A Child Called "It" by David Pelzer

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 abuse that David endured during his childhood is absolutely horrific. No child deserves to be treated the way he was. His mother should have never had children. I don't understand why she singled David out, as the other children were not put the this abuse. My heart was breaking while reading this book, and is a true gut wrenching read. I just wanted to jump in the book and hug him. What a horrible way to live. His childhood was stolen, and has damaged him for life.