your heart. In the novel Dave Pelzer, a man abused as a child, bounces back from a disturbing childhood. When Dave was growing up he was taught that there was no use for him in the world. As time goes on and Dave moves in with his foster family he soon realizes that he can be whatever he wants if he puts his mind to it.
  The novel shows the strugles that Dave had to go through as a man and also the things that he learned through his childhood. Dave soon finds that even with the hard times life is worth it. Dave also soon begins a family of his own. Learning from his experiences as a child he now raises a child of his own. You will never want to put this book down....more info
• A must read for all parents and teachers!
  This book is emotional and you should read all his books. Every parent and teacher should read these books just to let you know that this abuse really does happen in life. Lets not just sweep it under the rug any longer....more info
• Excellent
  The book is well written and details the journey of a man to seek answers for his childhood abuse at the hands of his mother. There were times I felt the story was too drawn out but overall it is an excellent story of courage and self-discovery.
  Would highly recommend this book....more info
• A Story of Triumph Over Tragedy
  I began reading Dave Pelzer's books after seeing him in an appearence on the Montel Williams Show nearly seven years ago. His story was so heartbreaking I felt compelled to buy his book A Child Called It. Now in his last book of the trilogy, A Man Named Dave, Dave Pelzer takes us from age 18 to present day as we learn of his joys and sorrows and ultimately his triumph over such a tragic childhood.

  Dave Pelzer is an inspiration to us all and I feel that anyone who needs a boost or finds themselves wallowing in their own self pity should read this book and see what you can do when you put your mind to it.

  I particuarly enjoy the story about how Dave Pelzer meets his wife and found myself reading that section over and over again because it is so sweet.

  A very enjoyable book full of love, sadness and eventually joy, this is a book everyone should read....more info

• A Story Of Forgiveness
  I Found out in this book that Dave Pelzer suffered from her mother's Games in 8 years. He tells about what happens to him when he joined the air force. He tells about how his father died of cancer. He tells about how his mother died of heart attack.
  
  In A Man Named Dave, Dave Pelzer has delievered the fitting conclusion to a monumental series of books about courage and truimph. In this powerful book Pelzer demonstrates, as few have, that it is in the darknest skies that the stars are best seen.
  
  Praise For Dave Pelzer and his New York Times Bestselling Books "A Child Called It" And The Lost Boy.
  
  Riveting. Neither I nor my sstaff could put it down! Pelzer's unyielding determination inspires us all. He is a living example that all of us have the capability to better ourselves no matter what the odds. One's life is forever changed after living through the eyes of A Child Called "It"
  
  These words were 18 year old Dave Pelzer's declaration of independence to his mother, and they represented the ultimate act of self-reliance. Dave's father never intervented as his mother abused him with shocking brutality, denying him food and clothing, torturing him in any way she could imagine. This was the woman who told her son she could kill him anytime she wanted to- and nearly did.
  
  The more than one million readers of Pelzer's previous bestselling minionsm A Child Called "IT" and The Lost Boy, know that he lived to tell his courageous story. But even years after he was rescued, his life remained a continual struggle. Dave felt rootless and awkward, an outcast haunted by memories of his years as the bruised, Cowering "It" locked in his mother's basement. Desperately trying to make something of his life, Dave was determined to weather every setback and gain strength from adversity.
  
  Dave's dramatic reunion with his dying father and the shocking confrontation with his mother- along with the discovery of the secret past- led to his ultimate calling: mentor to others struggling with personal hardships. From a difficult marriage to the birth of his son, from an unfulfilling carrer yo an enduring frienship, Dave was finally able to break the chains of his past, learning to trust, to love and to live.
  
  A Man Named Dave is the gripping conclusion to his inspirational trilogy. With stunning generosity of spirit, Dave Pelzer invites his readers on his journey to discover how he turned into shame into pride and rejection into acceptance- how a lost, nameless boy finally found himself in the heart and soul of a man who is free at last.
  
