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Dear Teddy #1
Dear Teddy
Little boy little boy,
Curled in a ball.
I know your secrets,
I know them all
I write in my journal as much as I can. I talk to Mr. Ted. He is my only friend. He understands when the bad man comes. He holds my hand when I have nightmares and my mummy doesn't hear me cry. Mr. Ted doesn’t tell. He won’t say when my daddy hurts me. He keeps my secrets and my stories. I love Mr. Ted. He is the only one who loves me back.
Mr. Ted.
I keep falling asleep. Bad things happen. I get sore all the time. But I don’t know why. My mum says it’s a demon. Because I got evil. Please make me be good.
Curled in a ball.
I know your secrets,
I know them all
I write in my journal as much as I can. I talk to Mr. Ted. He is my only friend. He understands when the bad man comes. He holds my hand when I have nightmares and my mummy doesn't hear me cry. Mr. Ted doesn’t tell. He won’t say when my daddy hurts me. He keeps my secrets and my stories. I love Mr. Ted. He is the only one who loves me back.
Mr. Ted.
I keep falling asleep. Bad things happen. I get sore all the time. But I don’t know why. My mum says it’s a demon. Because I got evil. Please make me be good.
108 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 19, 2012
127 people are currently reading
1610 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
August 11, 2012
How many Teddy Bears are there around the world that hold these same secrets of the child that owns them? I cringe at the horror of that thought! Because in my heart, I know that there are way too many. Dear Teddy is written in the voice of a 5 year old child instead of the voice of an adult. The author is brilliant in doing this because it makes the reader actually see and hear this small, wonderful little boy. The reader actually gets to feel the physical and emotional pain of this child and therefore, takes on the role of Teddy. As I listened to this child spill his worst nightmares to me, I felt my claws begin to grow and my teeth begin to sharpen. In my mind, this reader literally became Mama Bear, a nickname that has become a part of me. This shows the brilliance and extreme talent of this author, J.D. Stockholm. While other reviewers have stated that they were brought to sobs and tears, I was not. I became angry and violent towards all adults who have these tendancies and mindsets of the people who were in this child's life. I became sick to "my tummy" from all of the lies that were forced into this sweet little child's mind making him believe every one. In my mind, I screamed at the world "WHERE THE HELL IS THIS CHILD'S GUARDIAN ANGEL?" This displays the awesome talent and yes, I will say it again, brilliance of this author. I can not and will not say that I loved this story. I can however, say that it is a book that every adult should and must read. If we as human beings don't know the hurt and pain that is going on around us then how can we stop it? J.D. Stockholm, you are a very talented author Sir, and I stand and applaud you. I will have to read your next book but only because I need to know whether or not this little boy survives and gets his happy ending.
December 23, 2012
Soul shattering and utterly heartbreaking. I finished with tears in my eyes and an ache in my heart. I desperately want to embrace this young boy, tell him he is nothing but good and worthy of the greatest of love. I commend Mr. Stockholm for sharing his horrific story that is sure to be a soothing balm to other innocent victims. He is brave, courageous and an angel sent from God to lighten the darkest of lives and help to heal the deepest of wounds. Not an easy read by far, but one that sheds light upon the internal and external horror of shattered innocence.
March 4, 2015
A quick read but certainly not an easy one. It is written in the words of a five year old who's only trusted friend is his teddy. He is abused and neglected by the two people who should have looked after him and loved him. Some people just shouldn't be allowed to have children. I just wanted to give the poor boy a big hug. A very emotional and hard hitting read about a very loveable and brave little boy. Will definitely be reading the next book to see if the poor little boy can find some happiness. Highly recommend this book but be prepared as it's a heartbreaking read.
August 25, 2012
heart breaking what some children survive
February 11, 2015
Heartbreaking
August 7, 2012
I sit writing this review at the moment with tears still stinging my eyes. The intensity of my sadness is so profound that I find myself struggling to think of a way to put into words what exactly I am feeling. Sorrow, heartsickness, shock, anger, hate - they all seem too mild a word.
Before starting this book, I knew it would be a hard read. Hard in the sense that this is child abuse we are talking about, and what is worse, unfortunately, not a fictitious tale. It is difficult and unpalatable to even conceive that there are people in the world that would do these things to their own children. That there are people out there that can be so insensitive and inhumane. It is even more horrendous to imagine this kind of thing still goes on the world.
