downhill's review
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
4.25
This book was perfect to understand how a child could go on abused without help. Everything was so disgustingly(in the way that the mother treated her son) raw, no part left not written. I applaud the author for their amazing writing and their ability to come out and talk about everything that happened.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Bullying, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Excrement, Physical abuse, Torture, and Vomit
myworldtoread's review
4.0
I've heard a lot about this book since high school, and knowing the subject matter, I went into it knowing I would be going on an emotional ride. Apparently there is a lot of controversy surrounding this book as to its validity in terms of what the author went through at the hands of his mother. Putting aside the issue of whether or not he is telling the truth, this is a deeply disturbing account of what could (and sometimes does) happen to a child in a violent home. You hear stories on the news about child abuse cases and think how could someone possibly do that to a child, and those same questions swirl around your head while reading this book. I've got to hand it to those who are brave enough to become foster parents, and thank those who become responsible foster parents, for willingly opening their homes to some of the more severe cases of foster children (of which there are some in The Lost Boy part of this two part novel). My cousin and his wife have fostered several children (babies, infants and toddlers) and I have always admired their commitment to their "kids" during their times with them.
ibeforem's review
4.0
These books are fascinating and heartbreaking all at once. I read the first last night, and the second today in less than 2 hours. What I feel left with is not only amazement that this child survived and managed to grow up to be a contributing member of society, but amazement in the differences between the system then and now.
When you read what was done to this boy, you won’t be able to believe that his mother was 1) not punished in the slightest bit, 2) allowed contact with David after he was removed from her care and 3) able to keep her other children without a smidgen of oversight.
Anyway, I highly recommend these books, but be prepared to be horrified.
When you read what was done to this boy, you won’t be able to believe that his mother was 1) not punished in the slightest bit, 2) allowed contact with David after he was removed from her care and 3) able to keep her other children without a smidgen of oversight.
Anyway, I highly recommend these books, but be prepared to be horrified.
boxtagram's review
4.0
This is a very sad and dark story. Any form of child abuse disgusts me, and this is the worst of the worst. I am glad I read it, but it is not for the light of heart. THere is a hopeful message in the end and it is uplifting to know of the resiliency of the human spirit.