increasing fundraising goals and/or becoming first time contributors to related community based organizations. I don't even know where to start with this. Regina serves as the second vice chair to the SUNY New Paltz Foundation Board; and, on Advisory Committees for the  New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, You Gotta Believe, an organization that works to get older foster youth adopted; and The Felix Organization, an organization that provides inspiring opportunities and new experiences to enrich the lives of children who are growing in the foster care system. Her painful early life, however, was quite different. Etched In Sand arrived yesterday- I was up into the wee hours of the morning to finish this beautifully written, compelling memoir. Read it! Some comic relief, beautiful prose, a handle on your bitterness... anything. Etched in Sand: A True Story of Five Siblings Who Survived an Unspeakable Childhood on Long Island by Regina Calcaterra is the true story of the abuse and neglect the author and her siblings suffered through - at the hands of their mother and in a system that wasn't working as it should. Start by marking “Etched in Sand: A True Story of Five Siblings Who Survived an Unspeakable Childhood on Long Island” as Want to Read: Error rating book. Etched in Sand was voted St. Petersburg College's One Book - One College selection this year and I was privileged to spend time with the author following her presentation at the college's Clearwater, FL campus. Each story is horrific and moving with a unique version of living hell. Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube. It's been proven that just because you can doesn't mean you should. As a result of Etched in Sand’s messages of resilience, optimism, the plight of foster children, that no child is a lost cause and how we can all positively impact the life of a child in need, it has been integrated into college and high school curricula throughout the U.S. and been selected for community reads. The beginning of this was particularly good and I think it could have been a better memoir with tighter editing. She decided to share her incredible child story in the memoir Etched in Sand. Girl Unbroken has also been integrated into college curricula alongside Etched in Sand. We’d love your help. As these children did, they are afraid to tell for fear of being separated from their siblings, punished or other reasons so they carry the abuse in silence. The Social Workers seemed particularly inept. Hands down one of the best books I have ever read. The book exposes the inadequacies of our social and economic safety net, and highlights the vital role played public schools and libraries as safe havens and support. Regina Calcaterra is a successful lawyer, New York State official, and activist. My siblings consented to the publication of Etched in Sand and the use of their proper names in the forthcoming pages. I don't know where to start this review other than to say this isn't a book for the faint of heart. They experienced so much damage, mentally and physically from those closest to them, yet they have grown up to be so much more than their backgr. The book's a genuine tear-jerker. Is she a mother? 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. 1 Bitten Bones. She is a partner at Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz and is a passionate advocate for children in foster care. is the bestselling author of Etched in Sand: A True Story of Five Siblings Who Survived an Unspeakable Childhood on Long Island, which has been integrated into academic curriculums nationwide. What I found particularly disheartening, [was how other family members, teachers, neighbors ANYONE never seemed to be. Well, currently, she is the Chief Deputy Executive of Suffolk County. As a parent myself, there were parts of this book that were really hard for me to digest because I don't know how a person could care so little for their child, let alone five children. Yes! I loved this book. Although I strongly admire the author and all she had to endure, I had a difficult time connecting with her voice through out the book. Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read. First and foremost, this is a true-life memoir of hope and inspiration. Each story is horrific and moving with a unique version of living hell. Regina and her four siblings su… Reading this book is made tolerable only by the fact that the reader is informed in the Prologue that it has a happy ending—an example of survival beyond expectations from a horrendous childhood family environment. When I was young we used to sing that in music class. This is a sad book with a happy ending and a great read. Regina Calcaterra’s emotionally powerful memoir reveals how she endured a series of foster homes and intermittent homelessness in the shadow of the Hamptons, and how she rose above her past while fghting to keep her brother and three sisters together. Her professional legal bio can be found at this link. Do the readers ever find out, did I miss it? Ok, if I see the phrase "mia bambina amore" one more time I might throw up. My new hero is Regina Calcaterra, a proud Long Islander, who rises to th. Regina speaks nationally about her books messages and how we can all impact the life of a child in need. Yes! My Thoughts: Etched in