Currently Reading: The Choice by Nicholas Sparks

A CHILD CALLED IT; ONE CHILDS COURAGE TO SURVIVE

Dave Pelzer

• Paperback: 195 pages
• ISBN-10: 1558743669
• ISBN-13: 978-1558743663
• 
  
• David J. Pelzer's mother, Catherine Roerva, was, he writes in this ghastly, fascinating memoir, a devoted den mother to the Cub Scouts in her care, and somewhat nurturant to her children--but not to David, whom she referred to as "an It." This book is a brief, horrifying account of the bizarre tortures she inflicted on him, told from the point of view of the author as a young boy being starved, stabbed, smashed face-first into mirrors, forced to eat the contents of his sibling's diapers and a spoonful of ammonia, and burned over a gas stove by a maniacal, alcoholic mom. Sometimes she claimed he had violated some rule--no walking on the grass at school!--but mostly it was pure sadism. Inexplicably, his father didn't protect him; only an alert schoolteacher saved David. One wants to learn more about his ordeal and its aftermath, and now he's written a sequel, The Lost Boy, detailing his life in the foster-care system.

This is a re-read for me, as I read this story a few years ago when my mother recommended it to me. This grim story is one that was so disgusting I just couldn't turn away. Each and every page brings a punishment for David even worse than the last and even when you think its at the point where his mother couldn't possibly find anything worse, she continues to make you sick. You will put this book down and want to cry with David.

Finished: February 6, 2010

A BROTHERS JOURNEY; SURVIVING A CHILDHOOD OF ABUSE

Richard B. Pelzer

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• ISBN-10: 0446533688
• ISBN-13: 978-0446533683

In this gripping, deeply troubling memoir, a follow-up to his brother David's bestselling A Child Called It, Pelzer reveals the unyielding suffering he says he experienced at the hands of his depraved mother growing up in the 1970s. Once David, the elder of the two, was removed from the household, the author, by this account, became the target of their mother's alcohol-induced rage. As Pelzer details his outward struggle to survive—learning to fall asleep with his eyes open, for example—and his internal efforts to understand and rise above his circumstances, he assaults readers with the graphic facts, told in surprisingly matter-of-fact language, about being beaten bloody for falling asleep when he was supposed to be awake, and being forbidden to bathe and forced to eat scraps from a dog bowl. Family members (including Pelzer's father), neighbors and teachers were aware of the abuse but did nothing to help, and Pelzer credits outsiders, especially his friend Ben, with finally "allowing" him to see himself more clearly. 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.

I was extremely disappointed with this memoir. After reading Dave Pelzers story, I expected much more from his brother. This was a difficult read, as I felt many times like giving up on the story. I managed to make it the whole way through in hopes that its likability would increase however in the end was just thankful to have gotten through each page.

Finished: February 4, 2010

Dear John

Nicholas Sparks

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• ISBN-10: 0446528056
• ISBN-13: 978-0446528054

The story of ne'er-do-well-turned-army-enlistee John Tyree, 23, and well-to-do University of North Carolina special education major Savannah Lynn Curtis. John, who narrates, has been raised by a socially backward single postal-worker dad obsessed with coin collecting (he has Asperger's syndrome). John bypasses college for the overseas infantry; Savannah spends her college summers volunteering. When they meet, he's on leave, and she's working with Habitat for Humanity (he rescues her sinking purse at the beach). John has a history of one-night stands; Savannah's a virgin. He's an on-and-off drinker; she's a teetotaler. Attraction and values conflict the rest of the summer, but the deal does not close. Savannah longs for John to come home; her friend Tim longs to have a relationship with her. On the brink of John and Savannah's finally getting together, 9/11 happens, and John re-ups. Savannah's letters come less and less frequently, and before you know it, he receives the expected "Dear John" letter.

This is the first novel by Sparks that left me feeling depressed with a smile. Johns oh so love able character draws you to turn the page and never put it down. A story of love, loyalty and friendship that ends with an unexpected twist that will leave you longing for more.

Finished: January 24, 2010

THE LAST SONG

Nicholas Sparks

• Hardcover: 400 pages
• ISBN-10: 0446547565
• ISBN-13: 978-0446547567

Seventeen year old Veronica "Ronnie" Miller's life was turned upside-down when her parents divorced and her father moved from New York City to Wilmington, North Carolina. Three years later, she remains angry and alientated from her parents, especially her father...until her mother decides it would be in everyone's best interest if she spent the summer in Wilmington with him. Ronnie's father, a former concert pianist and teacher, is living a quiet life in the beach town, immersed in creating a work of art that will become the centerpiece of a local church.

The tale that unfolds is an unforgettable story of love on many levels--first love, love between parents and children -- that demonstrates, as only a Nicholas Sparks novel can, the many ways that love can break our hearts...and heal them.

He's done it once again! Sparks never disappoints me. I recommend this book to all who enjoy emotionally filled novels. From beginning to end I was glued to the story of Ronnie and the relationships around her.

Although it is still not my favorite Sparks novel, The last song will be picked up again in the future however next time I will be prepared with a box of tissues.

Finished: January 18, 2010

RUN FOR YOUR LIFE

James Patterson & Michael Ledwidge

• Hardcover: 384 pages
• ISBN-10: 0316018740
• ISBN-13: 978-0316018746

A calculating killer who calls himself The Teacher is taking on New York City, killing the powerful and the arrogant. His message is clear: remember your manners or suffer the consequences! For some, it seems that the rich are finally getting what they deserve. For New York's elite, it is a call to terror. Only one man can tackle such a high-profile case: Detective Mike Bennett. The pressure is enough for anyone, but Mike also has to care for his 10 children-all of whom have come down with virulent flu at once! Discovering a secret pattern in The Teacher's lessons, Detective Bennett realizes he has just hours to save New York from the greatest disaster in its history.

This was an easy and intriguing read, however as the story progressed you expected much more from Patterson. It fell short in areas where I expected more suspense and there were no normal Patterson/Ledwidge twists and thrills. Overall, a good story and worth reading however a disappointing ending that left me with many unanswered questions.

Finished: January 10, 2010