The Lost Boy (Dave Pelzer)

I read A Child Called "It" a few weeks ago and it didn't take me long to get to this one. Such a compelling story. This is the kind of book that effects you deeply. This part of the story follows Dave after he leaves his Mother's house and enters foster care. It provides an insight into both the foster care system (at least as it existed in the 70's) and the fallout that happens after an individual leaves an abusive environment. I think both of these insights are sorely needed. It is so easy to believe that after acute abuse has ended a person can just move on, forget, put it behind them. This story shows that is far from true. Dave has to learn what it means to be a regular child. How to interact with people in a healthy way. How to cope with his abusive history. The story also speaks to the amazing healing power that strong foster families can provide. Very inspiring!