Surviving a Childhood of Abuse - A Brother's Journey

After reading both of Dave Pelzer's books, I wanted to read his brother's. I wanted to see the other side of Dave's abuse. I was, instead, faced with yet another story of abuse by the same mother. While Richard didn't seem to face nearly the torture Dave faced, he claims to have taken his brother's place when the state finally placed his brother in foster care.

Feel like its pretty much the same as Dave's story.. Only Richard was treated a little better. Both are very strong to tell their stories. Child abuse is discusting. Being a victim myself I agree it is up to us to break the cycle.

This was better than the "It" book written by his brother. It was more indeapth as far as how the child was feeling and why.It was gripping in details. This should be required reading for freshman-sophmore students.As most feel the world owes them something, maybe it will bring forth those that are in similar cercumstances. Also it could teach the ones that have it good, to appriciate what they have.

Ordered this for my grand-duaghter for HS, so I did not read it. But from what I heard about it, why are they not teaching the classics in school or maybe a little American History. Something a little more upbeat. Kids come out of school not even knowing how many states there are. Where is the balance? Got here on time, good packaging, she passed the course.

It's a good book. I accidentally purchased the full only when I was just wanting to get the sample. Other than that, it is an overall good book. I have read several of his brothers books by Dave Pelzer, and it gives me a different look through what both of them perceived their mother to be.

I read all of David's books and was very moved..however Richard's seemed to hit alot of the same incidents..in either case I can't believe no one ever spoke up to help..I do feel David's books were better written .. I feel bad anyone would have to go through life as they did.. I wouldn't pass this book as I feel it almost reads the same as David's

I was interested to find this book, to see what the author had to say about his childhood after I had already read the 3 books that his brother Dave Pelzer had wrote. And this book basically was crying out for readers to feel sorry for him, although his brother Dave who was treated like an animal by his parents and his brother who mind you wrote this book. I was not impressed with this book or his writing. I do not recommend this book at all, but I do recommend you look for his brother Dave Pelzer books, A child called It and 2 others.

I bought an audio cd version of this book. It is unbelievably astounding and excellent in every way. What I liked best was that it touched on certain recurring type events of abuse and consistently stayed on target to identifying one of the main reasons for the abuse and the woman behind it. It left me wanting more after I finished. I mainly listen to books on cd while I'm on my way to and from work but this was so incredible that I had to finish listening several work nights ago. I couldn't stop listening. I wish this would be made into a movie so people could see what horrible abuses are happening right behind hundreds if not thousands of doors. After finishing, it gave me a sense of peace for them that they had faith in the Lord and turned into loving , kind , empathic intuitive adults. ...this was a very profound story. I am slowly purchasing their other books. I highly recommend.

Having read Dave Pelzer’s A Child Called “It” and the other two books that followed, I was interested in learning what happened in the household once David left. A Brother's Journey is the perspective of David’s younger brother, Richard, who learned that getting David in trouble was a good way to redirect their mother’s wrath. I found it enlightening to read the different perspectives of overlapping events as well as to see this household through another child’s eyes. Because I grew up around mental illness, this story holds a degree of fascination and sympathy for me. To rate this book on entertainment value or writing quality feels like a grave insult. To help increase awareness of child abuse, the author put his heart out there by exposing the tragic damage of his horrible childhood. My 5-star rating is based on the courage the author had to not only revisit old wounds, but to humbly admit his wrong doings to his older brother – all while encouraging those who may have faced similar hardships. Thank you, Richard, for taking this important step and allowing us to be a part of it.

A BROTHER'S JOURNEY is a memoir. A cathartic work for the author, and I certainly pray that it helps him heal, for what he describes is a nightmare... a thing of pure evil. I found it difficult to read.

The best part of the book for me was his insight into the motivations of outsiders, and his own mother. Mr. Pelzer also allowed me to understand the sort of Stockholm mentality that plays out amongst children that are in an abusive situation. And I'd also like to think that I'm more eyes-open for suspicious situations.

