A BROTHER'S JOURNEY Surviving a Childhood of Abuse

As adults and writers, Richard and David Pelzer are mining gold out of their agonizing childhoods, when both suffered severe physical and psychological abuse by their sadistic mother. Each brother has written several books on the subject, including David’s highly praised bestseller, A CHILD CALLED “IT.” As read by the reliably admirable Scott Brick, this title becomes a tedious and numbing series of the unspeakable tortures, regurgitated with self-pity and improbably detailed memories, that made up young Richard’s life. Scott wisely tones down the drama but adopts an unremitting tone of gloom that oppresses the listener. How could he help it, given the text? Y.R. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/SEP 05]