The Lost Boy
I was in London last summer and picked up this book in a second hand shop.
The Lost Boy is an absolutely amazing true story of Dave Pelzer, which chronicles his years from 12 to 18 years of age as a foster child. I paused uncounted times while reading it , I cried but I could not put this book down.
I would recommend this book to everyone.
This book will make you cry, it will make you mad, and at the end, you will be cheering and crying tears of joy for Dave. This book will break your heart and if you are a parent, you will be outraged at the abuse. Sadly, child abuse is so prevalent, and there are so many cunning, and devious parents out there, that some children do not get out and the abuse is "allowed" to go on and on or the child is killed. It does happened in Hong Kong and around the world.
Dave's strength, determination, and unbreakable spirit shine throughout this book. How he survived the brutality can only be called a miracle. It breaks my heart to read of such incredible abuse and one does have to thank the foster parents, social works and teachers in this child's life. Dave says, "It takes a community to save a child", and I wholeheartedly agree.
Dave takes you through his five different foster families during his adolescent years and his desperate determination to find the love of a family and a "home" propels him by not abandoning hope.
Dave's inner strength, courage, and fortitude are a shining inspiration to us all. Dave is giving his time, doing to help other children.
Thank you Dave for opening our eyes and sharing your story.