Help Yourself

Dave Pelzer's life thus far has been extraordinary in the true sense of the word. Growing up in 1970s California, he endured unimaginable abuse at the hands of his deranged mother until he was finally rescued and placed into foster care at the age of 12. Joining the US Airforce at 18, he's subsequently been involved in several high-profile missions including Operation Desert Storm and was named an Outstanding Young Person of the World in 1994 for his work in child abuse awareness. Author of a bestselling trilogy that documents this harrowing yet ultimately triumphant life, Pelzer's latest work is an inspirational volume that encourages people to lead as rewarding and positive lives as possible. There's a veritable glut of self-help books on this subject available and it's all too easy to be swamped but make no mistake, Pelzer's words of wisdom are just that, a philosophy of courage and determination that possesses universal appeal, the honest truth contained here heartening for even the most jaded of readers. Occasionally the prose can err on the side of the over-simplistic but generally it steers a steady path. In essence Pelzer uses the experiences of his own life as a framework by which he encourages others to conquer obstacles and fulfil their potential. First he tackles the emotional baggage that inhibits many, offers practical guidance in starting afresh - what he calls 'psychologically purging' oneself of negativity - and then concludes with chapters that amply demonstrate how far positivity - and a clear sense of focus - can carry you. Warm, straightforward and refreshingly devoid of schmaltz, it's clearly intended as a companion for those times when the glass has suddenly switched from half-full to half-empty and in this it succeeds superbly. To borrow a popular aphorism, nothing succeeds like success and Dave's journey from isolated waif to popular mentor is one worthy of celebration indeed, and amply demonstrates how determination and self-belief can overcome even the most harrowing of circumstances. (Kirkus UK)