Many successful people have learned to turn negative, even traumatic life situations, into positives. For example, many authors have turned tragic childhoods into award winning books. Dave Peltzer survived an extremely abusive childhood, with a mother who stabbed him, poured chemicals on his skin, and kept him locked in a basement. Before and after the publication of his books, Peltzer worked diligently to bring more focus to the prevention, detection, and recovery from child abuse. Mary Karr, another well-known chronicler of her past, wrote a literary memoir titled, "The Liar 's Club". Though much different in tone and style, Mary Kerr 's book inspired numerous people to write about their own lives and struggles.