A young boy, whose sole aim and hope is to win the love of his parents, is constantly beaten down in his attempt while being abused and betrayed over and over again by the very two people who should have loved him unconditionally and protected him from all things bad - not been the source of them. Young, vulnerable and innocent, he seeks love and affection. He seeks it from the two people that should have freely given it to him - unadulterated. He seeks it from two monsters, who should have never been given the right to be parents. Completely ruthless and callous, they succeed in making a young, innocent boy believe he is unworthy of their love. Of anyone's love. His only consolation is in his teddy-bear. His only friend. His only confidante. One of the most heart-breaking moments in the book is when he questions even his inanimate teddy's affection, believing that he is undeserving of even that.
The author has done a wonderful job in getting his story across. It is told through the eyes of the young boy, his childlike perspective making it even more touching and heartrending. The language used is equally effective. It jerks you awake to the horrid truth of this child's reality and to his innocent confusion as to why nobody can love him. And even more saddening, believing it is his fault that nobody can love him.
J.D. Stockholm gives a unique insight into the psychology of this small, innocent boy, conveying a bleak and harsh reality that should never have been a part of his childhood. This is reinforced by the fact that throughout the story, the boy's name is never used. A lack of any kind of familial bond is made abundantly clear. Impersonal, cold. It amplifies the sense of the child's loneliness and despair.
As children, we all know what it means to crave a mother or father's love and acceptance, so it is sad but understandable to see how, despite all that he endures and undergoes, the small child still loves his parents and wants nothing more than to gain their love as well. Even though they do not deserve it at all. As the author's name suggests, a Stockholm syndrome.
The book is very well-written and grips you from the very start. It is difficult to put down and will have you tearing up on almost every page. The intensely profuse hate and anger you feel for the child's parents is just as strong as the extreme sorrow and sympathy you feel for this helpless small boy.
Dear Teddy is a heartwrenching story, a horrifying account of a young boy's tragic ordeal. It is thought-provoking and definitely disconcerting. I highly recommend it and would describe it as a small piece of art. I "look forward to" reading the next book and desperately hope there is some happiness that awaits our little hero.
Before starting this book, I knew it would be a hard read. Hard in the sense that this is child abuse we are talking about, and what is worse, unfortunately, not a fictitious tale. It is difficult and unpalatable to even conceive that there are people in the world that would do these things to their own children. That there are people out there that can be so insensitive and inhumane. It is even more horrendous to imagine this kind of thing still goes on the world.
A young boy, whose sole aim and hope is to win the love of his parents, is constantly beaten down in his attempt while being abused and betrayed over and over again by the very two people who should have loved him unconditionally and protected him from all things bad - not been the source of them. Young, vulnerable and innocent, he seeks love and affection. He seeks it from the two people that should have freely given it to him - unadulterated. He seeks it from two monsters, who should have never been given the right to be parents. Completely ruthless and callous, they succeed in making a young, innocent boy believe he is unworthy of their love. Of anyone's love. His only consolation is in his teddy-bear. His only friend. His only confidante. One of the most heart-breaking moments in the book is when he questions even his inanimate teddy's affection, believing that he is undeserving of even that.
The author has done a wonderful job in getting his story across. It is told through the eyes of the young boy, his childlike perspective making it even more touching and heartrending. The language used is equally effective. It jerks you awake to the horrid truth of this child's reality and to his innocent confusion as to why nobody can love him. And even more saddening, believing it is his fault that nobody can love him.
J.D. Stockholm gives a unique insight into the psychology of this small, innocent boy, conveying a bleak and harsh reality that should never have been a part of his childhood. This is reinforced by the fact that throughout the story, the boy's name is never used. A lack of any kind of familial bond is made abundantly clear. Impersonal, cold. It amplifies the sense of the child's loneliness and despair.
As children, we all know what it means to crave a mother or father's love and acceptance, so it is sad but understandable to see how, despite all that he endures and undergoes, the small child still loves his parents and wants nothing more than to gain their love as well. Even though they do not deserve it at all. As the author's name suggests, a Stockholm syndrome.
