'Etched in Sand' by Regina Calcaterra is a powerful and emotional memoir detailing the true story of five siblings who endured a childhood filled with neglect, abuse, and homelessness. The narrative follows the author, Regina, and her siblings as they navigate the challenges of growing up in the face of their mother's addiction and neglect, relying on each other for support and survival. Despite the hardships they face, the siblings display incredible resilience and strength, ultimately finding ways to overcome their traumatic past and create a better future for themselves. The writing style of the book is described as gripping, emotional, and realistic, offering a raw and honest portrayal of the author's experiences.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by present tense narration that conveys immediacy, clear and honest prose, and a balance between emotional engagement and factual recounting.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers on the traumatic childhood experiences of the author and her siblings, detailing the abuse from their mother and the failures of the foster care system, while showcasing the siblings' resilience and bond.

Setting:

The setting encompasses various places on Long Island, emphasizing the stark contrast between affluent neighborhoods and the children's dire circumstances.

Pacing:

The pacing alternates between intense emotional scenes and reflective moments, compelling readers to engage deeply with the narrative.

I HADN’T SEEN New York City this still since 9/11. Lower Manhattan was a ghost town—there were no planes in the sky, no boats on the East River, no buses, no trains rumbling in the subway. This was Wa...

Genres:

Topics:

siblings as protagonists

overcoming adversity

the system fails

Notes:

The book is a true story about Regina Calcaterra and her four siblings.

They faced severe abuse and neglect from their alcoholic mother named Cookie.

Regina's siblings include two older sisters named Cherie and Camille, and a younger brother and sister named Norman and Rosie.

Their mother often abandoned them for weeks, leaving them to fend for themselves.

Regina's childhood experiences shaped her awareness of how those in power can impact lives, inspiring her public service career.

The siblings relied on each other for support and survival throughout their traumatic childhood.

Regina had to steal food to provide for her younger siblings during their mother's absences.

The narrative is written in the present tense, making it feel raw and immediate.

Despite their traumatic upbringing, Regina and her siblings grew up to become functioning adults with a strong sense of family.

Regina's aunt Julia and uncle Frank played significant roles in providing support and love.

The book highlights failures within the foster care system that subjected the children to further abuse.

Regina's quest to uncover the truth about her father's identity adds another layer of complexity to her story.

The author recounts her journey from abuse to becoming an educated public policy expert, showing remarkable resilience.

Reviewers found the story to be both heartbreaking and inspiring, underscoring Regina's strength in overcoming her past.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include cases of child abuse, neglect, and descriptions of emotional and physical trauma.

From The Publisher:

#1 International Bestseller

Regina's Calcaterra memoir, Etched in Sand, is an inspiring and triumphant coming-of-age story of tenacity and hope.

Regina Calcaterra is a successful lawyer, former New York State official, and foster youth 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.

A true-life rags-to-riches story, Etched in Sand chronicles Regina's rising above her past, while fighting to keep her brother and three sisters together through it all.

Beautifully written, with heartbreaking honesty, Etched in Sand is an unforgettable reminder that regardless of social status, the American Dream is still within reach for those who have the desire and the determination to succeed.

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

Regina Calcaterra