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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
Similar to books like The Glass Castle, Educated, Spilled Milk and Three Little Words. I like “survived against all odds” memoir even though they are difficult to read due to the horrific abuse/neglect that is common in these books.
This is the story of childhood survival for Regina and her four siblings who suffered abuse and neglect from their alcoholic, bi-polar mother. What makes this a positive and enjoyable read is the hope they find among one another; there’s a lot of love among Regina and her siblings. Regina is especially protective of her youngest sister, Rosie. The siblings bond as they have no choice but to fend for themselves. It’s inspiring that all five kids overcome their difficult childhood and grow up to lead successful lives. Regina’s story is especially touching because she finds a profound purpose for her life, which is to help older foster children get adopted. Her book also highlights the importance of keeping siblings together during foster care.
It was a powerful story, I think the writing could have benefited from some editing. I wish it could have had more about what states have done to improve care for children.
The story is harrowing and heart-breaking and it is mind-boggling that all five kids actually made something of themselves and created healthy relationships but the writing is pretty lackluster, it is very cut and dry.
What an amazing true story that shows no matter what, who, or where you grow up there is ALWAYS something to believe in.
I read this in interest of the subject matter, as I am doing research. I have read several books in this genre. This one hit on many points which are resonant with the challenges this family faced. I particularly liked the way the author came through all that happened with such solid resolve! Very inspiring as well as informative. As a huge advocate for older child adoption, I was most pleased with this focus.
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
A gutwrenching, cleanly written memoir about growing up with an abusive mother, this book recounts Regina's childhood. She raised her younger siblings during her mother's absences, and she was the target of her mother's rage and physical abuse. Her older sisters had in turn raised her, and as they left to live with friends and boyfriends, Regina more and more is on her own, taking care of a younger brother and sister, trying to shoplift and glean food, cook it, and come up with dumpstered clothes and bedding. She is 11. She talks a lot about wanting her siblings to stay together, because the foster system would place them apart. When that happens, not only do the siblings experience abusive foster families, but they are stymied in various legal ways that allow their mother to retain guardianship of some of them.
This was ultimately inspiring, in part because of Regina's perseverance and success, and also because it was refreshing to hear her talk so candidly about why she chooses as an adult to work in public service. She states that she is interested in how resources are allocated, and in knowing why some people have so much less, and this seems like such an often unacknowledged but important point of view - to want to help others and to make "the system" work better. It also was difficult to read because it was such a stark reminder that children have fewer legal rights and less legal standing than adults. It seems appalling that a system, often staffed by uncaring or incompetent people, can make fundamental decisions about where a child lives, who they live with, and whether they can see their family, often against a child's spoken wishes, and often by assuming the child is lying or exaggerating.
This was ultimately inspiring, in part because of Regina's perseverance and success, and also because it was refreshing to hear her talk so candidly about why she chooses as an adult to work in public service. She states that she is interested in how resources are allocated, and in knowing why some people have so much less, and this seems like such an often unacknowledged but important point of view - to want to help others and to make "the system" work better. It also was difficult to read because it was such a stark reminder that children have fewer legal rights and less legal standing than adults. It seems appalling that a system, often staffed by uncaring or incompetent people, can make fundamental decisions about where a child lives, who they live with, and whether they can see their family, often against a child's spoken wishes, and often by assuming the child is lying or exaggerating.
dark
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced