A Brother's Journey: Surviving a Childhood of Abuse

As most everyone else, I first read "A Child Called It," as well as David Pelzer's other two, and recommend making those a prequel to this one, although this book is certainly special enough to stand on its own! The abuse that both boys endured is heart breaking. It is a miracle that they both lived to share their stories. It is interesting that in the end, neither David nor Richard gave up on God, although both boys felt at times that God (unsure if there was one) had forsaken them.I do not agree with the criticism that David's books were better written than Richard's. "A Brother's Journey" is excellent in content as well as structure. I even liked the ending. Having said that, I am hoping that Richard finds it in him to write another.

Personally, at the beginning of this book. I was not happy with Richard. I was like how could any person, child or adult help to inflict suffering on one of their family members,. In particular one who had never caused harm to that individual any harm. I felt so bad for David, having a brother who would purposefully get him in trouble and like watching him suffer. However, once the abuse started in on Richard i felt sympathy for him as well.. Granted his torment wasnt as bad in someways but in others it seems worse. With David, their mother seemed to find some sick pleasure in seeing how long she could torture him until other members of the family came home or until he died (thankfully that never happened). With Richard it seemed she couldnt control herself and just wanted to see him dead. The attacks were faster and more intense, to the point he probably shouldve been in the hospital a few times. My biggest issue is, the neighbors knew what had happened to David, they knew what was happening to Richard and they said and did nothing to stop it. The principal i can only assume suspected something was going on, and yet she did nothing. And i can only assume the woman who was with him at the hospital was some sort of social worker, and she didnt step in either, even though it was clear the poor child was beaten to the point he almost died. And during the whole time no one thought to tell the poor child, "Your brother David is safe. If your mother is hurting you like she hurt David, let us know so we can make sure your safe too." The poor child was around what age? 7-8? and no one realized the poor child was scared and confused. He was being beaten by his mom, his brother disappeared, clearly he didnt understand why and no one felt he should know the truth?! This whole situation makes me mad, and i really wish the mother had been treated for whatever mental illness she had and then put in prison to live out miserable life, where she couldnt hurt anyone.

All I can say, is I hope this mother suffered before she went to hell! As for the brothers, Ross/Ron, Stan/Scott, or whatever their real names are, they deserve nothing in life and hopefully suffer severely before dying and being sent to the deepest pits of Hell. And momma’s boy Kenneth, hell is too good for him and his lies!

I have read all of Dave Peltzer books, it was wonderful to read his brother Richards account of the abuse Dave suffered and how he came to replace Dave in his mother's Eyes. I do wish he would have not left us hanging at the end of the novel though, I was left with more questions about his life once they moved then I might have been if he would have covered things up to the point of his marriage. I hope that he will write another book enlightening us on life once they moved to Utah. I highly recommend this book to everyone who has read Dave Peltzers books, if you haven't read them first so you understand this book to the fullest that the author wants you to.

This is a very well written account of a second victim in the Pelzer family. The tragedy of this family is better understood after reading Richard Pelzer's book - it's like the other side of the same coin. I've read Dave Pelzer's books, which are also very well written, and this one by Richard explains so much of what is not known about the family dynamics in Dave's books.He explains why he intentionally antagonized Dave's situation and how it felt to become the replacement. He also helped us to see what drove his mother and how Dave must have felt when he was the victim and still in the home. I went from having no empathy whatsoever for Richard to truly understanding the horrific life he also endured. His abuse was different from Dave's in some respects, but it was also increasingly severe as it progressed and was also horrific. That either of these boys survived to become men able to tell their story is truly amazing.To read about the specifics of abuse from the victim(s) and the feelings and thoughts they had at the time is truly eye opening. It helps us all to realize that these things really are happening, that they are probably worse than what we suspect, and why the victim isn't able to help themself or even tell anyone what is happening to them. These men both have a horrible life story to share, and if just the act of writing their story is healing for them, something has been accomplished. I wish both of them peace and freedom from their past.

This book was in really good condition, I bought mine used but I don't mind. The pages were folded and stuff but nothing horrible. The story itself is so good. I have read all of his brother's book(A Child Called series.) If you have read the books buy his brother's than this book is definitely a must read.

I feel like Richard is trying to overshadow what happened to his brother. He saw the fame that David’s truth got him and Richard is reaching for that same fame. But what David went through BECAUSE of Richard makes this book not feel as honest. I don’t know. No child should endure what either one of these boys did.

I chose this rating because this book was incredible . Sad knowing this mom did so many horrible things to two of her boys and only one got help. Even now days so many kids aren't getting the help they need. We need to bring awareness to child abuse and get kids the help they need. Thank you for sharing your story.

Book came in excellent condition just as described. Would absolutely buy from this seller again!

A very captivating book! I read the books form his brother David and could not resist reading this one.It is unbelievable what these boys were put through and how they were able to transform their bad and unspeakable experiences during childhood into a positive outcome.Very inspiring!

Fantastic read. Bought as I had the other books and wanted to see the other side.

have not finished it yet...so far, so good thank you

Amazing author defiantly worth a read and a buy of other books including a teenagers journey, really great true story of a boy raised in horror