The book is very well-written and grips you from the very start. It is difficult to put down and will have you tearing up on almost every page. The intensely profuse hate and anger you feel for the child's parents is just as strong as the extreme sorrow and sympathy you feel for this helpless small boy.
Dear Teddy is a heartwrenching story, a horrifying account of a young boy's tragic ordeal. It is thought-provoking and definitely disconcerting. I highly recommend it and would describe it as a small piece of art. I "look forward to" reading the next book and desperately hope there is some happiness that awaits our little hero.
September 12, 2013
My heart broke over and over again, for this little boy. Monsters under your bed or in your closet, we've all heard of them; his were real.
Innocence stolen. Trust broken. Betrayed by the very ones who should've protected him the most; his parents. It is unfathomable to me, that a child be imprisoned in such a loveless world of blame, cruelty, deception and pain, with only a teddy bear for comfort. This book gives its reader a sobering look into the terrifying world of child abuse, as seen through the survivor's eyes... a five-year-old boy.
His courage and unbreakable spirit are prevalent throughout his story. Just as I did, you will feel what he felt; his sadness, bewilderment, embarrassment, self-hatred... even rage. And although it maybe a bit confusing to some, his loyalty and unconditional love for his parents are ever-present.
In knowing this author personally, I have shared many a tear with him. I also know what a difficult decision it was, for him to share his story with the world. Thank you, J.D., for taking me into your confidence, for your trust, and for allowing it to be proven, that you could indeed be accepted, respected, and loved, when you thought no one would.
For other survivors, I hope this book gives them a bit of comfort in knowing, that there are people out there who understand, and that they are not alone in their nightmares.
Reading this book will definitely change you...if even for only a moment. I highly recommend that you purchase it, as you would be cheating yourself if you didn't.
Innocence stolen. Trust broken. Betrayed by the very ones who should've protected him the most; his parents. It is unfathomable to me, that a child be imprisoned in such a loveless world of blame, cruelty, deception and pain, with only a teddy bear for comfort. This book gives its reader a sobering look into the terrifying world of child abuse, as seen through the survivor's eyes... a five-year-old boy.
His courage and unbreakable spirit are prevalent throughout his story. Just as I did, you will feel what he felt; his sadness, bewilderment, embarrassment, self-hatred... even rage. And although it maybe a bit confusing to some, his loyalty and unconditional love for his parents are ever-present.
In knowing this author personally, I have shared many a tear with him. I also know what a difficult decision it was, for him to share his story with the world. Thank you, J.D., for taking me into your confidence, for your trust, and for allowing it to be proven, that you could indeed be accepted, respected, and loved, when you thought no one would.
For other survivors, I hope this book gives them a bit of comfort in knowing, that there are people out there who understand, and that they are not alone in their nightmares.
Reading this book will definitely change you...if even for only a moment. I highly recommend that you purchase it, as you would be cheating yourself if you didn't.
January 20, 2013
W-O-W.
This book deserves the top shelf of every bookcase existed. It's beautifully written and jaw-dropping. I knew what this book is all about. I knew it was all about rape and pedophilia and yet it still shocked me. It made me cringe, it made my eyebrows meet and of course, it made my jaw drop. It's disgusting and yet it's well crafted.
The innocence of the child is so pure and his love for his parents is unconditional. He experienced some great turbulence in his life and he did things he did not understand and yet he does not question it. It was sad and sickening and pitiful. It was heart-wrenching and stomach twisting. It's that good of a book -- it made me feel all sorts of things.
A lot of lessons can be learned from this book and the beauty of it is that it tackled sensitive topics like rape and pedophilia. It's genuinely raw and out there. It did not beat around the bush. This book is screaming to be read because it's a rare find. It's hard to find books who engages in topics like what this book did. I love the innocence of it and the pure, raw emotions the boy felt while he was being violated.
Applause for J.D Stockholm for crafting such a masterpiece.
This book deserves the top shelf of every bookcase existed. It's beautifully written and jaw-dropping. I knew what this book is all about. I knew it was all about rape and pedophilia and yet it still shocked me. It made me cringe, it made my eyebrows meet and of course, it made my jaw drop. It's disgusting and yet it's well crafted.
