A Brother's Journey

Surviving a Childhood of Abuse

By: Richard B. Pelzer

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Length: 7 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

The Pelzer family's secret life of fear and abuse was first revealed in Dave Pelzer's inspiring New York Times best seller, A Child Called "It", followed by The Lost Child and A Man Called Dave. Here, for the first time, Richard Pelzer tells the courageous and moving story of his abusive childhood. From tormenting his younger brother David to becoming himself the focus of his mother's wrath to his ultimate liberation, here is a horrifying glimpse at what existed behind closed doors in the Pelzer home. Equally important, Richard Pelzer's touching account is a testament to the strength of the human heart and its capacity to triumph over almost unimaginable trauma.

©2005 Richard Pelzer (P)2005 Books on Tape, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Gripping....By looking back at, and then releasing, the image of the skinny, red-haired boy who wanted nothing more than his mother's love, Pelzer discovers his true spirit, which he shares courageously and selflessly here in the hope of healing himself, as well as raising awareness of and preventing child abuse." (Publishers Weekly)

heartbreaking...

This book broke my heart. That a little boy could endure so much pain and suffering from the one person that should have treasured him is unfathomable. If descriptions of graphic child abuse bother you, then this book is not for you. It was hard at times to listen to but ultimately I think it brings to light what the devasting effects of mental illness and child abuse can leave on a person.

Excellent book

I cried when I read Dave’s book, but I wanted to wrap with this one. I think this book was very thoughtfully written with help signs along the way.
Please write a book about getting Back in touch with David.

great perspective

It was nice to get the perspective of another in that home. The ending sure does leave room for a 2nd book. I binge-listened to this in every opportunity I had.

loved it

I absolutely love this story! even though it's hard to hear at times it is a story of survival, brotherly love and the human spirit.

wow 🥺

I disliked the truth to their stories. Heart wrenching to say the least. Amazing how resilient Richard was throughout the horror taking place behind those closed doors. A great sentimental read and eye opening for sure.

Powerful

The best of (audio)books lift you from reality, and take you to a different place. This book accomplishes that literary fete. This is the single most powerful, vivid and moving book I have ever listened to; I couldn't wait to get into my car each day to listen to the next installment. I was left wanting to know more, wanting to know what happened next. And, most of all, asking myself how it is possible one person can be so cruel, and one person can live despite being treated like an animal. Good for you Richard, good for you.

Sad story

I enjoyed both this book and a child called it though these books are amazingly sad but we have come a long way these are incredible stories

Very Good

This is a very good read but you had to have read A child Called it first. Then when you hear what happens from his brother's point of view, it's fascinating and horrible at the same time. Although I agree with some of the other reviews about it ending in a way that makes you think, "and then what?" However, the book is still worth reading despite the ending.

Outstanding But Heart-Wrenching Book

There have already been some excellent reviews about this book and the only thing I can really add is that in addition to being a horrific true tale of child abuse, it is also a very interesting and readable book. It is never boring and it drew me in like no other book about child abuse has.

I gained a lot of understanding from this book. For example, in the past, after reading stories about children hurting their own siblings I have wondered how such a thing could be possible. Now I have a clear understanding of how and why this could occur. It really breaks my heart.

It hurts to know that this type of thing is occurring every day in the world. But I guess that we can't just hide our heads in the sand about it. I would really rather not know. But as another person said, at least now I will be more aware of what is going on around me and will take steps to stop it if I ever see it is going on.

Best wishes.

Just wow

How can a mother do this to her children? How can child services take 1 child from the home and leave the rest there for this awful mother to abuse? It makes me so happy that nowadays every child would be taken when these allegations are made and substantiated. This mother should be ashamed of herself for the way she treated her boys. Even in their adult years these boys are still traumatized. Their dad was no help either, he ended up leaving because he could not protect his children. The mother is just as evil to dad. It doesn’t help that both mom and dad are alcoholics, dad I think more because he could not protect his children. There is trouble in school with Richard because he thinks they will take him away just like when the school got his brother taken away. When mom goes away with her “boys” she would leave Richard home because he doesn’t deserve to go with her and her “boys”. This mother honestly doesn’t think she has done anything wrong