Etched in Sand
By Regina Calcaterra
- Release Date: 2013-08-06
- Genre: Psychology
Description
Regina Calcaterra is a successful lawyer, New York State official, and activist. Her 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 and intermittent homelessness. Despite her difficult circumstances, she remained committed to her education, and eventually put herself through college. Etched in Sand is a reminder for students that regardless of social status, the American Dream is still within reach for those who have the desire and the determination to succeed.
Regina is on the board of You Gotta Believe—an organization whose aim is to find adoptive parents for teens and pre-teens before they age out of the foster care system and run the extremely high risk of becoming homeless. Visit yougottabelieve.org for more information.
Reviews
From St James
5By Claire St JamesHi my name is Claire Gundlach I was so touched by your book I’m sure we might have crossed paths at one point. I went to St James Elementary I was born in 1968. My family knew the Totter family very well and when you mentioned Kathleen’s name in one of your chapters it got me thinking . I do have 2 older sisters Christine and Karen that you might have known. I’m sorry for what you all went through growing up but boy did you not only make it out but you really grew up to be a determined young lady and to help children in your situation. All the best to you and your family .Unbelievable strength and courage
5By B - RyA beautiful and tragic accounting of a tortured childhood. What strength and resilience this woman has shown in a life that she not only survived, but found a way to excel and flourish!Brutally honest account of a horrific childhood
5By kaykaybean13This story was so extremely difficult to read more times than it wasn’t but to see the devotion, loyalty, love and commitment these siblings developed so deeply it leaves you believing that bonds like these are permanently tied. What a courageous story about the sheer power and the extremes humans turn to in order to survive and conviction in the better good even amid horrific adversity and abuse.Couldn't put this story down
5By Angela MandasThis true story is well written and painfully true of children neglected and abused by rotten and irresponsible parents. This story has a happy ending and I look forward to reading the sequel. You won't be disappointed! Could easily be made into a movie.Etched in Sand
5By DMDREDThis is an amazing story of strength and perseverance. Retina's story, while difficult to read in some parts, must have been horrific for her to live through. The love she shares with her siblings throughout the story is an inspiration to me.Dr. B. Dautrich
5By Barb52barbReaders will love this compelling true story of survival, as Regina details childhood trauma, abuse and neglect of her and her siblings at the hand of an alcoholic, mentally ill mother. The reader learns the hard complexities and failings of state foster care systems and policies that often intensify the poverty, loss, abandonment and abuse they work to relieve. A true page-turner that will keep the reader engrossed in the lives and heroic resilience of Regina and her siblings.Etched in Sand
5By Sai,Thanks Mrs Calcaterra your book show and others learn about the sacrifice and suffered the homeless children and adults and the ways to survive:::::: And the way conquest the goals I'm 75 now , but I was homeless at 16 too:::::: Positive mind and work,work until gets the goals😂😂😍😍😍::: My Blessings:::::::Beautifully Written!
5By BrendozaI am thankful she shared her family's story with us.Etched In Sand...
5By DjadeeyesI found this to be a great read and engrossing story. I finished it within two days because I couldn't seem to put it down.Etched in sand
5By Claudia MelearI was riveted by this book from the first chapter. The author was able to convey her feelings and desperation of her circumstances in her writing. I cannot believe how a child so young was able to be so responsible and so creative. I think about all the problems I had as a young person but I never had to go without food and I never had to move. So really the only way I was able to commiserate with her story was because of the way she told it. At the end I cried. I'm so thankful she was able to reunite with her family and to have the satisfaction that she did from her father's identity.Etched in Sand
5By Cc93430Best book I have read this year. So happy this gal made it and the family is thriving.Excellent book!
5By Meatball 2Hard to put down, really inspiring! Makes you want to hug your children a little longer, more often.Etched in sand
4By TheAng1024Truly a touching story. I normally don't read anything other then fiction or thrillers. This story has broadened my reading, very interesting story! While reading this story the temperature might have gotten somewhat high, that was sweat, not tears:-)Etched in Sand
5By Tongo61One of the most powerful heart wrenching stories of perseverance and survival of a child faced with insurmountable odds. Told with grace and insight. I am a better person to have read it !Eched in sand
5By tivseuuff gf eCouldn't put this book down. Very well written.Etched in Sand
5By HoguekiWonderfully written! This book opened my eyes to the thoughts and feelings of the children I love and support in my hometown who are living similar lives as Regina.Etched in Sand
5By BhkoesdI couldn't put this book down. What an amazing story and a great inspiration. This is one of the best books I've read!Etched in Sand
5By Moose LI could not put this book down. It is so good. It is so sad to see what all the children went through. It was so hard at times to not cry and wish someone would help them. So glad I got this book.Etched in Sand
5By Trishm330What a truly heartbreaking and remarkable story! I cried my eyes out for all of you. To Regina and her siblings, my heart ached for the experiences you had to endure as children. No one should have to go through YEARS of abuse at the hands of a parent or otherwise. SHAME on all our agency's that stood by and let it happen. As a homeowner on Long Island and also born and raised in Queens, I am saddened to think this is happening in our country where so many agencies are in place to prevent such atrocities. Congratulations Regina on opening our eyes and for an extremely well written book! Good luck always to all The Calcaterra children.