Sand: A True Story of Five Siblings Who Survived an Unspeakable Childhood on Long Island by Regina Calcaterra is the true story of the abuse and neglect the author and her siblings suffered through - at the hands of their mother and in a system that wasn't working as it should. They are often homeless, hungry, abandoned for many weeks at a time, in and out of school as they move from place to place. by regina calcaterra ‧ release date: aug. 6, 2013 Girl Unbroken has also been integrated into college curricula alongside Etched in Sand. As a parent myself, there were parts of this book that were really hard for me to digest because I don't know how a person could care so little for their child, let alone five children. Read it in one sitting! by William Morrow Paperbacks. I am ready to lump this one right alongside, Whenever I start to read a memoir about a difficult childhood, I think, well, it probably isn't going to be all that different from the others, and I'm invariably wrong. It was heartbreaking, eye-opening, moving, and inspiring. This book, written by Regina Calceterra is about the lives of her three sisters and brother growing up with an alcoholic and an extremely emotionally, mentally and physically abusive mother. I understand how many have overwhelming case loads, but so often with this family they did more harm than good. Sometimes homeless, sometimes living in the worst of living conditions these children managed to survive. I hate to consider how many examples may exist where children never manage to free themselves from the grip of poverty and abuse. Her painful early life, however, was quite different. View Regina’s Upcoming Appearances. 2 Building Sand Castles. It tells the story of five siblings dealing with an abusive, addicted mother who often left them to fend for themselves in trailer parks, abandoned homes, and homeless shelters. p. 1. I don't even know where to start with this. Regina Calcaterra is best known as a top professional attorney and official in the state of New York. Yes, in the end, they come back to each other and find a way for all 5 siblings to be a family again, but the price they pay to get there is dreadful. She is also co-author of Etched in Sand’s sequel which she wrote with her younger sister Rosie Maloney, Girl Unbroken, A Sister’s Harrowing Journey from the Streets of Long Island to the Farms of Idaho (HarperCollins Publishing, 2016). I really struggled through parts of this book because you want to think that things can't get any worse but you know that they will and they do. The book became a bestseller around the globe. (Primi-Dieci Society and the Italy-American Chamber of Commerce, 2015). Readers have a lot to look forward to this year! Regina is co-founding partner of Calcaterra Pollack LLP a 100% woman owned law firm that specializes in complex federal and state litigation representing public entities, labor health and welfare funds, businesses, and individuals. “I’m thirteen—and a half.” He looks at me suspiciously. Regina Calcaterra is a successful lawyer, New York State official, and activist. Having had a very difficult childhood, as outlined in my memoir, The Pale-Faced Lie, I felt for Regina and her siblings with an empathy that only a wounded child could know. The older kids in turn had to become surrogate parents for their younger siblings, learning street survival, occasionally going into foster care with varying degrees of comfort. A remarkable story of these five children who managed to grow into strong adults by creating a family unit within themselves and with their determination to protect it from their abusive mother or separation from social services. The “Etched in Sand by Regina Calcaterra PDF Download” is an impressive novel that plots a heart-wrenching story for the reader of all ages. See all 7 questions about Etched in Sand…, Over 35 List: Books You Most Want to Read in 2015, Suzanne Leopold (Suzy Approved Book Reviews). The story continues to … 11. Regina’s Calcaterra memoir, Etched in Sand, is an inspiring and triumphant coming-of-age story of tenacity and hope. 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. When I was young we used to sing that in music class. After reading works such as The Glass Castle and Three Little Words, this just didn't own up to similar memoirs. 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. I really struggled through parts of this book because you want to think that things can't get any worse but you know that they will and they do. As chief deputy executive of Suffolk County, it is Regina Calcaterra's job to regulate, not just post-disaster funding, but any government resources her county receives. She is also co-author of Etched in Sand’s sequel which she wrote with her younger sister Rosie Maloney, Girl Unbroken, A Sister’s Harrowing Journey from the Streets of Long Island to the Farms of Idaho (HarperCollins Publishing, 2016). p. 17. Etched in Sand and Girl Unbroken have resulted in readers and those who have heard Regina speak: Copyright © 2021 Regina Calcaterra | Website Design, a 100% woman owned law firm that specializes in complex federal and state litigation representing public entities, labor health and welfare funds, businesses, and individuals. To see what your friends thought of this book, I will never say that I am too tired, or that I