What didn't work for me was the abrupt ending and lack of finality. I was interested in what happened to Ross; and, of course, I was curious about what the author meant when he said that 'everything had fallen into place' and he 'wasn't that little boy anymore'. Perhaps he intends another book. And if that's the case I guess I'll never have my questions answered.

Overall, the book was a quick read. I found it frustrating at times because it was too focused on daily events for me. I think I would have preferred a less personal approach in the sense that I didn't need to know in detail every foul thing that happened in the family; and would have liked more material such as the insight Mr. Pelzer provided with his observation that his mother sometimes acted as if she had multiple personalities.

An interesting, if sometimes painful read for this mother.

Author Richard B. Pelzer holds a unique position in the world of child abuse survivors. He has experience being both a tool for as well as the object of his mother's extreme abuse. In his mother's twisted world, there was her "family" and then one boy excluded from that designation. His mother directed the majority of her anger and alcohol induced acts of violence towards that boy. The "family" was expected to tattle (whether real or not) on the boy's misbehavior so she would have even more "justification" to attack.

Initially, Richard's brother David, more often referred to as "it" or "the boy," held that unfortunate position as the "non-family" member. Richard was part of the "family" and aided in David's abuse, knowing that if his mother's aggression was focused on "it," she would be much less likely to target Richard.

However, when David was removed from the house by authorities, never to return again, Richard became "the boy" and was no longer part of the "family." Richard was eight.

My main contention with this memoir is that Peltzer excludes how and when his inclusion in this horror ends. He reaches an internal revelation at the age of 15, which gives him peace. But he fails to explain how things changed after that. Did the revelation just make the abuse have less impact on him psychologically? Did it enable him to better protect himself? Did he seek help from others? I had expected at least a few sentences of explanation, even in the afterward, and was disappointed to discover that none was included.

All Richard Pelzer is doing is hanging on his brother coat tails. Yes, he was abused, but not at ALL, OR EVEN CLOSE to the extent of his brother Dave, in which he took extreme pleasure in and caused much of the abuse that took place. Then he has the audacity to say 'poor me'!!!! His poor account of his own so called abuse sounded like he was making up the accounts up as he wrote the book. Reading this book nauseated me and I am disappointed I spent any $ purchasing this piece of trash. His 'abuse' was minute in relation to David Pelzer. These two men should not even be compared, then or now! He is only trying to gain notoriety off of his brother. What a poor excuse of a man!

A heart breaking story of a little boy discovering just how bad the abuse his mother and with her encouragement, he had inflicted on his older brother. When his brother is taken from the home because of horrendous abuse from his mother Richard became her next target.
This story does not really end so I will read the next book about his teenage years which is where this book leaves us. He realizes the little boy who was him is gone. Yet he is still taking the abuse.
Very touching story.

After reading all of David Pelzer's books, this sort of opened my eyes to try to understand the woman who was their mother. I just don't know what kind of woman she must eave been. I refer to her "momster." I'm glad that both Richard and David survived to raise awareness, but I feel bad that the rest of their so-called "family" still denies the severity. God love you all!

It's about time one of David's brother stepped up to the plate and admitted the abuse occured and this book is a shining achievement. I am disgusted with anyone who could read this book and then deny the truth it expresses.
From my own personal experience of an abusive mother the pattern that both Dave and Richard describe and their responses to it are psychologically accurate.
When my father lived with us a lot of the abuse was directed at him , when he left it was all focused on me and my sister was the child who could do know wrong and she (my sister) loved to join in tormenting me. Then when I left, my sister became my replacement and suffered abuse. This is exactly the pattern that Dave and Richard describe. Richard has written a book that is very compelling. Unlike David he actually touches (all to briefly) on what was going on in his mother's head and possible motivations for her behaviour.
He suffered unbelivably horrific abuse and yet it was less than David's and this makes the book somewhat less painful than reading a child called IT because he manages to squeeze in a rare moment of pleasure here and there which David as "IT" never had a chance to do.
But it is still horrific. I think Richard is a fine writer and his bravery in admitting the abuse he inflicted on his brother at the ages of 5,6, and 7 in order to get his mother to notice him is so commedable. I doubt David blames a 5 year old for what happened. How could a 5, 6 or 7 year old possibly be expected to stand up to a mother like that. The only time Richard had praise or attention was when he collaborated in his elder brother's abuse.
The really disgusting brother was Scott who was still abusing Richard at 17.
Like David's books Richard's story is just too detailed, too surprising, too complex and has too much psychological depth to have been fabricated.
The book will grip you from begining to end but be prepared to be a little dissapointed by the ending, there is obviously another book waiting in the wings.

