Dave Pelzer's The Lost Boy

The Lost Boy What would life be like without books? One of my favorite books is The Lost Boy. This novel was published on August 8th, 1997. It is a true story about the life of Dave Pelzer, he is also the author. Dave overcomes extreme child abuse and learns how to live a normal life. My opinion on this novel is that it was easy to read. It was also very well written, and was difficult to put down.
First of all, the main settings in this book were in various foster homes. Dave was at home with his mother at first, then he ran away and found himself at a pizza parlor. The first foster home was with a woman by the name of Aunt Mary. Dave was still a small child and did not know how to act. He slowly learned that he was able to eat a warm meal, sleep in an actual bed rather than the frigid garage floor. The second foster home was with a woman by the name of Ms.Catanze. All of the foster children called her mom, and Dave was given the same opportunity. He finally thought that he found true love.
There are numerous important characters in this book.
Dave is the main character. He is moved around many different homes because of the physical and emotional abuse his mother put him though. Ms. Gold was Dave’s social worker. When the school steps in and takes Dave away from mother, Ms. Gold tries to make Dave tell the truth. A court date is soon approaching, and he debates on letting his mother off the hook. Ms. Gold makes sure Dave is safe and away from his mother. Aunt Mary was Dave’s first foster mother. She was strict, but very loving. Ms. Catanze, or mom, is his second foster mother. She takes Dave shopping for clothes, to doctor appointments, and makes sure he eats more than he intends to. She is a very important person in Dave’s
eyes.
The plot in this story is unlike many others. The police finally take Dave away from his mother. He tried leaving her once running away, he wondered off into a pizza parlor. A police officer took him to the station to call his father. His father told the officer that Dave had simply had a disagreement about his bicycle. Soon enough, he found himself in his mothers wrath of fury and abuse. After being taken into foster care, Dave finally knows what it is like to eat a warm meal, sleep in a real bed, and take a bath. He fears that his mother will get him back after she visits at the foster home. The thought of lying to the judge and telling them his mother is a good person came into mind multiple times. He tells the truth in court and the case is closed until he is 18. He still has trust issues.
Dave soon begins to rebel. He steals from the local supermarket. A manager from the store catches him stealing expensive toys. Eventually, Mr. Catanze has had enough. He finds out that Dave tried to burn a classroom. Juvenile Hall is Dave’s temporary home. After he returns home, he has to prepare to be an adult. Dave gets a fast-food job and learns how to manage finances. Also, Ms. Catanze teaches him how to clean and cook for himself.
In conclusion, this book is an inspiring sequel. The whole series is well worth reading. This book teaches that no matter how bad life can be, it can always get better. Dave was on the verge of death until one phone call changed his entire outlook on life. I would recommend this book to anyone. Although some may not like the idea of reading a book containing child neglect, I think it is courageous for Dave Pelzer to publish his life for awareness.