cannot do or take it anymore. They experienced so much damage, mentally and physically from those closest to them, yet they have grown up to be so much more than their background! ISBN: 9780062218841. Etched in Sand: A True Story of Five Siblings Who Survived an Unspeakable Childhood on Long Island by Regina Calcaterra is the true story of the abuse and neglect the author and her siblings suffered through - at the hands of their mother and in a system that wasn't working as it should. Etched in Sand: A True Story of Five Siblings Who Survived an Unspeakable Childhood on Long Island - Ebook written by Regina Calcaterra. Regina Calcaterra, Esq. Though it is Regina who tells her story, she has 4 other siblings who share a horrible life as well. I’m so sorry for this young woman’s pain but a memoir like this needs something to distinguish it since otherwise it’s just another horrific growing up tale. A mother's favoritism and selfishness leave her children mentally and physically hurt. This had to have been a very difficult book for the author to write. As a result of Etched in Sand’s messages of resilience, optimism, the plight of foster children, that no child is a lost cause and how we can all positively impact the life. Despite the extreme poverty and constant abuse from her mother, a fragmented education and unpredictable housing, Regina was able to help raise herself, and her siblings, to become stable adults and parents. Etched in Sand: A True Story of Five Siblings Who Survived an Unspeakable Childhood on Long Island (2013) by high-powered attorney Regina Calcaterra is a memoir of her extremely abusive childhood and the path she and her sisters took toward success. Sometimes left on their own, with no food, no heat in the winter, in and out of foster care (sometimes good but mostly bad) how they ever survived is beyond me. The story as to how Regina grew up to be the person she is today is candidly written and absolutely heartbreaking. Publisher: Harper Collins. And it really just affirms my personal belief that you shouldn't be allowed to just have kids. There are just too many stories available to any reader, in this day of instant access, of atrocities/horrors that have befallen a child, a person, an animal, a country of people. Despite what the authorities told her—she survived—finished high school, went to college while working several jobs, and became a lawyer. This book, written by Regina Calceterra is about the lives of her three sisters and brother growing up with an alcoholic and an extremely emotionally, mentally and physically abusive mother. Is Cookie? Her professional legal bio can be found at this, Regina has received numerous awards and honors in her legal career and for her advocacy of efforts such as being awarded the. Regina Calcaterra’s memoir Etched in Sand, A True Story of Five Siblings Who Survived an Unspeakable Childhood on Long Island (HarperCollins Publishing, 2013) is a #1 international best-seller and a New York Times best-seller. Heartbreak, abuse, and a broken system are what you find in this book. Etched in Sand: A True Story of Five Siblings Who Survived an Unspeakable Childhood on Long Island Regina Calcaterra. Regina Calcaterra's powerful memoir, Etched In Sand, begins with her flying over the ravaged neighborhoods of Long Island following the hurricane, Super Storm Sandy. I will never say that I am too tired, or that I cannot do or take it anymore. As chief deputy executive of Suffolk County, it is Regina Calcaterra's job to regulate, not just post-disaster funding, but any government resources her county receives. Refresh and try again. This title was masterfully authored by Regina Calcaterra, who is a prominent lawyer, New York State government official, and activist for children's rights. August 6th 2013 Did Etched in Sand change your idea of childhood, and of family? First and foremost, this is a true-life memoir of hope and inspiration. So, I thought that this one looked promising and the Kindle price was right. “Weren’t you eleven last”, “On the days that feel dark and endless, I make myself a simple promise: I’ll get out of bed in the morning. Whenever I start to read a memoir about a difficult childhood, I think, well, it probably isn't going to be all that different from the others, and I'm invariably wrong. Though separated from the late Maya Angelou by age, race and geography, Regina Calcaterra is emerging as a next generation icon. Regina and her four siblings survived an abusive and painful childhood only to find themselves faced with challenges of strife and intermittent homelessness in the back alleys of Manhattan and Long Island. She is the middle child of 5 siblings of 5 different but absent fathers, who suffer the abuses of their mentally ill, alcoholic and drug addicted single mother. "Etched in Sand" tells a haunting biography of the author's childhood through mistreatment, abuse, and homelessness. This is one of those books where the subject matter is incredibly intense but you will be absolutely drawn to this story. In the highly anticipated sequel to her New York Times bestseller Etched in Sand, Regina Calcaterra pairs with her youngest sister Rosie to tell Rosie’s harrowing, yet ultimately triumphant, story of childhood abuse and survival. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. Author's Note. 