ANYTHING that continues to open our eyes towards this kind of horrific abuse (which exists now, is happening right this very second in so many places on this earth) is a good thing.

I don't care if his abuse was less than Dave's. I don't care if his book is a 'copycat' book.

We need to be inundated with these stories. forced to inhale them in just like these poor kids were forced to ingest feces and dogfood, etc.

We need to be brutally forced by harsh truths and reminiscences to acknowledge that sometimes a child is best served by taking that child away from the biological parents.

I am a little younger than David. I was lucky not to have had cruel parents because back int hose days - who really advocated for us kids?

I'm a mother now. My littlest is 4, my eldest 7, and I don't even like it if I accidently hurt them by bumping into them. My daughter pinched her fingers in a door today and cried so pitifully (the younger) and it broke my heart, because a little child in pain is a very sad heartbreaking thing indeed.

I gave her hugs. Love. Comfort and kisses.

Imagine if we welcomed our children. If we loved them and honored them and trusted them and made them feel like the earth is a beautiful place to be.

Imagine a future with children raised in such a way.

David and Richard were victims of a twisted and demented women. The system failed them. Richard should have been removed along with all of the monster's (she was the it- not david) children while the monster languished in prison.

But that didn't happen, and the abuse perpetuated.

Bring these books on. Make us aware. Make harsh commercials like the 'get outraged' ads. Force us to realize that there are voiceless victims like Cassandra Hodges and Precious Doe. Little precious children murdered by their own mothers.

This is more of an apology to his brother David and almost justifying his mothers actions towards them. It wasn't greatly written, at times very difficult to believe, but I've witnessed kids go through similar things so I know it can and does still happen. You can either read this or his brothers a child called it book, and get the same story.

A Child Called "It" moved the world to appreciate the extent that child abuse can take . . . and the need to do more to stop it. Over 2 million copies of that vivid memoir have been sold. In that story, Dave Pelzer described the role his brothers were forced to play in his abuse. Younger brother Richard was a particular problem as he would tell lies about Dave that led to more beatings by their mother. But Richard would also leave food for the starving Dave.

In A Brother's Journey, Richard tells his perspective both on what happened to Dave, his guilt for his role, and how the family functioned after Dave was taken away to a foster home.

In limited ways, Richard was selected by their mother to replace Dave as the butt of her alcoholic rages. Although his abuse was horrific, it failed to be as bad as Dave's. Thank God for that.

But the interesting part of this book is the insight it provides for psychologists, social workers and the families of abused children concerning the impact of abuse on the more favored children in the family. Most books about child abuse don't get into this aspect of family life, and I found the added perspectives to be very revealing and interesting.

Naturally, no one can read this book (or A Child Called "It") without wondering how a grandmother, a father, neighbors or the school could have permitted this to go on so long.

The lesson seems to be that if you suspect even the possibility of abuse, you'd better do something. What you see is probably less than 1% of the problem.

Professionals can learn from this book the importance of on-going observation and the need to build trust in those who are suspected of being abused. The abusers will have terrified the abused with all kinds of lies to keep them quiet . . . and not seek help.

One of the most fascinating parts of this book is Richard's description of how hard it was for him to realize that he could stop his mother physically.

You will be haunted by the two occasions when Dave reaches out to Richard and the family . . . and how those turned out.

If you are looking for a story to top A Child Called "It", you will be disappointed. If you want to better understand what you learned from A Child Called "It", I strongly recommend that you read this book.