The innocence of the child is so pure and his love for his parents is unconditional. He experienced some great turbulence in his life and he did things he did not understand and yet he does not question it. It was sad and sickening and pitiful. It was heart-wrenching and stomach twisting. It's that good of a book -- it made me feel all sorts of things.
A lot of lessons can be learned from this book and the beauty of it is that it tackled sensitive topics like rape and pedophilia. It's genuinely raw and out there. It did not beat around the bush. This book is screaming to be read because it's a rare find. It's hard to find books who engages in topics like what this book did. I love the innocence of it and the pure, raw emotions the boy felt while he was being violated.
Applause for J.D Stockholm for crafting such a masterpiece.
August 11, 2012
This book was difficult to read. Not because it wasn't well written but because of the tragic and horrific life this little boy led. Every emotion was stirred inside of me and I felt angry and vengeful. I wanted to kick open the door, wisk that boy out of that environment and cuddle him, rock him, and tell him he was so brave and that goodness will begin now. The point of view in this story only adds to the impact of the story. It was amazingly written. I must read the second book in order to find out if he is ever treated the way he deserves to be. I recommend this to anyone and everyone.
February 11, 2013
This story was extremely difficult for me to read. I had to stop many times while reading because I was crying or because I was unable to handle what I knew would come next. As the mother of two small boys, I was beyond horrified and beyond outraged by the abuse of this innocent little boy by his so-called parents, and not only by them. It's depressing to know these kinds of people actually exist. It scares me to think of what I will read in the next book. My heart goes out to this little boy and I wish he knows only happiness in his life now.
February 6, 2015
This was one of the hardest books I have read. I almost didn't finish it cause it broke my heart and it made me cry on more than one occasion. I didn't realize it was a series and I really wanted to see how he overcame his horrific childhood. I didn't even realize I was close to being done until it was the end. Even thinking back to this book i can't wrap my head around it. With it being written like it was, from the child made it harder for me. It was week written and I am sure I will finish the series after while. I will need to prepare myself to.
February 6, 2014
This was a very difficult book for me to read. The horrors this child went through broke my heart . I just wanted to take him in my arms and cuddle him. Tell him that everything would be alright . How many teddies are holding secrets like that . I want to say thank you to the author for writing this book . Everyone should read this book and then dtry and so something to help these forgotten children
April 22, 2015
This book was really really sad, it was hard for me to finish it. I can't believe a mother and father can be this mean and abusive. Nobody cares about this child except his grandma, but his parents are trying to turn his grandma against him, they have already exceeded with turning his school against him. If this boy didn't have his beloved teddy bear with him, he would have given up on life already... So on to the next book in this series, I hope things get a little better for this child.
July 3, 2013
A heartbreaking read. Read it in a matter of days as it touched the heart. I've read books like this before (before I had children myself) and this book definitely touched me more than others as you can't help but think about your child. I can't believe that any parent could treat their child like that..heartbreaking, but told in an amazing way.
February 6, 2015
What a stunning book. Made me really ache for the little boy, who does not understand what is happening to him. The writing is a little bit confusing (even though it is supposed to be like that) but I found it hard to read at some places. But overall I think this is a book everyone should read. I almost cried.
February 3, 2013
Heartbreaking but beautifully written book told from the point of view of a 5 year old child. I could not put the book down. The author is incredibly brave for telling his story of experiencing horrific abuse in such an honest and innocent way.
August 8, 2012
Sad Sad tale that will make you cry and want to reach out to the little boy that suffered so much.
January 2, 2017
Heartbreaking but AMAZING a MUST read !!! A real page turner,couldnt put it down.XxxX
July 6, 2014
Simply amazing its short but the emotional impact it has is unbelievable
March 3, 2015
So emotional every page makes you want to do all you can to help him
April 1, 2015
I finished this book in a matter of hours. Many times I had to put it down to simply weep for the hurt the little boy was experiencing. As an abuse survivor myself, this story touched me on so many levels. I've read a few survivor stories, but never first person as the abuse was happening. My heart ached so many times, I just wanted to reach through and cradle him in my arms. I remember hugging my teddy and filling his soft fur with my tears the first night I was violated. It breaks my heart that the two people who were supposed to protect this innocent little boy violated his trust and love. It's horrible that he was put in the position to feel "safer" with one form of abuse and wish for it so the bad man wouldn't come. I'll be joining this little boy on the rest of his journey, though I wish this journey didn't exist
July 8, 2016
A devastating read that will make you think and maybe think about your own life....but so worth the read!
