Take a photo of a barcode or cover
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
A tough read but totally worth it. As an abused and neglected child myself, it was hard going reading the story of these children, but it is so beautifully written with such strength and spirit, I couldn't put it down.
What an amazing story!
I found myself rooting for Regina at every turn. At times, I could not help but connect her to the likes of Louis Zamparini (Unbroken). We can all stand to learn from her resilience in overcoming the blows she was dealt in life over and over again. Her story will stay with me a long time.
I found myself rooting for Regina at every turn. At times, I could not help but connect her to the likes of Louis Zamparini (Unbroken). We can all stand to learn from her resilience in overcoming the blows she was dealt in life over and over again. Her story will stay with me a long time.
This is a well-written and heartbreaking book about abuse, poverty, and how our child protection systems failed a family of children, as well as the triumph of those children breaking the cycle and becoming healthy people with happy homes.
I became infuriated listening at times because the lies told by Cookie, her abuses of her children, and the failings of the system to protect the children involved. It's an unflinching and stark view of poverty and child abuse. It's amazing how her children were able to survive and ultimately thrive, despite all of the horrors that were placed in their ways.
Regina Calcaterra's narration of the book is very well done. Many times authors shouldn't read their stories, but Calcaterra is a natural storyteller.
I became infuriated listening at times because the lies told by Cookie, her abuses of her children, and the failings of the system to protect the children involved. It's an unflinching and stark view of poverty and child abuse. It's amazing how her children were able to survive and ultimately thrive, despite all of the horrors that were placed in their ways.
Regina Calcaterra's narration of the book is very well done. Many times authors shouldn't read their stories, but Calcaterra is a natural storyteller.
The beginning of this was particularly good and I think it could have been a better memoir with tighter editing. Part of the issue is the main story of her abuse and overcoming the abuse to build a good life is over way before the memoir is over. It could have ended with her first job, quickly summarized her adult life- possibly with a focus on her role as a leader in Long Island.
I was particularly confused about the lengthy section about her paternity test suit, even though as an attorney myself I understood what she explained about the case itself. I understand why the lawsuit may be important to her, but that's different than what's likely to be important to a reader. In any case, I think she sounds like a remarkable person who views her past in a self-aware and rational manner.
I was particularly confused about the lengthy section about her paternity test suit, even though as an attorney myself I understood what she explained about the case itself. I understand why the lawsuit may be important to her, but that's different than what's likely to be important to a reader. In any case, I think she sounds like a remarkable person who views her past in a self-aware and rational manner.
This is heartbreaking story that is often difficult to read. I admire the author and her siblings for their strength and determination to overcome overwhelming odds. Unfortunately the writing style of this book is not my favorite. I felt like I was reading page after page of listed facts.
"Etched in Sand" blew me away! This is one of those books where the subject matter is incredibly intense but you will be absolutely drawn to this story. Regina and her siblings lived through such horrible things at the hands of their mother and they come out on the other side and are able to overcome their situation. It was really amazing to read this book where there are so many bad things going on and to see that good things can still come out of the bad.
Ms. Calcaterra tells her story in an unflinching voice. We get to see everything that her mother did to her and her siblings. We get to know her innermost feelings. Her detail is so telling that we can feel what she went through. I got so involved in the story of these siblings that I couldn't stop reading even though there are some really horrific things that go on in this book. I had to see what happened and I wanted to make sure that everything would be okay for these siblings. Calcaterra truly knows how to captivate an audience.
This book is for those that don't mind tough subjects but love stories of love between siblings, overcoming obstacles, and seeing the triumph of the human spirit. It is unbelievable that a mother could do these things to her children as described in the book. I'm hopeful that other people who are going through difficult abuse situations will read this book and see that even when life deals you some pretty harsh cards, it's still possible to make things better and create a really amazing life like Ms. Calcaterra did.
Ms. Calcaterra tells her story in an unflinching voice. We get to see everything that her mother did to her and her siblings. We get to know her innermost feelings. Her detail is so telling that we can feel what she went through. I got so involved in the story of these siblings that I couldn't stop reading even though there are some really horrific things that go on in this book. I had to see what happened and I wanted to make sure that everything would be okay for these siblings. Calcaterra truly knows how to captivate an audience.
This book is for those that don't mind tough subjects but love stories of love between siblings, overcoming obstacles, and seeing the triumph of the human spirit. It is unbelievable that a mother could do these things to her children as described in the book. I'm hopeful that other people who are going through difficult abuse situations will read this book and see that even when life deals you some pretty harsh cards, it's still possible to make things better and create a really amazing life like Ms. Calcaterra did.
Calcaterra tells a harrowing story growing up with an alcoholic, abusive and generally all- around despicable excuse of a human being for a mother. She and her four siblings are beaten, starved and do a better job of raising each other than when Cookie(they refuse to call her mom) stays home,. Fortunately for them she regularly abandons them for long periods of time. What I found particularly disheartening was how other family members, teachers, neighbors ANYONE never seemed to be able to help. The Social Workers seemed particularly inept. I understand how many have overwhelming case loads, but so often with this family they did more harm than good. Constantly siding with Cookie even with all the evidence???? the miracle is how anyone could not only survive, but evolve to become a successful adult. Calcaterra's youngest sister who was separated from her siblings wrote her own story and I'd like to read that one as well.
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
This book is HEAVY. I mean, it really is a tough read, but I highly encourage anyone who can handle the subject matter to check it out. Beautiful, tugs at your heart, inspiring.
Sisters really do make families stronger. It's a proven fact and the author of this memoir would agree.