This book is about abused little boy turning to a man by going through harsh life. It is true story written by Richard B. Pelzer, the main character himself. If you are unhappy with your life, maybe this is the right book to read. At first, it makes you very depressed and sad, but when you finish reading it, you will find your life very successful and blessed. tSince his elder brother left the house, Richard was his own mother’s target to abuse. He never felt love from his mother even though he loved her. As he grew up in such environment, he starts to use lot of drugs and alcohol to feel some comfort. He also tried to suicide by using great amount of drugs and guns, but he failed. He felt love and kindness from his new neighbor friend, Nichols, but his mother destructed their newly built friendship to. Even though he attended a group for abused children, the supervisor and counselors doesn’t even believe Richards life stories. No love, no life, no trust and hope. As you can imagine, His life at this point was destroyed. tAfter coming back from the group, even though he was able to stop drug use for a while, he didn’t know what he was supposed to do with life. His mother was very unwelcome and still abusive. He takes a chance and asks for Nichols’ help if he can live in their house for a while. Even though Richard is abused and destructed child, Nichols accepts him as a family and helps him to be fixed and become normal. Even though, there were some difficulties and problems, with love and care, he was able to get back to the right truck.tHowever, when he was finally independent and was ready to forgive his mother, he comes to know that his mother had died before his letter had reached her. tNow Richard lives with family and full of life which he wanted for so long but never thought of achieving it. After I read The Teenager’s Journey I found myself feeling glad that I got such a loving family and friend. I even felt thankful of getting a good educations and hard studies that I don’t like. I’m very interested in reading A Brother’s Journey which is also written by Richard B. Pelzer, which I heard is also a great book to read.
The Pelzer brothers have lead a hard life full of emotional and physical abuse. To show for it, they have written many books and have come out with amazing strength and wisdom. This book talks about Richard Pelzer's life during his teenage years and beyond, how he has fought with his self to let go and forgive his mother, and how to become a successful adult at the age of 30. I thought it went around in circles a bit, but its a good book to read, you'll learn a lot. I would recommend an earlier book though, like "A brother's Journey" by Richard Pelzer and "A child called It" by Dave Pelzer. Every book after is more philosophical.
Do You like book A Teenager's Journey (2006)?
I highly recommend Richard Pelzer's A Teenager's Journey for those who struggle with drug or alcohol addiction, anyone who cares about an addict, anyone who feels lost and directionless and purposeless. It's just such a good read. If you like good books, get your hands on this one!Richard's ups and downs in overcoming his addiction and the pain and suffering he endured captures readers' attention. I never had a drug addiction, but I'm ashamed to admit how much of his thinking sounds like things I've thought over the years. I'm sure many readers can relate to his thinking.
—Christian Singer
This book really moved me. It was very difficult to fathom that a mother who would abuse her own son in that way!! The book narrates the real life experience of the author Richard Pelzner, who survived what is now known as the one of the worst cases of child abuse in San Franscisco. The author writes about his experiments with drugs, emotionless physical relationships with girls and toying with the idea of killing himself more than once. Despite the dark, haunting theme, the book stands out as a beacon of hope, compassion from strangers and finally the gift of forgiveness in the true sense of the word!!This book has strengthened my conviction in the power of ordinary people who can touch and transform lives, just by being a part of it. Matt.
—Matt
There was a lot of depiction of drugs and alochol and sex in this story while Richard was a teen/young man which wasn't unexpected after the hell Richard went through at home but still not my cup of tea. I thought the conversation he had with his mother when he was 18 or so, when she couldn't recall just how abusive she was to her sons was so well done because it's so true to life. Richard could recall every terror of fear his mother installed in him while his mother, with her years of heavy drinking, couldn't recall half of those events. It's a sobering realization and I think Richard is a strong man for forgiving his mother for what she did to him and his brothers.
—steph
