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

Regina Calcaterra

43 pages 1-hour read

Regina Calcaterra

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

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2013

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Book Brief

Regina Calcaterra

Etched In Sand

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2013
Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Genre
Biography

Inspirational
Setting

Long Island, New York • 1970s-1980s

Theme
Family

Siblings

Mothers
Topic
Trauma & Abuse

Poverty
Publication Year

2013

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Etched in Sand by Regina Calcaterra is a memoir about the author's extremely abusive childhood and the resilience she and her four siblings demonstrated to survive and eventually succeed. Raised by their neglectful, mentally ill mother, the siblings faced homelessness, hunger, and violence on Long Island, New York. Despite these challenges, Regina becomes a successful lawyer and government official, motivated by her experiences to help others in similarly unjust situations. Themes of resilience, abuse, and the drive to help others permeate the narrative. Sensitive topics include child abuse, neglect, and addiction.

Emotional

Inspirational

Challenging

Heartwarming

Hopeful

Reviews & Readership

4.4

37,629 ratings

87%

Loved it

9%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Etched In Sand by Regina Calcaterra is a gripping memoir highlighting resilience amidst an abusive childhood. Reviewers praise its emotional depth and inspiring narrative. Some find the writing overly repetitive, but overall, it’s celebrated for shedding light on the foster care system’s flaws and offering hope through survival.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Etched In Sand?

Readers who would enjoy Etched In Sand by Regina Calcaterra are typically drawn to poignant, true-life narratives of resilience and survival. Fans of The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls or A Child Called "It" by Dave Pelzer will find this memoir compelling and inspiring. This book appeals to those interested in overcoming adversity and the complexities of family dynamics.

4.4

37,629 ratings

87%

Loved it

9%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Key Figures

Regina Calcaterra is the protagonist and narrator who rises above a troubled childhood, marked by neglect and abuse, to become an advocate for vulnerable populations and achieves personal and professional success.

Cookie Calcaterra is Regina’s mother, whose erratic and abusive behavior exposes her children to neglect and danger, significantly shaping the challenges they face.

Camille is Regina’s older sister and closest ally, who offers emotional strength and shares the responsibility of caring for their younger siblings amidst their harsh living conditions.

Rosie is the youngest sibling who requires protection from her older sisters, Regina and Camille, due to the neglect and abuse she experiences.

Cherie is the eldest sibling who, despite marrying young and moving out, supports her family from afar and strengthens sibling unity.

Norman is Regina's younger brother who benefits from favoritism by their mother, but still requires protection from his older siblings.

Addie is a foster mother who provides Regina and Camille with stability and caring guidance, contrasting sharply with the neglect they experienced from their biological mother.

Julia is Regina’s aunt who offers insights into their past and helps Regina piece together details of her early childhood, providing clarity and support.

Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Genre
Biography

Inspirational
Setting

Long Island, New York • 1970s-1980s

Theme
Family

Siblings

Mothers
Topic
Trauma & Abuse

Poverty
Publication Year

2013

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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