Children should never have to suffer at the hands of abuse. All I want to do is give him all the hugs and love that he missed as a child and will need in the future. Events like this mold you forever...how can you believe in your own self worth if you've always be made to feel bad.
This first book in the series is a journal from the POV of a 5 year old boy...where his monsters turn out not to be his imagination but real. It's horribly sad the mental and physical abuse he endures.
It's made me re-examine my own childhood. This is not an easy read, but well worth it!!
Children should never have to suffer at the hands of abuse. All I want to do is give him all the hugs and love that he missed as a child and will need in the future. Events like this mold you forever...how can you believe in your own self worth if you've always be made to feel bad.
This first book in the series is a journal from the POV of a 5 year old boy...where his monsters turn out not to be his imagination but real. It's horribly sad the mental and physical abuse he endures.
It's made me re-examine my own childhood. This is not an easy read, but well worth it!!
August 22, 2019
Victims of child abuse will wince at old lines like "Or I'll give you something to cry about." The five year old doesn't know what sex is, and he has no clue as to the what is happening to him or why.
The child's eye view is compelling in illustrating the psychological mind bending of mental and physical cruelty. The author does an excellent job at showing how child abuse can be a group thing involving spouses and siblings as co-partners.
On the down side: A story should have a beginning, a middle, and an end. This is all middle.
Now I don't need to know all the background as to why this child is the evil, mistreated one; but when there is a "bad man" who goes unidentified, is that fair? There's a slim hint that he is connected to the church. But where does he get carte blanche to visit any time? Frustrating.
The child's eye view is compelling in illustrating the psychological mind bending of mental and physical cruelty. The author does an excellent job at showing how child abuse can be a group thing involving spouses and siblings as co-partners.
On the down side: A story should have a beginning, a middle, and an end. This is all middle.
Now I don't need to know all the background as to why this child is the evil, mistreated one; but when there is a "bad man" who goes unidentified, is that fair? There's a slim hint that he is connected to the church. But where does he get carte blanche to visit any time? Frustrating.
Read
January 28, 2019How do I rate this?
It was one of the most horrible things I have ever read in my life. But not in the bad story/bad writing way.
If you can stomach it, read it.. but it's going to hurt your soul.
It was one of the most horrible things I have ever read in my life. But not in the bad story/bad writing way.
If you can stomach it, read it.. but it's going to hurt your soul.
January 16, 2018
Utterly heartbreaking.
Will review once i can see through the tears
Will review once i can see through the tears
May 7, 2024
This was so heartbreaking to read. Such a horrific story.
October 13, 2017
The memoir genre has been my top favorite. When looking for a book I usually just look in the memoir section of the library. I have read several books from this genre including Glass Castle, The Child Called "it" and Dear Teddy.
I read Glass Castle and The Child Called "it" series last year. At the beginning of this year I wanted to find another book similar to these two. I started reading the memoir by JD Stockholm, Dear Teddy. This book is about a young boy who lives with his mother, father, and younger brother. His parents love his brother, says he never does anything wrong, but this young boy's parents tell him he is a child of the devil and that the devil lives inside him making him do bad things. His parents sexually abuse him, and when he's bad "The Bad Man" comes at dark time and abuses him too. The only real friend he can tell anything and everything to is his stuffed bear, Teddy. Throughout this book I feel so bad for this young child as he has to go to bed every night afraid "The Bad Man" will get him. I am sixteen years old and I'm still afraid of the dark even though I know I'm perfectly safe, so this is why I cannot imagine the horror this poor child feels.
When I am reading a book I usually find it hard to pick it up and start reading it again, but with this book I always wanted to keep reading because I kept hoping that within the book at some point I would find that someone would come save him from his disgusting parents, or hoping that he'd realize this isn't how life is supposed to be and run away. I would most definitely rate this book with a five-star rating. If you have read the book series The Child Called "it" then I strongly believe that you will enjoy this book. The only thing some people might not like is JD Stockholms' writing style.
