The Lost Boy

By: David Pelzer

Narrated by: Brian Keeler

Length: 7 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's summary

The Lost Boy spent over two years on the New York Times best-seller list and has profoundly influenced more than one million readers' lives.

Following the tremendous success of Pulitzer Prize nominee A Child Called "It", this book continues the extraordinary tale of author Dave Pelzer's childhood. On the verge of adolescence, Dave is rescued from his terrifyingly abusive, alcoholic mother and made a permanent ward of the court. Then the real journey begins. He is moved from one foster home to another, searching for identity and family. A rebellious, defiant boy, Dave seeks attention by shoplifting and even spends time in juvenile detention when suspected of arson. Finally, after five sets of foster parents, he finds a mother and father who love him.

Pelzer, who has received commendations from Presidents Reagan, Bush, and Clinton, travels throughout the world inspiring others through speeches and work to prevent child abuse. His courageous story is enhanced by Brian Keeler's thoughtful narration.

Listen to the first book in David Pelzer's harrowing, multi-part memoir of child abuse: A Child Called "It".

©1997 David Pelzer (P)2001 Recorded Books

Critic reviews

"This is sure to be popular among students and readers who await a sequel to A Child Called "It". Well recommended." ( Library Journal)

A heart wrenching true story

The book provides eye opening child’s view of what life within the foster care system is like. Dave Peltzer is a huge supporter of foster parents and social workers, but that doesn’t change what a frightening reality it can be for a child. We’ve probably all heard comments towards a foster child along the lines of “what they really need is a good spanking” or “why aren’t they grateful for the people trying to help them?” This book helps us see the world from the child’s perspective.

While the narrator, Brian Keeler, is an adult he does a wonderful job conveying the simple emotions behind the words of the child. You feel David’s fears of his mother coming to take him and his joy when shown an act of kindness.

While full of sadness, this book is a wonderful story of hope! Above all, let this book inspire you to get involved! There are over 1500 children in my state alone looking for forever families. If you can’t open your home to one, be a support to someone else who does! And show a little compassion for social workers and the daunting tasks they face day after day. It’s a thankless job, but I thank God there are those willing to do it!

Great story

I enjoyed this book. It does a great job in reminding everyone just how strong the human spirit is and how able we are to cope with overwhelming emotional trauma brought on by another human being.

Incredible, Powerful, Heart wrenching

The first book was tough. It had a lot of moments that watered my eyes. But this book, just as heart wrenching but provided more of a perspective from the child's point of view regarding how it felt after he got out of his horrible situation. Sadly, I found myself relating to his feelings (though my circumstances were not as extreme at home but about the same at school)...none the less very inspirational and looking forward to the third book!

Interesting

Great book my students could not put it down.

OMG!

I can't believe what this poor kid had to go through. I found myself rooting for him to make it past all the crap his mom put him through.

Humbled

A Heart wrenching Life Experience that shakes the innermost parts of my soul! Thank you Dave Peltzer because of you another child will push past their pain and Live❤

awesome

I loved it. the narrator did a great job and the book is a great book.

no words...

opened my eyes to this secret world of some few children. once you start reading, you will not want to put it down.

not as good as the first book

Confusing.. in the first book, didn't mom move away and leave him alone.. and wasn't the boy called it the brother?

tears

I have read this amazing book now 100 times, and I still learn something from it every time. If you have not read a child called it read that first then this one. Mr. Pelzer has come out on top and i just wish i could do more.

gripping read!

as gripping as the rest of his and his brothers books.... just would LOVE to read his mothers story to see what pathetic excuses she has!

HAPYY ENDING

So happy that he as now his own life and free to live it with his wife and son

Emotional....VERY Emotional!

After "A Child called It" I just had to see how this poor boy tackled through his life.
I felt I wanted to be with him every step of the way!
courageous and honest is an understatement!
incredibly raw and deep thought provoking!
be prepared to feel many emotions that will stick with you long after the last page.

touching story

I read a child called it a while back and remembered how poignant but well written it was. so of course I had to hear more and journey with David. I'm grateful he chose to tell his story, it's a very important perspective to have such insight into. its raw real and believable. with that said I feel the narrator lacks in vulnerability in some areas where its needed to be communicated more

Heart breaking!

A difficult listen but makes you appreciate life and in particular my childhood which at times you feel wasn't perfect but pretty dam idyllic after listening to this.

TEN OUT OF TEN....A MUST READ!!!

This book is amazing. It's the sadddest book you will ever read and it'll take you on a rollercoaster of emotions. It left me in tears quite a few times. The narrator was amazing too. He had a child-like innocence in his voice, which really made you feel like you were in the writers shoes. Be prepared...

👎

The narrator's voice is awful.. lacked something and so I just couldn't listen to this book!

inspirational fantastic

good for you David what a inspirational man love the story proves anything is possible if you put your mind too it

worthwhile and moving

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

yes - "a child called it" is not a pleasant read but one that should be read and this continues the story

What about Brian Keeler’s performance did you like?

well read believable

Any additional comments?

This is not "entertainment" but is very "moving" - at first you find it difficult to comprehend the relationship, or lack of, with David's Parents. The saddest part is that by the end of the first book you believe how real it all is and this one adds some of the optimism that no matter how bad life gets there is a way thought it