Resolution

Pelzer's books aren't funny, but they do entertain in a darker way. In Erotic Innocence: The Culture of Child Molesting, James Kincaid argues that child sexual abuse became a cultural obsession in the '80s in part because the stories of abuse were enthralling, at once erotic and grotesque. Pelzer's memoirs lack sexual abuse—the only kind of savagery that's missing—but they appeal to a similar sense of voyeurism and transgression. A Child Called "It" and The Lost Boy are the most sickeningly violent book I've ever read: It's snuff literature.

Reaction

Wow. It's hard to put into words a review of this book. It's also a sequel to a book I had read entitled A Child Called It. The first book talks about the horrible abuse a child endures from his mom who has a mental illness and is an alcoholic. The Lost Boy shares Dave's real-life story of dealing with being a foster child and the reputation that goes with it. The author has written 7 books, and his next book is called A Story of Triumph and Forgiveness. I can't imagine how he has felt all of these years, but I pray that God will truly heal him from his hurt and that He will know Jesus personally. Check out his website if you want more information: Dave Pelzer Due to the graphic details and language, I would never suggest a child read this. Even as an adult, it was a lot to take in and left me exhausted. I just feel so badly for the life he had, but I was so impressed with what he has become despite his circumstances. Go Dave

setting

"The Lost Boy is an absolutely amazing true story of Dave Pelzer, which chronicles his years from 12 to 18 years of age as a foster child. This is book two of three and now I must go and read the other two books in the trilogy. I could not put this book down. I would recommend this book to everyone. This will book will make you cry, it will make you mad, and at the end, you will be cheering and crying tears of joy for Dave. This book will break your heart and if you are a parent, you will be outraged at the abuse. Sadly, child abuse is so prevalent, and there are so many cunning, and devious parents out there, that some children do not get out and the abuse is "allowed" to go on and on or the child is killed. Dave's strength, determination, and unbreakable spirit shine throughout this book. How he survived the brutality can only be called a miracle. It breaks my heart to read of such incredible abuse and one does have to thank the foster parents, social works and teachers in this child's life. Dave says, "It takes a community to save a child", and I wholeheartedly agree. Dave takes you through his five different foster families during his adolescent years and his desperate determination to find the love of a family and a "home" propels him by not abandoning hope. Dave's inner strength, courage, and fortitude are a shining inspiration to us all. God bless you Dave and the work that you are doing to help other children. Thank you for opening our eyes and sharing "your" story

Suspense

Imagine a young boy who has never had a loving home. His only possesions are the old, torn clothes he carries in a paper bag. The only world he knows is one of isolation and fear. Although others had rescued this boy from his abusive alcoholic mother, his real hurt is just begining -- he has no place to call home.
This is Dave Pelzer's long-awaited sequel to A Child Called "It". In The Lost Boy, he answers questions and reveals new adventures through the compelling story of his life as an adolescent. Now considered an F-Child (Foster Child), Dave is moved in and out of five different homes. He suffers shame and experiences resentment from those who feel that all foster kids are trouble and unworthy of being loved just because they are not part of a "real" family.
Tears, laughter, devastation and hope create the journey of this little lost boy who searches desperately for just one thing -- the love of a family.

two links

http://www.davepelzer.com/

http://www.bookbrowse.com/biographies/index.cfm?author_number=145

Theme

It's about a boy who tries to find his way in foster care. He has to get to know the various foster families he lives with, plus new schools and areas. Also he has to learn to modify his behaviour and move on from his troubled and abusive family.

Conflict

As a child, Dave Pelzer was brutally beaten and starved by his mother. The world knew nothing of his living nightmare and he had nothing and no one to turn to. But his dreams kept him alive - dreams of someone taking care of him, loving him and calling him their son. Finally, his horrific plight could no longer be hidden from the outside world and Dave's life radically changed. The Lost Boy is the harrowing - but ultimately uplifting - true story of a boy's journey through the foster-care system in search of a family to love. The continuation of Dave Pelzer's story is a moving sequel and inspirational read for all.
`Essentially, The Lost Boy is a story of regeneration and resilience . . . What has made Dave Pelzer's story a bestseller is that it is also a story of redemption. It is a story where love, kindness, patience and endurance triumph' Daily Mail

plot

"In "The Lost Boy," the story describes the period in which the bewildered child, haunted by the fear of being returned to his mad and alcoholic mother, is passed between foster care homes. For six years, David Pelzer was sent to over ten different foster homes; sometimes returning to the same home twice. David's desperate attempts to be accepted by his peers led him into a life of petty crime, which, including cruel tricks his "friends" played on him, included stealing, and ending up going to "The Hill." This was a nickname for "Hillcrest," a juvenile detention ceter for boys who did wrong. After overcoming a trial to be free from his Mother, David (at the age of 12), begins his long journey from recovering from years of brainwash by his Mother; stealing from local grocery and toy stores, and periodically going into a stage of badness and being mean and cold to others. David's life story has touched so many hearts in the world, and he has gotten very far in his life. If he had ust laid back and been abused, stabbed, and tortured by his Mother, he may be dead right now. To David Pelzer; The Man Who Survived. (He was released from foster care at the age of 18, and joined the U.S Air Force as an air crew member.)"

Background of the author

The author's name is Dave Pelzer. Dave Pelzer entered foster care at the age of 12 due to the severe abuse he endured at the hand of his alcoholic mother. The abuse became so terrible that she actually started referring to Dave as "The Boy," instead of a child, her son, or Dave. At the age of 18 Dave aged out of the foster care system and joined the U.S. Air Force.
Dave has won many awards and personal commendations from Presidents Reagan, Bush, Clinton, and George W. Bush. In 1993, Dave was honored as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Americans. In 1994, he became one of the only United State's citizens to be awarded as the Outstanding Young Persons of the World, for his efforts in teaching about child abuse and it's prevention. Dave is also the author of The Lost Boy, A Man Named Dave, The Privilege of Youth, Help Yourself, and Help Yourself for Teens.
Today Dave is a husband and a father and resides in Rancho Mirage, California.