  *** Keep in mind: Dave Pelzer is the international bestsellinbg author of A Child Called "It" and The Lost Boy. He travels throughout the country inspiring hope and resilience in countless and individuals. Davew has recived commendation from Presidents Reagan, Bush, and Clinton and in 1994 was the only American recipent of the Outstanding Young Persons of the World Award.***...more info
• Exploitation?
  As somone who survived an abusive childhood, the industry that Mr. Pelzer has built on his pain rings a bit hollow. It's great that he has focused attention on the plight and struggle of abused children, but...

  Dave, you make a good living off of it. We all have to handle it in our own way, but you have turned it into a side show. It makes me turn my head away, it cheapens my own struggle....more info

• appreciative social worker-Thanks Dave
  As a social worker, I found this book to be very authentic. Dave did a great job explaining his strength to move forward while emotionally processing his past. Had this been a novel, the story probably would have ended with Dave joining the service---determination trumps troubled childhood. However, in this book, Dave lets us share his true journey of healing and growth. It is a great explaination of the pull of family ties and the human need to find some level of understanding.
  
  If you're worried the series will be too disturbing, do what I did and start in the middle with his stories of adolescence. This will assure you that he survives with a sense of humor. Then go back and start at the beginning. However, save this one for last....more info
• A Man Named Dave
  This book is so amazing. I don't know how Dave can forgive the abuse he suffered as a child. He had the spunk and determination to turn his life into good by helping others. In my eyes he is a hero. Great reading! ...more info
• Inspiring life story
  After reading the author's first and second book which had me sobbing, I was very inspired by the third one. This book has touched me deeply. ...more info
• What courage!
  For a man who has truly known hell, and lived to tell about it, it's amazing the character and courage he has to live at all, much less in the wonderful way he does. I felt like he was telling the story not to warn others, or teach others, or God forbid, brag of his survival skills, but to feel at peace with himself. This story is so humbly told - a perfect ending for those first two difficult books; difficult for him to live, difficult to believe, difficult to comprehend, heartbreaking to read. Good luck, Dave!...more info
• A Man Named Dave
  Brilliant follow up on previous book. If you've not read the other books, then read them, it should change your outlook on life. This third book resolves the first two beautifully ans left in tears. An unprecedented display of personal triumph and legacy for Dave's son and readers who have suffered abuse of any kind....more info
• Inconsistancies, persistance and lack of insight
  In each book, some of the same stories show up and each time there are some differences. For instance, at the end of this book, we learn that on the day he was taken from his mother, he came to school with no skin on his arms, which is what pushed the teachers, principal and and school nurse to finally call the authorities! This story's been told in the other books and this rather critical fact left out until now. I begin to wonder what else Dave isn't telling completely.
  
  I also wonder about Dave's apparant lack of insight into the dynamics of dysfunctional families. Maybe when he was a kid, this information wasn't so available, but in the last two decades, for sure, it's been out there. He never seems to put it together that his grandmother probably abused his mother in ways very similar to the ways his mother abused him. He doesn't seem to wonder much about what happened to them, or about the deeper roots of the pattern of abuse. Why doesn't he go for counseling, or even to Al-Anon, and get some of this stuff figured out? He seems unaware of how he continues in abuse-adapted behavior as an adult, as in his relationship with his first wife, in his relationship with the folks who were first going to publish his book and promote him as a speaker, and in his continuing efforts to connect with his mother and grandmother.
  