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. 12. The system has failed these children several times and does not have to answer to the harm they caused. It makes a wonderful story when children from this sort of background are able to thrive as adults. is the bestselling author of Etched in Sand: A True Story of Five Siblings Who Survived an Unspeakable Childhood on Long Island, which has … Her painful early life, however, was quite different. Her painful early life, however, was quite different. Resilient, fiercely protective of each other, and remarkably wise scavengers, they discover means of survival independent of any parental support. You will never again take your toothpaste and brush for granted. 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. Etched in Sand was voted St. Petersburg College’s One Book – One College selection this year and I was privileged to spend time with the author following her presentation at the college’s Clearwater, FL campus. She is the middle child of 5 siblings of 5 different but absent fathers, who suffer the abuses of their mentally ill, alcoholic and drug addicted single mother. Etched in Sand: A True Story of Five Siblings Who Survived an Unspeakable Childhood on Long Island. About Etched in Sand • Paperback: 320 pages • Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks; Original edition (August 6, 2013) In this story of perseverance in the face of adversity, Regina Calcaterra recounts her childhood in foster care and on the streets—and how she and her savvy crew of homeless siblings managed to survive years of homelessness, abandonment, and […] [was how other family members, teachers, neighbors ANYONE never seemed to be able to help. etched in sand a true story of five siblings who survived an unspeakable childhood on long island. "Etched in Sand" blew me away! Who is Regina Calcaterra? The book became New York Times bestseller when released two years ago. It is absolutely amazing how the author of this book and her siblings rose above their tragic childhood! And it really just affirms my personal belief that you shouldn't be a. I don't know where to start this review other than to say this isn't a book for the faint of heart. Table of Contents. 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. Regina Calcaterra's powerful memoir, Etched In Sand, begins with her flying over the ravaged neighborhoods of Long Island following the hurricane, Super Storm Sandy. Camarillo Reads - One City, One Book - Talk with Author of Etched in Sand, Regina Calcaterra Regina Calcaterra Page 2/28. Calcaterra's career in public service is not accidental; growing up with four siblings and an abusive, neglectful, alcoholic mother and an ineffective foster child system, Regina was determined to make a difference. They lived their lives with a damaged mother who's contribution was to give birth to them then often leave them to fend for themselves, a flawed system that continued to fail these children and society's ability not to see what was happening to them! Regina Calcaterra, who is now a highly successful public advocate lawyer involved in NYS Government, courageously shares the painful, desperate world of her impoverished childhood in suburban Long Island. Wonderful. Page: 320. Etched in Sand: A True Story of Five Siblings Who Survived an Unspeakable Childhood on Long Island Kindle Edition by Regina Calcaterra (Author) Constantly siding with Cookie even with all the evidence???? Regina Calcaterra opens our eyes to what is right in front of us and yet invisible due to indifference and ignorance. Though grim, this story plays as a reminder that even one kind adult in a child’s life can impact them in an enormous way. This book brings to light the heart-wrenching account of Calcaterra's indigent childhood, the complete failure of her mother to care for her and her siblings, but also the failure of the foster care and social services system that is called upon to manage such children. Regina’s Calcaterra memoir, Etched in Sand, is an inspiring and triumphant coming-of-age story of tenacity and hope. 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,. 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. Though it is Regina who tells her story, she has 4 other siblings who share a horrible life as well. Their mother "Cookie" is a violent, abusive obstacle that makes survival much harder as she spends the little money they acquire on her own destructive needs. Five little children all abused, a couple of them worse than the others with beatings and imprisonment, starvation and whatever else their mother (their five fathers were not present) could think up when she was present and not off on one of her months-long jaunts. ‎Regina’s Calcaterra memoir, Etched in Sand, is an inspiring and triumphant coming-of-age story of tenacity and hope. Then I’ll head up the hill to class. Author’s Note ETCHED IN SAND is the true story of the experiences I shared with my siblings from our childhood to the present day. Child Welfare and Education Board/Committee Membership, becoming Court Appointed Special Advocates and/or. 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. I hope her telling sheds more light on the needs of so many children! What is the author's attitude towards foster care? 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