Etched in Sand: A True Story of Five Siblings Who Survived an Unspeakable Childhood on Long Island by Regina Calcaterra

Etched in Sand: A True Story of Five Siblings Who Survived an Unspeakable Childhood on Long Island by Regina Calcaterra – 320 pages

Book Blurb:

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 and intermittent homelessness in the shadows of Manhattan and the Hamptons.

My Review: 4.5 stars

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Etched In Sand is an absolutely heartbreaking yet inspiring memoir. It’s a book that once again, reminds me to never lose perspective about the small things that annoy me. And honestly, I’m easily frustrated by insignificant things.

Calcaterra’s story was truly eye-opening as to the struggle children in the foster care and child protective systems face, and what they’ll do to try to stay together. With no one to care for them, love them or provide for them, they’re left to raise themselves. From dumpster diving to sleeping in the trunks of cars to being beaten senseless by their drunken mother, Regina takes it upon herself to provide for her two younger siblings, just as her older siblings did for her. This was a truly unique and heart-breaking story about the will of survival and the strength of family ties. Warning, this book can be a trigger for anyone who has dealt with abuse. It is not a book for the faint-hearted. Note: A sequel to Etched in Sand came out a few years ago called Girl Unbroken by both Calcaterra and her sister Rosie Maloney. Another must read.

Quotes I liked:

There’s no way a person could be born into dysfunction, fighting to survive and helping her family do the same, without some purpose to give it all meaning.”