The author, David J. Pelzer, does not offer too many details regarding the physical description of his mother. He recalls in an early chapter that his mother had an average appearance and size. Before the abuse began, he referred to her as a "woman who glowed with love for her children." Pelzer shares that when his mother put effort into her appearance, she seemed to be more relaxed. When she was more relaxed, this typically meant that David was less likely to be abused. It is as if her appearance and her treatment of her son were related. Pelzer's mother drank heavily, and eventually she ceased to put effort into her appearance. In chapter 1, Pelzer provides an account of the day he was finally saved from the abuse. As his mother dropped him off for school, he remarked that "Her once beautiful, shiny black hair is now frazzled clumps." He described her as being overweight and wearing no make-up. It would not be unusual for him to be aware of her weight, since a great part of her abuse toward him was denying him food.