Regina’s Calcaterra memoir, Etched in Sand, is an inspiring and triumphant coming-of-age story of tenacity and hope. Regina Calcaterra is a successful lawyer, New York State official, and activist. Her painful early life, however, was quite different. Regina and her four siblings survived an abusive and painful childhood only to find themselves faced with the challenges of the foster-care system … foster-care system and intermittent homelessness in the shadows of Manhattan and the Hamptons.
A true-life rags-to-riches story, Etched in Sand chronicles Regina’s rising above her past, while fighting to keep her brother and three sisters together through it all.
Beautifully written, with heartbreaking honesty, Etched in Sand is an unforgettable reminder that regardless of social status, the American Dream is still within reach for those who have the desire and the determination to succeed.
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This true story affected me deeply. The terrible things that happen to children can be hard to read but Regina Calceterra weaves a story that is hard to put down. Repulsive at times, the reactions of children for self preservation is amazing beyond all belief. A story everyone must read.
This was a powerful, moving memoir of one families ability to beat the odds. Despite growing up in deplorable conditions with an abusive mentally ill mother the author and her siblings grew up to be functioning adults and contributing members of society. I could not put this book down. I was disappointed at how the system failed them and yet they …
This book was absolutely one of the best I’ve read in a long time.
Was a real page turner,
This is a real person’s life of overcoming the obstacles she had no control of as a child. A sad but true story. No child should have a life like this.
The fact that this was nonfiction made this tragic. The child abuse and neglect were horrendous. The fact that the children survived was a minor miracle. Their resilience and creativity especially in respect to their ability to get and make food and earn money was amazing. It was also an inditement of social services. The fact that the author …
Eye-awaking autobiography that needed to be told. Hopefully our foster care system will improve with such a strong advocate for children’s welfare.
I love real-life stories, and it doesn’t get any more real than this.
Well written – sad to realize there are children in the United States who live like this
A very moving true story which was well written. Difficult to understand how a mother could treat her own children in such brutal ways, physically, mentally and emotionally! Painful to read at times but amazing how these five siblings were able to survive despite often being left to fend for themselves without food, money and at times not even …
Great perspective on life
It’s always good to read that someone has overcome a bad beginning, and it’s always a hero story, so in that respect it is good, but I found the writing so-so.
I was also abused as a child so I could relate. You can choose to be a victim of child abuse, continue the cycle or become stronger. It’s nice to read someone who lived thru it and can out the other side.
Tough, searing portrayal of severely neglected children who hold together with grit and love. A surprisingly uplifting true story about the power of the human spirit.
Amazing resilience for such a young girl.
Couldn’t put it down.
Excellent autobiographical account of the author’s tragic childhood. Through many heart-wrenching turns, this tale is also a testament to the unbreakable bond of love between siblings, and survival against all odds. Highly recommend this book!
Inspirational characters, who lived through unimaginable abuse and neglect yet still found joy in life.
Very touching story. Encouraging to see how these siblings have been able to live above their tragic circumstances and be good standing people who have so much to offer.
Couldn’t put this book down. Unbelievable the resilience of one kid and the influence of a bully can have on others who truly are cowards in their own way.