Can't imagine what the negative reviewers are talking about. This is a brilliant book - as brilliant as all of Dave's. The writing is vivid, fascinating, excrutiating. Bravo to Richard for having the guts to be completely honest about his feelings for Dave at the beginning of the book, and his total honesty about what happened to him when David left. There has to be a special place in Hell for all the "do-gooders" who returned him to the monster called "Mother." Although I hated her, I felt more revulsion for the system (or lack of one) for failing all of the Pelzer children, again and again. And I don't have any sympathy for their father. He was an utter failure - despite Dave's nearly-miraculous ability to love and forgive him, I don't have to. I loathe his total, weak, cowardly abandonment of the boys who needed him. Frankly, I picture him as a kind of worm. Sorry, Dave and Richard, but I think he's the worst one of all - how could he?

I'm really surprised by some of the reviews, specifically, people who think that only one person per family is entitled to tell their story.

There is a strong blame-the-victim thing in a few of the reviews, even so far as claiming that somehow a five year old boy can be the one orchestrating this family disaster.

Given the context of the family situation, I'm surprised that anyone wants to scapegoat Richard. I think the anger displayed here is out of place.

If you've read Dave Pelzer's books, this one by Richard Pelzer will add dimension to the story. It's a compelling and decent book. It's major flaw is that the story ends abruptly with Richard deciding that he is strong enough to change the situation. So it's a letdown that we never find out what he did to move forward. All the same, I read it easily in an evening, and was glad I did.

Mr. Pelzer tells the incredible story of survival from years of agonizing child abuse - abuse that was allowed to continue by adults - neighbors and school officials - who chose to look the other way. I commend him for sharing his story in the hopes of saving other children from those who would hurt them physically, mentally, and spiritually.

I'm not sure which is better -- Dave Pelzer's story or Richard Pelzer's. Both are phenomenal. Both are testaments to the strength of our inner selves, if we only allow it to be tapped into. Both loudly proclaim that our past is not to be used as a crutch but rather a means to propel us forward. We can continue to be victims of our own choices or others' choices (i.e. abuse) or we can move forward, and not let our past define us. The Pelzer brothers have done just that -- they have used their past to propel them forward, and in the end, showing that although this torture happens, it does not crush the human spirit unless the victim allows it to crumble. It proclaims that we all can step out to make a difference in the lives of other people. We all can touch one life and this world would experience peace. May we all be different people and treat others with respect as the Pelzer's have learned to do despite their horrendous upbringing. Honestly, I don't know how they physically survived; but because they did, and because they were brave enough to tell their story, we can learn how to be compassionate and loving people.

A BROTHER'S JOURNEY, by Richard B. Pelzer may be overshadowed by his brother Dave's account of A CHILD CALLED IT. In some ways, Richard's experience was better than Dave's, but worse in other ways. At times, the account is so vivid that I almost couldn't continue reading.

How Richard came through all the unimaginable abuse his mother inflicted on him is beyond my ability to comprehend! God wanted this child to live!

I especially appreciate the way Richard ended this book. Enjoy with me this quote: "Even the smallest of good and bad actions affects even the smallest of us.

"The value of just one soul is greater than any single thing upon this earth. For there can be nothing greater than raising a child in preparation for that journey back to where he came from, a place where his immortal father lives, a place known as heaven, a place called home."

This review is in response to Pony's review entitled "Save The Tissue's Get Out The Spotlight". I am curious...Did Pony read the book? I did not read anything in Pony's review that was related to the book, his review merely contained a critique of the author's character. Also, in his review Pony points out that Richard was not an author prior to him publishing this book, but is anyone an author before they are published? I think not. Pony also points out that it is obvious that Richard is "only in it to make money", or he would volunteer to help people in need. Richard does, in fact, volunteer to help people in need. He travels around the country speaking to schools and other organizations at his own expense. Richard and his wife have been involved in various charities that help children, and were foster parents LONG BEFORE his book was published. Richard's story was also checked for facts before it was published, as any repectable publisher would do, both in the US, and abroad. I am sorry that Pony felt ill to see Richard receive praise for his bravery, but I, on the other hand, felt ill for the obvious reasons when I read this book. I felt ill knowing that these boys suffered so much at the hands of someone who was supposed to protect them.