“She told me I was five and it was my birthday. I had never had a birthday before. My brother had them. He’d had three, but my mum told me that children from the devil didn’t have birthdays.”
This quote shows how the young boy's parents treated him as though he was not wanted, and was treated much different than his sibling. It also shows how JD Stockholm writes; he uses short sentences, not big words, and uses poor grammar. Although some may not like this way of writing, I think it was very effective way to capture the inner child view that he was writing from. Another thing I enjoyed was how each chapter started with a short rhyme with the young boy talking to Teddy and also ended with him talking to Teddy. I thought this was a great way to transition from chapter to chapter, it made it easy to know what was always going on in Stockholms' story.
-Kendra Kremer
I read Glass Castle and The Child Called "it" series last year. At the beginning of this year I wanted to find another book similar to these two. I started reading the memoir by JD Stockholm, Dear Teddy. This book is about a young boy who lives with his mother, father, and younger brother. His parents love his brother, says he never does anything wrong, but this young boy's parents tell him he is a child of the devil and that the devil lives inside him making him do bad things. His parents sexually abuse him, and when he's bad "The Bad Man" comes at dark time and abuses him too. The only real friend he can tell anything and everything to is his stuffed bear, Teddy. Throughout this book I feel so bad for this young child as he has to go to bed every night afraid "The Bad Man" will get him. I am sixteen years old and I'm still afraid of the dark even though I know I'm perfectly safe, so this is why I cannot imagine the horror this poor child feels.
When I am reading a book I usually find it hard to pick it up and start reading it again, but with this book I always wanted to keep reading because I kept hoping that within the book at some point I would find that someone would come save him from his disgusting parents, or hoping that he'd realize this isn't how life is supposed to be and run away. I would most definitely rate this book with a five-star rating. If you have read the book series The Child Called "it" then I strongly believe that you will enjoy this book. The only thing some people might not like is JD Stockholms' writing style.
“She told me I was five and it was my birthday. I had never had a birthday before. My brother had them. He’d had three, but my mum told me that children from the devil didn’t have birthdays.”
This quote shows how the young boy's parents treated him as though he was not wanted, and was treated much different than his sibling. It also shows how JD Stockholm writes; he uses short sentences, not big words, and uses poor grammar. Although some may not like this way of writing, I think it was very effective way to capture the inner child view that he was writing from. Another thing I enjoyed was how each chapter started with a short rhyme with the young boy talking to Teddy and also ended with him talking to Teddy. I thought this was a great way to transition from chapter to chapter, it made it easy to know what was always going on in Stockholms' story.
-Kendra Kremer
October 16, 2016
READ THIS FOR JAMIE, AND READ IT BECAUSE IT'S UNFORGETTABLE!!!
I have to say that this is the most profound book I have ever read. I've never felt such strong feelings of protectiveness and the need to be a part of a story ever before! I truly can't describe the experience I had while reading this. I couldn't read it for long periods of time because my emotions would overwhelm me, but I couldn't stay away because I had to be there for little Jamie. It seriously felt like I was abandoning him whenever I put the book down. I was drawn to reading Dear Teddy as if it had a magnetic force pulling me in.
JD Stockholm has written his true story - the story his heart and body won't let him forget. It's the words of that little boy who lives within him. Words he only shared at the time with his beloved Mr. Ted. His therapist advised him to write down these childhood memories, and this is the result. There are very few good memories. Mostly they are memories of bad people who made little Jamie feel like he was a bad boy. A word word search of this book reveals 464 instances of the word "bad" being used. The largest share of those occurrences refer to this precious child believing he is bad, that he has bad inside of him. In contrast, the word "good" appears 118 times, and it's mainly used by little Jamie as he describes wanting to be good or trying to be good, even though he never understands why those people who should be loving him think he is so bad.
The big question is, why did I read this heartbreaking book and why should other readers? The answer isn't easy to explain. I know it sat on my Kindle for a long time as I worked up the courage to read it. You see, I know where this story goes, up to the present. I know that this adorable little boy grew up to be a truly incredible man, an amazing author whose words are magical to his readers, a man who has chosen a a path in life that is truly admirable. So, I decided if he had the courage to write and publish this unforgettable story, I could certainly devote my time to reading it...and I'm so glad that I did. Read it for all of the little Jamies in the world.
