A Brother's Journey

By: Richard B. Pelzer

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Dave Pelzer's bestselling memoir, A Child Called It, introduced the world to the Pelzer family and the shocking abuse that took place in their home. Dave was fortunately rescued from the Pelzer household by the time he was twelve, but at this point, his brother Richard became the target of their mother's alcohol-fueled rage. Subject to nocturnal beatings, denied clean clothes, and forced to swallow Tabasco sauce, Richard Pelzer suffered daily abuses throughout the remainder of his childhood. Now, for the first time, he shares his story. At once disturbing and uplifting, it is the story of a boy who found the courage to survive years of physical abuse—and how the human spirit can triumph even through the most sever and horrific circumstances.

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.