In A Brothers Journey, Richard Pelzer takes readers through his tortured childhood, showing remarkable candor in his writing. Holding nothing back, he gives vast insights into the horrors of child abuse. This book is not just a compendium of his sick mother's atrocities. It is the story of a boy's journey from being taught to participate in the abuse and degradation of his own brother, to becoming the primary victim of the abuse. Pelzer uses that journey to provide insight into the mind of the abused. Not only does he share his emotions as events unfold, but helps the reader to understand his thoughts and behaviors as he struggled to survive in a world of constant fear. This is a healing journey, and a must read for anyone who has ever been abused. It is also an important reminder of the fragility of children, and what they will endure when deprived of the love they so desperately seek. Anyone who has influence in the life of a child must read this book.

Im only 23 pages in and Ive struggled to get this far. I forced myself to read this far. Both my eyes and my brain is throbbing. I can honestly say all this author is doing is trying to get sympathy. Im sure hes also trying to just get money and sells. When I read his brother's book A Child Called IT I was absolutely outraged at his mothers actions and very much heartbroken for little David. All this book does is enrage me. In the first 23 this man has continuously referred to his brother as IT and talked about how he antagonized his mother to abuse David. Hes also squeezed in a few lines claiming fear for his mother and her occasionally hitting him for fighting with his brother or wetting his bed. Yes no mother should hit their child but this was absolutely nothing in comparison to what David went through. Im going to cut this short since Im getting irritated writing this review. Dont waster your money. If you want to read this rent it from your local library or borrow it from someone.

I received this book in the mail late on Tuesday, today is Thursday and I am done with reading it, I am simply amazed at how this women behaved, I could have just snatched her by her hair and slung her, I am a maother of a very trying 14 year old boy, I can not even beging to imagine the things that she put these children through, I only wish that it had went into detail at the end of how Richards life has ended up and how he got there, from age 15. And what happened to Ross and Scott and Keith, did they too endure this pain, are they still around, what happened, I felt like I was kind of left hanging there at the end, but still a very good book. I have read all of Dave Pelzers books and am always just in awe at the behavior of this women. How he can forgive her is a huge step, I do not even know her and I feel hate and anger for her.

As someone else said, more than one person in a family can write a book about being abused,what are the chances that a woman so sadistic would stop simply because the child she used to focus her abuse on was gone? Why be trash someone who was abused and wants to tell their story? If his story helps people who are being abuse, have been abused, or are in contact with someone who is being abused stop it or get on to a more normal life, who cares if Richard Pelzer makes a profit off his life story? If a football player can make money off making a few touchdown and getting injured through their own actions, why can't a victim of abuse make money off telling people a story that could actually help them?

this book was amazing. it had me biting the nails off my fingertips dying to read more. very detailed. it was interesting seeing what exactly richard went through growing up and how hard it was for him. i would definitely recommend this book to a friend, it was heartbreaking but perfect.

As I read Dave Pelzer's books, I often wondered what his brothers were up to and whether they were also abused by their mother. Richard Pelzer's book is honest and emotional. He does not hold back and shares with the reader his most shameful thoughts.

I tripped on this ebook at my library. The title was interesting, and after download I started reading.
Kept reading, unbelieving that such a story could happen yet knowing it likely is happening in my own town today.
I never knew abuse as a child. This book was a real eye opener.

As a huge fan of David Pelzer's books, I was skeptical when I saw A Brother's Journey: Surviving a Childhood of Abuse. I was dead wrong. Richard Pelzer's tale of abuse and neglect tug at the heartstrings and makes the reader feel like they are back in a house looking into what must be the biggest nightmare any child could face. The torture that takes place in that house would be enough to place anyone in a rage, but to hear of a second dose of sadistic behavior is too much to bear. Richard Pelzer's journey is as emotional as any book out there. This is a must read for anyone who has kids or work with children.

I couldn't put this book down. This story (as well as the author's brother's books - David Pelzer) will haunt & sadden me for the rest of my life. I would love to hear more about the author's life - what happened after the age when the book ended. Well written, honest writing. Definately a book you will always remember.

