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149 reviews for:
Etched in Sand: A True Story of Five Siblings Who Survived an Unspeakable Childhood on Long Island
Regina Calcaterra
4.21 AVERAGE
149 reviews for:
Etched in Sand: A True Story of Five Siblings Who Survived an Unspeakable Childhood on Long Island
Regina Calcaterra
4.21 AVERAGE
this book was very hard to read. She graphically describes the physical and mental abuse that she and her siblings suffered while growing up with a mentally ill, alcoholic mom. They were thrown down the stairs, burned with oil, kicked, whipped and exposed to sexual abuse. They were also left to fend for themselves for long periods of time and became experts at stealing food and clothes so they would have something to eat and something to wear. I think what is even worse than the physical abuse they endured was the verbal tirade that their mother would launch at them. Absolutely horrific. This book is not for those who are sensitive to language as there are many, many vulgar terms used to describe her children. It saddens me to realize there are likely many more families like this that need help. It is absolutely amazing that anyone came out of that family normal. The fact that the author and her siblings have overcome their childhood is truly a testament to the human spirit.
I was immediately interested in this book with the first chapter. The events are sad but I liked the ending. Definitely recommend.
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Violence, Injury/Injury detail
a brillant story telling of their lives and what they went thru, I felt like I was right there wanting to reach out and help and smack the ever living shit out of the mother.
This book is incredible. Regina Calcaterra is incredible. Despite the horrific abuse she went through at the hands of her mother, her memoir is matter-of-fact and doesn't contain an ounce of self-pity. Despite how heart-wrenching it was to read at times, I couldn't put the story down until I had finished because I could tell that it was going to turn out okay. This woman is proof that nobody has any excuse to not be successful and triumph over the very worst of circumstances. I am looking forward to following her career now and hope she is able to make major and much-needed reforms in the foster care system and government welfare.
The first half of this book was compelling but I did get bogged down in last third - I wholly admire Regina for her accomplishments - but we heard little about Norman or the lives of her siblings - other than the number of kids - so it seemed to move away from the premise a bit
emotional
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
I though this book was extraordinarily well written. It's a gut wrenching tale, but I suspect one that would be familiar to far too many people who grew up in bad situations. I came away from it marveling at the resilience of the human spirit and the ability of some people to overcome their terrible upbringing and consciously work to make sure their own children will not experience a childhood like theirs. Compelling, terrible, and yet redeeming.