  I wish Dave well, and I hope that if he writes more books he will find and use the services of a really good editor....more info
• Better than described
  The book was an awesome ending to the 3 book series, a very fast read. Its condition was far better than described and is getting passed around the family for all to read....more info
• a good book!
  A Man Named Dave is a very powerful book about a grown up boy who was abused, that searches to find peace between his mother ( who abused him) before time runs out. In this book, Dave Pelzer writes about his struggles to live his life (even as an adult) without feeling frightened by his abusive mother. Even though he is out of her reach for any physical harm, his heart turns and twists to get to know the mother that had hurt him physically and mentally as well. As the situation with his mother continues, Dave lives his life to find what he was missing all along. Through the midsts of broken hearts, death, caving relationships,wasted oppurtunities, and opened doors, Dave Pelzer comes out strong and makes the best out of all that he has left. His heart turns onto those who have been or are in a abusive situation. Dave Pelzer is a man who has gone through the worst and yet, truimps with a heart to live his life to the fullest....more info
• get this one from the library
  After reading the first two books( A Child Called "It" and The Lost Boy)back to back over the course of three days I started this one. I quickly read the first half of the book, cheering Dave on and hoping that he would get some answers about his mom. He didn't,... at least not any answers big enough to explain how she could could have tortured him to the extent he describes(i actually hope he exaggerated).
  The language/writing in the first two books works,... they are told through the voice of David as a child. The first half of this book held my interest but, the last few chapters of this book were really hard to get through, i am happy to hear that things work out for him BUT, if one more person wiped a "single tear" from their cheek,................. ...more info
• Great book!
  This book is fabulous. This man can inspire people in profound ways....more info
• a reviewers suggestion
  I read the reviewers suggestion regarding 'A Man Named Dave' and 'Nightmares Echo'. I am very happy to say I am glad I did. Both books serve as a wake up call to what is going on around us on a daily basis. I am feeling so much pride for Mr. Pelzer to have the courage to write this book. As soon as I am done with this review I plan on getting His first two books and then reading this one again....more info
• Wow
  All three of his books are great. Since I've gotten the book everyone has asked me to borrow it lol and I agree they should read it. Amazing book....more info
• An Important Book
  This book is important because it shows how you can overcome great adversity. Dave is courageous to share such personal and heartbreaking details of his life. But in so doing, he offers others a roadmap of how to cope, overcome, and PREVAIL. Thank you, Dave!
  
  Also recommended: Christmas Gifts, Christmas Voices--another roadmap that shows how loss and heartbreak can be overcome through kind actions......more info
• A Great Book to Read!
  Imagine being abused by your drunk mother and being beaten for not doing the littlest things. Would you like it? Would you runaway and escape your crazy mother? Well, if you would like to know the story of this abused child then you must read A Child Called "It", The Lost Boy, and A Man Named Dave. A Man Named Dave was about Dave and his life as he got older. He is introduced to a woman and get married and have a child. This really surprised me because I wasn't expecting it.I could not put the books down until I knew Dave (the main character) is safe from his crazy mother. Well, is he? You must read the three books and find out for yourself. I am not going to ruin the surprises that come along the way.
  I would definitely rate all of Dave Pelzer's books five stars. I would rate them five stars because Dave does a great job of putting you in his position. I have read all three of his books. I am not sure if he has written any more books but if he has I would definitely read them. Dave Pelzer just does a good job describing his sad and happy childhood as well as adulthood experiences. I have never read books as sad as these but they keep me hooked from early on. I just never want to put them down.
  I would definitely not recommend this book to elementary students. These books are not appropriate for them because there is inappropriate use of language as well as unthinkable situations which Dave is put through by his mother. I would recommend this book to students that are in the eighth grade and above. They should be able to handle this in an appropriate way. This would be a great book for both boys and girls because it is an autobiography not on a particular subject that only boys or girls would enjoy it. All of Dave Pelzer's books are in the medium range of difficulty. They are rated medium difficulty because some parts may be hard to understand for some people. I admit I had to reread some parts to understand everything that was going on. I sure wish I helped to convince you to read A Child Called "It", The Lost Boy, and A Man Named Dave. These are the three best books I have ever read in my whole entire life. And I hope you enjoy them just as much as I did!
  ...more info
• Finally Forgiving and Triumphant!
  This is the last book in the trilogy of Dave Pelzer's autobiography so you should really read the first two books to appreciate this one fully. They are A Child Called "It": One Child's Courage to Survive and The Lost Boy: A Foster Child's Search for the Love of a Family. In this book, David joins the Air Force, works hard, gets nowhere, allows a girl (Patsy) to move in with him and eventually marries her because she's pregnant with his child. Dave loves his son and is a good father to him but got divorced. Eventually, Dave moved to his favorite place by the river where he always wanted to live. Dave became a published author by writing about his childhood and fell in love and married his publisher. He then became a motivational speaker and helps give inspiration and advice to other kids who are struggling with their circumstances.
  