I have to say that this is the most profound book I have ever read. I've never felt such strong feelings of protectiveness and the need to be a part of a story ever before! I truly can't describe the experience I had while reading this. I couldn't read it for long periods of time because my emotions would overwhelm me, but I couldn't stay away because I had to be there for little Jamie. It seriously felt like I was abandoning him whenever I put the book down. I was drawn to reading Dear Teddy as if it had a magnetic force pulling me in.
JD Stockholm has written his true story - the story his heart and body won't let him forget. It's the words of that little boy who lives within him. Words he only shared at the time with his beloved Mr. Ted. His therapist advised him to write down these childhood memories, and this is the result. There are very few good memories. Mostly they are memories of bad people who made little Jamie feel like he was a bad boy. A word word search of this book reveals 464 instances of the word "bad" being used. The largest share of those occurrences refer to this precious child believing he is bad, that he has bad inside of him. In contrast, the word "good" appears 118 times, and it's mainly used by little Jamie as he describes wanting to be good or trying to be good, even though he never understands why those people who should be loving him think he is so bad.
The big question is, why did I read this heartbreaking book and why should other readers? The answer isn't easy to explain. I know it sat on my Kindle for a long time as I worked up the courage to read it. You see, I know where this story goes, up to the present. I know that this adorable little boy grew up to be a truly incredible man, an amazing author whose words are magical to his readers, a man who has chosen a a path in life that is truly admirable. So, I decided if he had the courage to write and publish this unforgettable story, I could certainly devote my time to reading it...and I'm so glad that I did. Read it for all of the little Jamies in the world.
July 2, 2016
Oh my God, where do i start, I read this book a few days ago, but i needed time to digest what i had just read and how i was going to review it.
This is a heartbreaking story by JD Stockholm, when as a 5 year old boy he had to endure Physical, emotional, sexual abuse and neglect from those who were supposed to love and protect him.
This story tore me apart, I had to keep putting it down, and then going back to it, I was angry with the parents, I was heartbroken for this little boy, who only wanted to do good things so his parents would love him like they did his little brother, but all the time they told him he was bad and evil.
I felt i had to finish this book, I felt I owed it to this little boy after everything he went through to at least finish it. This is just book 1 in the series, I will read them all, but i think I will have to read other book inbetween each of them as I know I will be shreaded emotionally.
Considering the topic, this book was very well writen and kept me reading until the end.
If you would like to support this little boy, please buy these books and read them.
This is a heartbreaking story by JD Stockholm, when as a 5 year old boy he had to endure Physical, emotional, sexual abuse and neglect from those who were supposed to love and protect him.
This story tore me apart, I had to keep putting it down, and then going back to it, I was angry with the parents, I was heartbroken for this little boy, who only wanted to do good things so his parents would love him like they did his little brother, but all the time they told him he was bad and evil.
I felt i had to finish this book, I felt I owed it to this little boy after everything he went through to at least finish it. This is just book 1 in the series, I will read them all, but i think I will have to read other book inbetween each of them as I know I will be shreaded emotionally.
Considering the topic, this book was very well writen and kept me reading until the end.
If you would like to support this little boy, please buy these books and read them.
June 29, 2016
I have to give this book 5 heartbreaking stars. This book was, by far, the hardest book I've ever read. I've hesitated on writing the review because I don't even know what to say about it, other than it devastated me feeling the pain of that little boy. It was written in the voice of a 5 yr old boy, and he pulls you right into his world and makes you feel his despair, his frustration at always "being bad", his fear and anxiety.
No child should ever have to suffer through that, but I applaud Mr Stockholm for being brave enough to overcome it, and to write about it. I can only imagine the bravery and strength it took to put this all down in words and publish it. This book devastated me emotionally, but I am glad I read it, and I'd like to thank the author for being an inspiration to others!
No child should ever have to suffer through that, but I applaud Mr Stockholm for being brave enough to overcome it, and to write about it. I can only imagine the bravery and strength it took to put this all down in words and publish it. This book devastated me emotionally, but I am glad I read it, and I'd like to thank the author for being an inspiration to others!
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