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Dave Pelzer

Bestselling Author • 2 Series • 11 Books

2
Series
11
Books
2
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of's Memoirs Books
Start with: A Child Called: One Child's Courage to Survive (1995)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Self-Help Books
Start with: Help Yourself: Finding Hope, Courage, And Happiness (2000)

About Dave Pelzer

Author Dave Pelzer was born December 29, 1960 in San Francisco, California, and is the second of five boys. He was raised in Daly City, California. At the age of twelve, he was placed in foster care, due to the beatings he received from his mom. His instructors stepped in on March 5, 1973. At the age of eighteen, he joined US Air Force in the year 1979 and served in the Gulf War. During the 1996 Summer Olympics torch relay, he was a torch carrier. In a lot of his work, he talks about his childhood, and how his alcoholic mom abused him from the ages of four to twelve. During the eighties, he got married to Patsy (which is a pseudonym), his first wife, and had a son with her. They would eventually divorce, and he would marry his editor, Marsha. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of's Memoirs Books series, Dave Pelzer has since expanded their repertoire to include numerous successful works across various genres. Their writing style, characterized by compelling narratives and memorable characters, has earned them a dedicated global readership with millions of fans worldwide.

📚 All Book Series by Dave Pelzer

Publication Order of's Memoirs Books
7 books 1995–2023
1

A Child Called: One Child's Courage to Survive

A Child Called: One Child's Courage to Survive continues the Publication Order of's Memoirs Books story arc with Dave Pelzer's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1995
2

The Lost Boy: A Foster Child's Search for the Love of a Family

The Lost Boy: A Foster Child's Search for the Love of a Family explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of's Memoirs Books series by Dave Pelzer.

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1997
3

A Man Named Dave: A Story of Triumph and Forgiveness

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of's Memoirs Books with A Man Named Dave: A Story of Triumph and Forgiveness, another outstanding contribution from Dave Pelzer.

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1999
4

My Story

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of's Memoirs Books with My Story, another outstanding contribution from Dave Pelzer.

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2002
5

The Privilege of Youth: A Teenager's Story

The Privilege of Youth: A Teenager's Story continues the Publication Order of's Memoirs Books story arc with Dave Pelzer's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2004
6

Too Close to Me: The Middle-Aged Consequences of Revealing a Child Called It

Too Close to Me: The Middle-Aged Consequences of Revealing a Child Called It continues the Publication Order of's Memoirs Books story arc with Dave Pelzer's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2014
7

Return to the River

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of's Memoirs Books with Return to the River, another outstanding contribution from Dave Pelzer.

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2023
Publication Order of Self-Help Books
4 books 2000–2008
1

Help Yourself: Finding Hope, Courage, And Happiness

Help Yourself: Finding Hope, Courage, And Happiness continues the Publication Order of Self-Help Books story arc with Dave Pelzer's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2000
2

Dave Pelzer's Life Lessons: From a Man Who Knows

Dave Pelzer's Life Lessons: From a Man Who Knows is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Self-Help Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Dave Pelzer have come to expect.

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2000
3

Help Yourself for Teens: Real-Life Advice for Real-Life Challenges

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Self-Help Books with Help Yourself for Teens: Real-Life Advice for Real-Life Challenges, another outstanding contribution from Dave Pelzer.

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2005
4

Moving Forward: Taking the Lead in Your Life

Conflict and courage define Moving Forward: Taking the Lead in Your Life, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Self-Help Books series by Dave Pelzer that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.

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2008

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Dave Pelzer?

Dave Pelzer is a bestselling author known for 2 book series containing over 11 books. Popular series include Publication Order of's Memoirs Books, Publication Order of Self-Help Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Dave Pelzer series to start with?

For readers new to Dave Pelzer's work, the Publication Order of's Memoirs Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 7 books. Begin with A Child Called: One Child's Courage to Survive to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Dave Pelzer written?

Dave Pelzer has written over 11 books across 2 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Dave Pelzer books in order?

Yes, reading Dave Pelzer's series in publication order is strongly recommended. Most series feature evolving character arcs, ongoing story threads, and references to earlier events that are most rewarding when experienced in sequence. Our complete reading order guides are listed above.

What genre does Dave Pelzer write in?

Dave Pelzer writes primarily in fiction. With 2 series across 11 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Dave Pelzer's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Dave Pelzer's books are part of ongoing series and deliver the most satisfying experience when read in order. However, several standalone novels and short story collections provide excellent entry points without requiring prior knowledge of other series.

What is Dave Pelzer's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Dave Pelzer's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of's Memoirs Books series. The first book, A Child Called: One Child's Courage to Survive, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.