  In spite of his terrible parents, he was able to forgive them and move on with his life. That, I think, was the most valuable lesson in the book. This book seemed slower moving than his others but it does provide the happy ending to show how far he came in life's journey. He is an incredible person! I recommend you read this book AFTER you finish the first two.
  
  Karen Arlettaz Zemek, author of "My Funny Dad, Harry"...more info
• a good book!
  A Man Named Dave is a very powerful book about a grown up boy who was abused, that searches to find peace between his mother ( who abused him) before time runs out. In this book, Dave Pelzer writes about his struggles to live his life (even as an adult) without feeling frightened by his abusive mother. Even though he is out of her reach for any physical harm, his heart turns and twists to get to know the mother that had hurt him physically and mentally as well. As the situation with his mother continues, Dave lives his life to find what he was missing all along. Through the midsts of broken hearts, death, caving relationships,wasted oppurtunities, and opened doors, Dave Pelzer comes out strong and makes the best out of all that he has left. His heart turns onto those who have been or are in a abusive situation. Dave Pelzer is a man who has gone through the worst and yet, truimps with a heart to live his life to the fullest....more info
• Not as good as author's first 2 books
  The book was okay, but not nearly as good as the author's first 2 books. I highly recommend reading, "A Boy Called It."...more info
• A very important book about the journey of a survivor...
  This book with make your gut ache & your eyes water endlessly. Dave's story of survival is a remarkable one, & books like this one are important in shedding a light on the cruelties inflicted on children DAILY in our country. So many of us would love to believe that these don't happen...or that they happen "somewhere else," but they happen everyday...EVERY day....next door, down the street. Did you know that children die EVERY day in our country at the hands of child abuse? It is an epidemic of monstrous proportions, & books like Peltzer's shed a light on that epidemic...that plague. People don't like talking about this subject, but it is so vastly important that we do start talking about it....cut the monster's feet out from under him. Thank you to Peltzer & authors like him that write the painful words to share their painful stories to cause people to talk about the painful epidemic that is America's. (Did you know that more children die EVERY year in the hands of child abuse than the total number of people who died in 9-11 & Pearl Harbor combined? America must wage a war against child predators!))...more info
• Review for "A Man Named Dave"
  This book was so inspiring!!! Dave Pelzer is such a forgiving and loving person who should have never had to go through such a terrible childhood. To be beaten and tormented again and again, only to come up on top and be a loving husband and father. The only women he had in his life was his mother, and yet to this day, he looks up to women as respectful human beings. I would recommend this book to anybody who loves to read. I believe anybody who reads this book, will have a life-changing experience because I sure did!...more info
• A man called Dave
  I couldn't get into this book as much as the other dave pelzer books in the series. This book is more about the insprational speeches that he gives and not as much about his horrifying childhood abuse that his mother put him through....more info
• Less than satisfactory conclusion to the series
  I hate to say it, but compare to the first two - this book was disappointing. While it wasn't completely worthless; there was a significant amount of rambling and pages would go on with little point or connectivity. There was a hint at what may have made his mother the way she was, but no real answers. While there are many complexities in life we may never know, the previous books touted that "A Man Named Dave" held all the answers. It didn't. It was inspiring to see that he moved on with his life, but not without it's troubles. The chapter about his second wife just gushed of a "honeymoon" period with no real substance to their relationship or commitment. I think it is a must-read for those who have experienced the first two books, but be prepared to be less than dazzled....more info
• A Man Named Dave
  My mom inspired me to read "A Man Named Dave". She read it and decided I was mature enough at 15 years old to start reading David Pelzer's bestselling series. I'm so glad she recommended this book to me. It is without a doubt the most inspiring book I've ever read.
  "A Man Named Dave", tells about the life of David Pelzer after turning 18 and going off on his own, taking on the responsibilities of an adult. This book describes the challenges and effects child abuse had on David Pelzer even years after he had been removed from his dysfunctional home. He told about how his mother's sick games affected him in his everyday life and how it made him into the man he is today.
  There was absolutely nothing that I disliked about this book. The tactful ways that David described his real life experiences were informational without bringing you over the edge with complete hatred of his manipulative mother and his dysfunctional, biological family. My favorite part of the book was how I saw David handle his father's death and how it changed him into a better man. At first, I was outraged about the absolute love David still showed toward his father, but as I read on David described what his mother put his father through. I started to understand why David's father was the way he was, which ultimately helped me understand how David acted throughout the book.
  Knowing people who have grown up in dysfunctional and abusive households, reading this book reminded me of experiences my friends have gone through. It also scared me to think about the experiences my friends didn't tell me about, and that's why I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone under age 14. For everyone else, "A Man Named Dave" is a book that gives you a great insight into the mind of an abuse victim and everything it takes to "forgive and forget".
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• moving
  I only began reading this book as an assignment for a policy course. I am so glad now that I read it. It is moving and thought provoking and throughout the book I wanted to just reach out and help him. I would highly recommend this book to anyone. I couldn't put it down. I will now be reading the others in the series by the same author. ...more info
• A Man Named Dave
  Dave Pelzer has been treated very badly by his mother for about 20 years. she has put amonia in a bucket and locked him in the bathroom so he couldn't breath. she ezpected him to do everything for her. he was her slavee. she would hit him and not let him eat but she woild come up with excuses so that she didn't turned in for child abuse. He was always tring to get away from her but she just kept making up excuses and stuff so she could have a slave. When he finally got away he was old enough to join the air force and he was tring to fifill his childhood dream by becoming a firefighter like his dad was and he was going to join the air force so he could well after about a month he was in the air force they told him that he wouldn't be able to be a firefighter yet! His dad was in the hospital and so he took off work so he could go see him. He tried to get his mom to go see him but she woildn't and she wouldn't she earased her little kids memory from having a brother and he was sad.
  
