The Privilege of Youth--Dave Pelzer

[houseelf]

I picked this book up at the library not knowing that it was the third autobiographical account from this author, the other two being "A Child Called It" and "A Man Named Dave". This book relates the stories which comprise his adolescence. Apparently, Pelzer endured horrible abuse from his alcohlic parents and then survived a more subtle form of tragedy by making his way through various foster homes. Interestingly, however, this book is not full of pathos but hope. Certainly, there is great sorrow for the loss of Pelzer's innocence underlying this story, but gratitude, community, and humanity are the major themes of this book.

The author enjoys the ability to relate the precise feelings of youth: invincibility, arrogance, and a teenager's ability to maintain both extreme optimism and absolute fear about his or her future. He tapped into feelings that I was beginning to forget about in my old age. It is a quick and easy read.

As an aside, this refueled my desire to become a foster parent one day.

Kelly

[Rapunzel]

Oh goodness. I flipped through "A Child Called It" once and I knew I wouldn't be able to read the thing in its entirety - it was just too horrific. I'm so glad that this man has made a life for himself that is more inspiring than the one he had growing up.....

Jennifer