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I would like to share a new book Return to the River: Reflections on Life Choices During a Pandemic by Dave Pelzer (Author) I received a copy of in exchange for this review.
First and foremost I hadn’t heard of Dave Pelzer before I received a email from his publisher asking if I review books and I’m so glad I responded as I feel in love with Return to the River Reflections on Life Choices During a Pandemic which I enjoyed a lot. I thank the LORD my dad was gone before the Pandemic happened but I’m also sad I didn’t know about this book which I believe he would have enjoyed a lot.
“Return to the River” is a brief recap of Dave Pelzer childhood trauma, which he revisits by visiting scenes in his present life as a 60-year-old man. Which was fun for me to see because next year even thought its hard to believe I will be60 and the following year David will be. Man on man where did life go.
At the end of the book you will find letters written about Dave from people he knows. Then you should check out the audiobook which is a recording of Dave himself speaking about the book. Which I plan on sharing with David because I really would like for him and Charlie to read this book.
Here is a fun tip for you the cover is an artistic rendering of a scene that took place in Dave Pelzer childhood and I must tell you I wish I was there with him because I love all the Trees in the background and look at the water wouldn’t it be fun to go swimming in it? Or we could ride in one of the boats.
I found myself finding myself drawn into Dave’s world and I was excited to see Dave vent towards his father which I wish I had the opportunity to do with my own parents. It was sad to find out his dad had abandoned him in a crazy situation but he was still highly admired. To me that is just crazy.
It’s unusual to find out Dave still loves and cherishes his father’s memory, but its nice that he said his peace. Sometimes the book seemed to become a tad dark but it didn’t keep me from finishing the story or sharing it with my friends and family. I didn’t like what happened to his marriage, his living situation, or his thoughts of suicide, which brought up my son Travis who has attempted sucide many times.
I didn’t like how shallow some of the people David worked with were and I believe they were some of his problems. We learn through the story Dave found a way to pull through and offer words of encouragement to others. For those wondering what genre of book this is I would like to say a self-help book.
About the book:
#1 international best-selling author of A Child Called “It”, speaker, and humanitarian Dave Pelzer welcomes readers into the next chapter of his life—and examines why, after spending decades saving others in the military, as a fire captain, and an internationally acclaimed advocate, he is confronted with the need to save himself.
On the surface, Dave Pelzer’s life seems like an action movie—he’s walked the red carpet with celebrities and stood shoulder to shoulder with soldiers in Iraq; he’s flown top-secret missions for the U.S. Air Force, and battled wildfires in California as a volunteer fire captain. Now, 50 years after his rescue from a horrific childhood of abuse and into the safety of the foster care system, he reflects on the battles he’s fighting in his own heart.
Pelzer reflects on the courage it takes to move forward in your life, the peace to accept yourself, the vulnerability to strip yourself of facades, and the tenacity to carry on when life doesn’t turn out the way you planned.
Pub Date: March 2023
Genre: Inspirational / Mental Health / Self-Help / Spiritual
Publisher: Health Communications, Inc.
Page Count: 256
Format, ISBN, Price: Paperback 978-0757324543 $15.95, Audible B0BP9TDJJM $14,69, Kindle B0B57FT938 $11.99
NetGalley: http://netgal.ly/YHVON9
Dave Pelzer is the author of 9 books. Dave’s first book, A Child Called “It” was on the New York Times Best Sellers List for a record-setting 6 YEARS. His other books were also on the New York Times Best Sellers List for over 12 years. Dave was the first author to have four #1 international bestsellers and to have four books simultaneously on the New York Times Best Sellers List.
Dave is regularly tapped by the U.S. military and high level task forces to aid in investigations and create leadership curriculum, and is the host of the Dave Pelzer Podcast.
In 1993, Dave was honored as one of the 10 Outstanding Young Americans, joining a distinguished group including John F. Kennedy and Walt Disney. In 2005, Dave was the recipient of the National Jefferson Award, which is considered the Pulitzer Prize of public service. As a member of the armed forces, Dave was hand-picked to midair refuel the then highly secretive SR-71 Blackbird and the F-117 Stealth Fighter. Dave has served as a Volunteer Fire Captain at the Northern Sonoma Coast and the Russian River, California, amid regular wildfires, many of them making national news. He is a persona the media want to get their hands on!
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
