Success, Motivation & Self-Esteem, Coping & Healing, Self-Improvement

Moving Forward: Taking the Lead in Your Life

Name: Moving Forward: Taking the Lead in Your Life
Author: Dave Pelzer
ISBN: 9781599951393

by Dave Pelzer

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Overview

Self-help expert Dave Pelzer teaches readers how to let go of the past and use negative experiences to make them stronger when tackling the future.

"Learning from our prior experiences, we can, and should, aspire to fulfill our dreams, making life better not only for ourselves but for others around us," Dave writes in the introduction. "I am of the belief that you do not have to be a mayor of a major metropolis or CEO of a Fortune 500 company in order to take a stand for your convictions; to lead, rally, or educate others for your cause; or to maintain a vision that will pave the way for other generations to come. The everyday, hardworking folks, God bless 'em, have and always will continue to, day in and day out, truly make an impact on their families, communities, jobs, America, and the world as a whole."

Dave Pelzer walks readers through the process of learning how to turn the experience gained from past hurts into the power to live a better life and help others do the same with his trademark wisdom, support, and tough love.

About the Author, Dave Pelzer

Dave Pelzer is the New York Times bestselling author of six books, including the acclaimed memoir A Child Called "It." He is also a popular speaker in the US and abroad, and host of "The Dave Pelzer Show" on VoiceAmerica. He lives in Rancho Mirage, California. Visit his Web site at www.davepelzer.com.

Biography

Dave Pelzer has experienced a truly extraordinary life. As a child, he endured the horrors of child abuse, which included physical torture, mental cruelty, and near starvation. Upon Dave's rescue, he was identified as one of the most severely abused children in California's history. At age 12, Dave's teachers risked their careers to notify the authorities and saved his life. Upon Dave's removal, he was made a ward of the court and placed in foster care until he enlisted in the U. S. Air Force at age 18. As a young adult Dave was determined to better himself—no matter what the odds.

As a member of the armed forces, Dave was handpicked to midair-refuel the highly secretive SR-71 Blackbird and the F-117 Stealth Fighter, which played a major role in Operations Just Cause, Desert Shield, and Desert Storm.

Some of Dave's distinctive accomplishments have been recognized through a number of awards, as well as personal commendations from Presidents Reagan, Bush, and Clinton. In 1990, he was the recipient of the J. C. Penney Golden Rule Award, making him the California Volunteer of the Year. In 1993, Dave was honored as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Americans. He joins a distinguished group of alumni that include: John F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon, Anne Bancroft, Orson Welles, Walt Disney, and Nelson Rockefeller. In 1994, Dave was the only American to be honored as one of The Outstanding Young Persons of the World. He also carried the coveted Centennial flame for the 1996 Olympics.

Dave's incredible life story was featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Montel Williams Show, Sally Jessy, Leeza Gibbons, and Barbara Walters's The View.

Dave is one of the few personalities who pay homage to educators, social services, foster care, law enforcement, and volunteers—those who make a difference in the lives of children. On the road over 250 days of the year, Dave offers programs for corporate groups, human services, and youth-at-risk. Dave's experience includes: Juvenile Hall Counselor, Youth Service Worker, Troy State University (human services studies), National Advisor, Missing Youth Foundation, Board of Directors, Foster Care ILP, and Certified Correctional Custody Program Facilitator.

Dave's unique and intriguing outlook on life, coupled with his Robin Williams-like wit and sense of humor, entertain and encourage men and women to overcome any obstacle while living life to its fullest. Dave is a living testament of resilience, faith in humanity, and personal responsibility. This is what makes him one of the most exceptional and unequaled entities of today. As an author, educator, and consultant, Dave has dedicated his life helping others…to help themselves.

Author biography courtesy of Dave Pelzer's official web site.

Good To Know

Pelzer is one of the only authors to have four books simultaneously on the New York Times bestseller list, and the first author to have three books simultaneously on this list in trade paperback.

He is the only author to date to have four No. 1 international bestsellers to his credit.

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Editorials

Library Journal

While many self-help gurus claim to have influenced millions of people's lives, Pelzer actually has. A Child Called "It," his best-selling memoir about surviving a horrifically abusive upbringing, has practically become a textbook in high schools across the country. Here, he also strives to help readers become successful against the odds, touting a commonsense yet compelling message: believe in yourself, let go of the past, take responsibility, and have faith. The mostly three-part chapters elaborate on his philosophy, share anecdotes from his life, and feature a list of questions for readers to ask themselves about the chapter's teachings. Pelzer's writing style is a long way from elegant. Conjuring the military man he was, it is straightforward and commanding, reflecting the years Pelzer has spent analyzing his past in order to clear it away. The strength of this book is his character: his ability to overcome and imbue others with hope. Recommended for all public libraries, especially where Pelzer's previous books were popular.
—Mary E. Jones

Mary E. Jones

...straightforward and commanding....The strength of this book is [Pelzer's] ability to overcome and imbue others with hope.
— Library Journal

John Bradshaw

Dave Pelzer is a living testament to resilience, personal responsibility, and the triumph of the human spirit.
— bestselling author of "Homecoming" and "Family Secrets"

Jack Canfield

A living example that all of us have the capability to better ourselves no matter what the odds. Dave Pelzer inspires us all.
— coauthor of "Chicken Soup for the Soul"