I was also touched by Richard's book as well. It's terrible how she went from Dave to him as the next victim of her terrible abuse. I give Richard a lot of credit for sharing his story as well. This is a must read.

This book was amazing. The hell Richard Pelzer and his brother David were put through makes you wonder how a mother could ever harm their child. I couldn't put this book down as I couldn't put David Pelzer's books down either. As soon as I recieved the book in the mail, I started to read it and was done in 2 days, which was disappointing because now I have nothing to read! Order this book, you won't be disappointed!

After reading the first book I was touched I didn't think that the mom would keep on going and hurt yet another of her children but the nightmare wasn't over for that family. I don't think that Richard deserved to be treated I don't think that anyone should be treated like that. I makes me wonder if any of her other children had to go threw that because if she moved on from Dave to Richard I would think that she might of done the same thing to her other kids.

I bought this book for my daughter who is 12. I've yet to read it. She read the original book "A Child named It" and I had never seen her read a book so quickly, she couldn't put it down. I decided to get the sequels and she read them just as quickly. It's a very sad book, but it's good for a child her age to read so that she can understand that not everyone has such a good life and I really think it makes her appreciate her life even more than before. Great book and good reading.

I think abuse is a horrible horrible thing. I can't imagine for one minute what David and Richard went through or how they got through it.

Though after reading Richard's book, I hate to say this, but I didn't feel as outraged as I did in David's books. Richard got to sleep in his bed, he ate at the table, though he had to wait. He may have had to wear the same clothes to school, but they didn't seem to be as ragged or thin as Davids'. I feel he did suffer a lot of abuse at the hands of his twisted mother, but never did I feel what I felt for David.

David is trying to help other people now. I admire him for that.

After reading Dave's books, the story continues...as does your heartache for these poor children. I have to say, as an abuse survivor, that this book gives you insight into an all too common horror...child abuse. It will provide insight to those who weren't abused and help those who were along their journey to healing. Bravo, Richard! I look forward to the next book.

If you have ever read "A Child Called IT," By David Pelzer, then you have to read this book. It tells another angle to the story. Once you have read "A Brother's Journey : Surviving a Childhood of Abuse" then you will want to read David's side of the story too.

I loves Dave Pelzer story from his childhood i enjoyed both " A child called It" and " The lost boy". But when i found out that his brother richard was abused also i found the book and had to read it. It is a great book. If you like Davids books you will surely love his brother. Its definitly sad but its reality.

I enjoyed this book very much.. Iy makes me sad to think that a mother or father or anyone for that matter could abuse a child in the way that this one did. I am impresed that he got help and was able to go forward with his life.. I would recomend this book to everyone.

I noticed some reviews stated that Richard B. Pelzer wrote this book for money! Who isn't out to make money? I can't imagine the pain this man has felt. This is an incredible book to read...I would like to see what the rest of the Pelzer family has to say about child abuse.

When I read Daves book my heart really went out 2 him so when I found out his brother had written a book I HAD to get it!

This book was just as good as Daves, he has u gripped from beginning to end and u really feel like you know little Richard!

An amazing and heart rending read!

I think this book is pretty much an over view of all of the books by David Pelzer. I would recommend it to a person that has not read the books by David before. I personally did not like it that much because I thought it was just a reapeat of all the other books.

As someone who appreciates tales of overcoming childhood abuse, this book was a major let down. Throughout the book, I was waiting for the end chapters to explain the writer's resolution, and means of letting his trauma go. However, this never happened. Therefore, I have a hard time understanding the point of this book. The book ended up seeming more like a pity party, to me, since there really was no part of the journey where the writer "overcame" or "conquered". I wish I hadn't wasted my time...

Skeptical readers and revviewers have already berated Ricahrd's brother, Dave, for embellishing his memoir of abuse and encouraging bulk sales of his books to get them on best seller lists. When Dave's books were published, the remaining brothers denied that abuse of such horrendous proportions occured. Why is Richard now writing his own book of abuse?

False memoirs of abuse are like false memories of abuse. They bear little relation to reality and, for that, they are a disservice to the reader who deserves an honest tale. Save your money and time for better written, more truthful, memoirs.