Help Yourself. How You Can Find Hope, Courage and Happiness

by Dave Pelzer

As nearly four million readers have learned from his three previous books, Dave Pelzer doesn't believe in feeling sorry for himself. Abused mercilessly by his mother as a child, Dave has taken everything that happened to him and turned it into something positive so that he can help others. Now happily married and with a child of his own, he celebrates the twin pillars of strength that saw him through his darkest hours: resilience and gratitude. And he shows how anyone can tap into these virtues to live a better and more fulfilling life.

In Help Yourself, Dave Pelzer explains how to move beyond a painful history, harmful negative thoughts, and innumerable setbacks by urging readers to take control and be accountable for their lives. Filled with his own history, as well as the personal struggles of others who have learned how to turn adversity into triumph, Help Yourself is a rousing call to readers who want real answers to real problems. Never before in paperback, it will undoubtedly join Pelzer's previous paperbacks on bestseller lists for years to come.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Psychology, Inspirational, Biography, Biography Memoir, Memoir

218 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

An author best known for his 1995 memoir of childhood abuse, A Child Called It.

At the age of 12, Dave was removed from an abusive home and placed in a series of foster homes. In 1979, he joined the Air Force and later became an author of memoirs and self-improvement books.

A CHILD CALLED "IT" IS COMING TO THE BIG SCREEN.

August 2017 - We are very excited to announce that writer/producer David Goldblum of Conscious Contact Productions has acquired the film rights to Dave Pelzer's, #1 New York Times bestselling book, A Child Called “IT” which was on the New York Times Best Sellers List for a record breaking six years. Tamlin Hall, whose film Holden On has won multiple awards around the country is attached to direct. Dave Pelzer is adapting the screenplay alongside Goldblum and Hall. The movie is in pre-production, with production set to begin in Spring 2018. A-List talent are already circling the project. Be sure and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates. https://www.facebook.com/AChildCalled....

Reviews

[Tim Chavel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dave Pelzer has an amazing story. His previous books,"A Child Called It," "The Lost Boy," and "A Man Called Dave" tell of his severe abuse at the hands of his Mom. The stories he tells in those books are almost unbelievable. This book is a self help book based on the things he learned to overcome that abuse. He has several good points and also has some I disagree with. I highly recommend his previous books and then you can decide if you would like to read this one. Keep in mind he discusses a few of the abuses in this book.

[Marilynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the last self help book I have read or will ever need or want to read. After reading this book years ago this book help me realize we all have our own trials to go through; some are done to us and others we create ourselves. Each day do something for yourslef and something for others. Each of these need not be shared with anyone but often will give you a boost and share commonality with our world and just may provide you with inner peace.

[Stephanie O’]

I heard him speak once and was totally inspired to move on from the broken relationships in my life. His book isn't quite as captivating as he was in person, but still I find it helpful in validating my right to respect in a relationship.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing man...truly resilient. He should have his picture next to the word in the dictionary and ever since reading this book every
time I hear the word Resilient I think of Dave.

[A Manatee · Rating 1 out of 5]

Despite not liking most of all of this book and especially the opinions and views of Dave Pelzer, I would have to give him credit where credit is due. Dave Pelzer is not the type of man to sit around and let the world happen to him, he happens to the world.

I'm not a fan of, 'self-help', books and my choice in buying such a book titled, "Help Yourself", seems more of an exercise in affirming what I already figured. If you're looking for help, ultimately it is up to you. There are times in our life when we can look back and say, "wow, if it wasn't for so and so's help, I'm not sure if I'd still be here." We can even be grateful for some one just bothering to hold a door open for us.

I find Dave Pelzer's opinions and views to be just that, his opinions and views. I don't share them, and I don't like the way he constantly refers to celebrities and famous successful people as if they are the only people to look up to.

I think there are many people in life who are very driven for many varying different reasons.

What I have known before reading this book and continue to be reaffirmed in, is that we are not all going to be like Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, or any number of the types of people Dave constantly refers to.

What I do know is that each of us is unique and some times our failures in life is what make us great, not our successes. I do agree on one thing, though. You can only count on yourself to do what has to be done or what you want to do, everything else is just luck one should be grateful for.

[Angie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not a big self-help book person, at least that's my impression from reading part of this book (I couldn't finish it--only 70ish pages through I quit). I'm sure it's helpful to someone! I enjoyed his autobiographical books, but of his 3 (I think) self-help books, this is the only one I've started reading. Maybe due to my negative response to the speech he gave for our human services company (he was quite arrogant and dismissive that anybody's problems should affect their behaviors in a lasting way).