  My opinion is that the book gave good advise to those who do have abuseive parents. I was always looking forward to having to read in homeroom because it was a really good book. i didn't want to putit down!! Wow that was not the only one who didn't want to put it down....more info
• A Nice Wrap Up
  I'm glad Dave wrote this book. It made his story come full circle and now the world can read how one man can truly make a difference and move on with his life....more info
• A man named Dave
  A man named Dave is a good book. I would give this book five stars because he try to go through life with problems that he try to over come. Like will Dave and his Mom ever get a long? Will Dave's mom like his wife? Will his wife like his mom? Will he ever get to know his mom after all these years? Will he ever get close to his mom? Will his life remain hunted by memories of his years as a bruised "it" locked in his mothers basement.? Will he stay in touch with his dad? Just read this book and u can find out all of your answers
  
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• Free At Last
  I would recommend this heartbreaking book to others to help them appreciate what they have. It is important to learn and sympathize with others who live such difficult lives. This book was very interesting and I could not put it down. The story keeps the readers attention because of its emotional nature. Dave has written many stories about his life and I have now read three of them. I look forward to reading another book of his collection. I find it amazing how he lived through the abuse although his mother tried to kill him. I respect Dave Pelzer because he has successfully lived through life despite his tragedy. ...more info
• A book with the closure and the author's road to forgiveness
  Finally finished the third book, "A Man Named Dave" and it is truly wonderful to watch this lost boy's spiritual growth to become a person with a big heart. I admire David Pelzer's courage in telling us his path to forgiveness and become a self-reliant man with a loving heart. His story is meant to be known for us to learn. Learning a man who is truly passionate about inspiring other emotionally wounded individuals and having the determination to help these individuals is truly amazing. It is definitely a book that gives me some understanding about some of the abused individuals' lives are like. David Pelzer's investigation of his past, accepting and understanding his past and with the inspirational work gives us the light about healing the emotional wounds. It is a story I read once but will remember for the rest of my life, for the sake of learning forgiveness and appreciation in life....more info