A Man Named Dave

David Pelzer's book, "A Man Named Dave" is the third book of his biography triology. The first book, A Child Called It, covered David's life from about five to the age of twelve years old. During this period of time, David was physically, mentally and emotionally abused in unimaginable ways. His inner strength, his dreams, the smiles, kind words and self-determination gave him the strength to survive day after day. At the age of twelve, he went to school with sever chemical burns on his body and it was then when his teacher, the nurse, the principal and the police officer risked everything to save David.

Mr. Pelzer's second book, The Lost Boy, recalled David Pelzer's years between the ages of 12 and 18. He traveled from foster home to foster home and ended up at the Turnbourgh's. Although David was out of the house where "The Mother" lived, her hand stretched out and touched his life on a daily basis. David could not get away from his mother's touch or ice cold touch. He longed for the day when his dad would contact him (i.e. in person, by phone or letter); however, his communication was extremely limited. At the age of 18, David Pelzer joined the airforce.

A Man Named Dave is the third book of Mr. Pelzer's biographical triology. This book takes us through his first marriage, the birth and youth of his son (Stephen), his years in the air force as a cook and pilot, his early years as an inspirational speaker, his divorce, and his second marriage. For those of us who have read the first two books, this book provides the answers to many of our questions about how David Pelzer turns out.

MY TWO AND A HALF CENTS:
I highly recommend these three books in their entirety for all teachers, social workers, principals, school personnel, and any other profession that works directly with children. These books provide the reader a window into the life of an abused child. The books are difficult to read due to the severity and harsh conditions David Pelzer was forced to live through. However, David is an inspiration and provides hope to all who face the unimaginable as a young child.

After reading all three books I am walking away with five main points I hope to never forget.
1. David had a dream, a vision. It was this dream, this vision that kept him focused and gave him hope.
2. David prayed to God regularly. He sought God for strength.
3. Although David was a victim, David did not fall into the victim trap. He did not wallow in self-petty. David knew that if he was going to be somebody or get somewhere, he had to make it happen.
4. The odds were against David, yet, he did not let that stop him. David pressed on despite the lack of encouragement or support. David remained laser focused. David persevered. He did not give up.
5. In order to accomplish a task, good or bad, David broke it up into manageable steps. Although he had is eye on the big picture, he knew the best way to complete the picture was one step at a time.

David, thank you for your courage and willingness to share your life's experiences with those of us who work with children. You have opened the eyes of many and have given hope to many more.

These three books will remain on my professional bookshelf for years to come.

December through June Books Read 2008

Due to my hiatus, I have not recorded anything about the books I have read. Although self inflicted guilt swirls through my brain, I will not be responding on those books. I simply do not have enough time. So, in order to appease my guilt, I will list the books I have read (actually the ones I can remember) and simply state whether I would recommend it for others to read or to just by-pass it. The books I have read were:

*Kill Fee by Gary Paulsen - Adult content not for youth. Recommend if you are a Gary Paulsen fan.
* The Big Book of How to Say It Best by Jack Griffin and Robbie Millerr-Kaplan. Recommended as a resource. Helpful for writing letters, giving speeches, and simply saying things in an appropriate manner.
* The Little Red Hen owned by A Golden Book company - One of my favorite children's stories. I often quote some of the lines from the book when the moment is right.
* The Five Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell - If you found Gary Chapman's book, The Five Love Languages, beneficial and meaningful I would recommend it.
* How to Clean Practically Anything by Consumer Reports - If you are into creative ways to save money and clean household items, then this book is for you.
* The Telling by H.L. Klun - This is the first of three books. It is an enjoyable read and recommended for those who love children's literature.
* A Child Called It by Dave Pelzer - P/M (biography).
* The Lost Boy by Dave Pelzer - P/M (biography).
* The Sisters Grimm: The Fairy-Tale Detective (book 1) by Michael Buckley - CL.
* The Sisters Grimm: The Unusual Suspect (book 2) by Michael Buckley - CL.
* The Sisters Grimm: The Problem Child (book 3) by Michael Buckley - CL.

I suspect there were more, but I didn't write them down nor save all of them. Often times, I give the books away for others to read, place them on my professional shelf or simply recycle to book (especially when it's a piece of cr@#$*%p.

July 2008 Books

It has been over eight to nine months since I have posted anything on this blog. My hiatus was due to a string of events that simply prevented me from reviewing and writing about the books I have read. Some of those events and/or variables were, but not limited to, were: a new school assignment, mentorship, a new college course assignment, my lap top was stolen, and my daughter got married. All of these events have enriched my life beyond belief but I had to slow down a little to process and given attention to these new chapters in my life.

As for the books I plan to start, complete and/or purchase this month, I have listed them below. They are not in any particular order (i.e. of interest, alphabetical by author, alphabetical by title, ect...). The list books that I am in the progress of reading, wanting to start and/or plan to purchase for future reading have been categorized in one of five categories. Those five categories are: children's literature, personal (self-helpish type books), religious, professional development, and Miss Alainius.


July books should be:

* Joy in the Journey by Guy Doud - R.
* A Man Named Dave by Dave Pelzer - P/M (biography).
* Nine Best Practices That Make the Difference by Brian Pete and Robin Fogarty - PD.
* The 4:8 Principal by Tommy Newberry - R.
* The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch w/Jeffrey Zaslow - P.
* Victory Secrets of Attila the Hun by Wess Robersts, PhD - PD.
* Frankenstein by Mary Shelley - CL.
* Princess Annie and the Magical Pendant by H.L. Klun - CL.
* The World Is Flat by Thomas L. Friedman - P.
* The Sisters Grimm: Once Upon A Crime by Micael Buckley - CL.

Books, intellectual conversations, and casual conversations all have an influence on one's thinking, actions, discussions. I look forward to the journey that lays ahead. Here's to the journey!