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book absolutely changed my life. I highlighted passages, took notes, the whole nine yards. It was the kick in the a$$ I needed to get my life on track.

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply the truth told simply from someone who rose above all odds. It helps me gain perspective and stop whining.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful words to help anyone to make the best out of tough times.

[Michelle Akers-dicken · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Pelzer, to me, is one of the most inspirational people of this century. He makes me give myself NO EXCUSES for having negative tendencies. While this book was nothing new in the self help genre, there are such practical - common sense based ideas that could apply to anyone and everyone. I think the most important thing I came away with is that while there's still breath in my body, JOY can be found and goals not only NEED to be set but absolutely CAN be achieved (with hard work and commitment). As a society, we've become too complacent and want everything handed to us. If it's not easy then I quit! That's all too common of an attitude with modern day American's. If someone like David Pelzer can accomplish goals and still have dreams after suffering the worst documented abuse (at that time) in California history.... what excuse do many of us have? Ugh. Yeah, I was a little ashamed of myself. BUT, the moral of the story is that "Tomorrow is another day"! Life would be boring if not for the problems we prove to ourselves that we CAN overcome. It's really all about the attitude, as he says in this book.

I'd definitely recommend "Help Yourself", by David Pelzer. It's a very quick and easy read and a perfect "attitude adjustment" if you're looking for a little motivation to stop feeling sorry for yourself and stop being lazy so you can accomplish your dreams. The joy really IS in the journey and not the final outcome. Maybe a little cliche' but it's what I needed at this time in my life!

[Elizabeth H. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Do you want to be more than a passive victim? Do memories of hurtful experiences have too much power over you? The horrific examples from the author's own childhood establish that he is an authority on how to 'help yourself'. I found the book memorable - not because the ideas were new - but because the author's credibility, based one his own experiences, make it difficult to ignore his good advice.

[Debbie]

I love self help books and this is a good one. Simple to the point words of wisdom, to help you move past the hurt, the guilt, the blaming of yourself. A book that helps you get on the road to letting go and learning to live and love again.

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this book is really good - not read his other books but there are extracts throughout this that relate to what has happened to him how he coped then and how he overcame - powerful and thought provoking, made me wonder how someone can overcome such horrific abuse and still be so positive and have made a success of life - inspiring

[Azmir Ismail · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book for those who want guidance in dealing with a painful past. Even though Dave writes about his experiences, his journey in overcoming the despair, sadness and cruelty shows the things that he did to come out of his painful past. I liked his frank acknowledgement of his past and how he chose to rise above it. A recommended read :)

[Chip · Rating 2 out of 5]

Couldn't finish it; too repetitive. I'm sure it has a good message but it seemed lost on me, at least after the third or fourth iteration. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but I wasn't getting it from this book so I'm surrendering now...

[Rachael Chavez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eye opening g

I would say the terrible things he endured as a child would have broken the strongest of the strong. his story is heart warming and makes you really look at yourself and ask, is it that bad?

[Eve · Rating 3 out of 5]

I met Dave Pelzer around circa 2010 give or take a year or two and he autographed this book for me. The book itself is an easy read and he does give some very practical advice on how to overcome adversity without acquiring the victim mentality along the way.

[Peg · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent book, especially for those people trying to find a better way to live life and interact with people.

[Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far I really like this book. I've enjoyed reading most every book by him. I'm only a third of the way through and so far I love it; I would highly recommend all of his books.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty basic self-help book but certainly written from the heart.

[Kholsu]

i really need to read this
the reviews seem (you either like it or you dont) in my case its positive and up my ally, i think this could be my answer for few things am facing at present.

am so keen to get my hands on a copy :)

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is difficult to imagine the abuse the author suffered at the hands of his adoptive mother, but extremely encouraging that he has had a successful life in spite of it. Although a little preachy at times, I found the book inspiring.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

my mom thought i needed a self help book. my downward spiral continued so i'm not sure it helped all that much.

[Cws]

158.1

[Nash]

Still reading...

[Kayelyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good refresher for those who are healthy and a great gift to those who are working to be.

[Manda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderfully insightful !!!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing how he has come through...

[Rubber Duck Ry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really inspiring stuff. Has opened my eyes to new perspectives and has provided a much needed kick up the ass.!

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

He was a very inspiritional reading and it really opened my eyes to better myself.