Lynn's Literature: What I'm reading

Friday, July 20, 2007

What I'm reading

For the past 2 weeks I have immersed myself in the books of Dave Pelzer and one by his brother, Richard Pelzer.

Dave Pelzer is a survivor of one of the worst cases of child abuse in California during the 1970's. Since being rescued he has achieved amazing things. Stuff that you could never expect from someone who was treated so poorly. It's truly an inspiration to read his books.

His first. A Boy Called 'It', written from the child's perspective did not make me cry or upset to read like I thought it would. It's very easy to read and I finished it within a day. The second book, The Lost Boy, was just as rivetting and easy to read.

I'm 2/3rds of the way through, A Man Named Dave and am finding this one a bit of a tissue jobbie. Probably because of the adult style it's written in. I don't think it's about the recounting of his abuse that is the upsetting parts, but rather, the way the author allows the legacy of his childhood to show through to his adult life.

It is with great compassion that he can allow himself to forgive his father, and then finally his mother.

I really must say these books are a tremendous read and if anyone thinks that bad things happened in their childhood that hold them back or follow into their adulthood then these books are a must, because if Dave Pelzer can achieve all that he has with what was done to him as a child, then I can say with all confidence that our experiences are no excuse.

Angus and Robertson have the Dave Pelzer trilogy pack for $29.95.

http://www.davepelzer.com/

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Lynn's Blog

Stephanie in her new winter school uniform. A Different Child by Pandora MacMillian. People notice there's a special glow around you. You grow, surrounded by love, never doubting you are wanted; Only look at the pride and joy in your mother's eyes. And if sometimes between the smiles there's a trace of tears, one day you'll understand. You'll understand there was once another child, a different child who was in their hopes and dreams. That child will never outgrow the baby clothes. That child will never keep them up at night. In fact, that child will never be any trouble at all. Except sometimes, in a silent moment, when mother and father miss so much that different child. May hope and love wrap you warmly and may you learn the lesson forever how infinately precious, how infinately fragile is this life on earth. One day, as a young woman you may see another mother's tears, another father's silent grief, then you, and you alone will understand and offer the greatest comfort. When all hope seems lost, you will tell them with great compassion, "I know how you feel. I'm only here because my mother tried again."

Quotes that inspire me

'Remembering' is not a steady state, but rather a frequent waking out of forgetfulness. The past stands still, but the present moves and every generation must discover the history of it's parent generation for itself. Anna Haebich
.I myself have never been able to find out precisely what feminism is; I only know that people call me a feminist whenever I express sentiments that differentiate me from a doormat. Rebecca West. 1913.
Abusive behaviour is not a consequent of individual sickness or deviance, but an over-conforming response to dominant ideas regarding, power, privilege and responsibility which are regarded as normal, and which in fact constitute our societal norms and structures. Alan Jenkins
As long as the conditions of the past are the conditions of the present, then the past is not past. Anna Haebich
Failure to appreciate the manifestation of control (over others) means that few in either the community or the legal system know that vilence may continue after separation and also contribute to women's inability to leave. Patricia Easteal
History is typically written by victors who can 'afford to forget', while the losers are unable to accept what happened and are condemned to brood over it, relive it and reflect how it might have been. Anna Haebich
I swore never to be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure suffering and humiliation. We must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. Sometimes we must interfere. Elie Wiesel. Holocaust Survivor
If advertising did not influence human action, it would not be an effective means of promoting merchandise. Advertising abounds precisely because of its influence. Television is capable of creating a desire for something and providing direction on how to behave. Sarah Sobieraj
If we were to really take into account the roles of sexual coercion and violence play in shaping human culture and personal identity, fundamental structures of thought could well be shaken and changed. Such great shifts in world view unsettle even those whose privileges and self-images are not directly threatened by them. Olafsen, et al. 1993
It is often suggested that the planet needs saving. But it's not the earth that is in peril. It is us. Dr Iain Stewart. Earth: The Power of the Planet
Many people judge themselves according to the views of others and cannot approve of themselves unless they are approved of by others. Few people challenge the ideologies or belief systems to which they belong. Instead of forming one's identity according to one's personal beliefs, it is far better to define oneself according to the processes by which one formulates beliefs. Richard Paul & Linda Elder
One of the greatest sources of stress is feeling responsible over something that you have no control over. Dr Phil
Talking with someone about their mental illness is not about discovering the truth, it is about realising their experience. Erin Morgan, Lifeline Presenter
The more you understand the nature of men, the more you'd wonder: Why do such sensible, responsible and lovely creatures like women wouldl ike to be anywhere near them? Stephen King
The presence of so many pedophilic-like individuals in relatively high-functioning 'normal' samples supports the notion that the sexualisation of children is at least partially a social phenomenon. John N Briere
The view that women are emotional and men stoic conveniently omits the emotion of anger, which, although little different in the two sexes in terms of arousal, leads to far more damaging consequences when experienced by men. John Archer, Barbara Lloyd
They don't want to hear the truth because the truth is so much harder to understand and so much longer than a lie. 12 year old female sexual assault victim
Through the education of men into male entitlement, men have extensive boundaries that engulf others, subsuming them, especially females who are experienced as extensions of the man. Carol J Adams
Throughout history it has been the inaction of those who could have acted; the indifference of those who should have known better; the silence of the voice of justice when it mattered most that has made it possible for evil to triumph. Haile Selassie I
When people show you who they are; believe them. Lola99 www.psychforums.com
You can either decide to become a part of the problem or be a part of the solution. Dr Phil