A Brother's Journey

Surviving a Childhood of Abuse

By: Richard B. Pelzer

Narrated by: Scott Brick

The Pelzer family's secret life of fear and abuse was first revealed in Dave Pelzer's inspiring New York Times best seller, A Child Called "It", followed by The Lost Child and A Man Called Dave. Here, for the first time, Richard Pelzer tells the courageous and moving story of his abusive childhood. From tormenting his younger brother David to becoming himself the focus of his mother's wrath to his ultimate liberation, here is a horrifying glimpse at what existed behind closed doors in the Pelzer home. Equally important, Richard Pelzer's touching account is a testament to the strength of the human heart and its capacity to triumph over almost unimaginable trauma.©2005 Richard Pelzer (P)2005 Books on Tape, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Gripping....By looking back at, and then releasing, the image of the skinny, red-haired boy who wanted nothing more than his mother's love, Pelzer discovers his true spirit, which he shares courageously and selflessly here in the hope of healing himself, as well as raising awareness of and preventing child abuse." (Publishers Weekly)

This was a great book. Very heartbreaking.

I loved the book and Scott Brick was a great narrator. Very heartbreaking tale, but interesting to hear another perspective from the Pelzer household. Very inspiring to think that Richard and David survived all of that abuse.

Disturbing but well written!

I read David’s book many years ago after watching him on Oprah! I was in disbelief that this could go on unnoticed. Then to know a second child was left in the house for her to continue the nightmare was absurd! Regardless of what the neighbors thought, they knew David had been taken away! So how do you sleep at night if you haven’t done all you can to help all of these children? May this woman burn in Hell for all that she did to God’s precious angels! Thank you Richard for being brave enough to share this story and strong enough to continue on living!

Eye opening!

I read A Boy Called It and Lost Boy. This book provided additional insight into what the Pelzer home was like and kept me asking why all the boys were not removed from their home. I also wondered how none of the boys turned to violent crime. I read that David and Richard do not speak and I find that sad but I do not personally know them. I also grew up in a dysfunctional family with severe abuse and somehow our family always managed to escape the authorities. I am the oldest of five children and not close to any of my siblings. All of us turned to substances to escape. Only a couple of us are in recovery and the affects of our childhood have lingered. I am grateful that society has changed so much today where such abuse is not tolerated. I am also grateful that at least for my children the cycle of abuse ended. Some children are not so lucky. Be an advocate and report the abuse as soon as you suspect it even if it’s a family member or friend! You never know how you might be able to change a child’s life through your intervention. You can be the walls that speak for the child who has not yet found his/her voice.

I was left hanging…

My only gripe is the ending. I’ve never been left with so many questions.. Did he ever stand up to her? Was he ever removed from the home? Did they move? Was there ever a consequence of any kind? What happened to the rest of the brothers? Did he ever see David again? What is the author doing now? He spoke about his wife at the beginning but never brought her up again. I did not like the sharp ending at the end with no answers.
Hated the ending for These reasons

everything

I like how the brother told his side of the story and how he felt. it's a tear jerker.

Heart breaking,

informative of the the sad to say abuse that has gone on in this family. I'm so glad they escaped her. and I pray are continuing to heal. as they heal others.

Tragic!

The truth of these circumstances is unsettling, to say the least. Would’ve liked to have heard more about the closure at the end of the book — what he and David learned about the mother’s history that helped to explain the level of sickness described in the horrific events, what happened to the other brothers — did they ever reunite, etc.

How that mother couldn't love 2 of her 5 boys

I went into it thinking how mean Richard was but as he told his story I felt so bad for him and his brother. I just kept waiting for someone to save him. I was so sad to find out that Richard took his life. Did him and David ever see each other after they grew up?

more closure at the end tragic story....

needed more closure at the end but what a tragic story ... never stay silent if you know someone is being abused speak up

Wow!

I’ve read Dave Pelzer’s books multiple times and never knew his brother also wrote a book. These boys went through so much. Rest is peace Richard.