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

Regina Calcaterra

Aug 2013 · Sold by Harper Collins

About this ebook

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, 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.
 
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.

Ratings and reviews

ETCHED IN SAND -Regina Calcaterra - A riveting and at times, heartbreaking story about a group of 5 sibling who are left to raise themselves. One would not expect these children to be living in the Hamptons, but they are indeed. How did these poor, abandoned children wind up living in the Hamptons of all places. It just doesn’t make sense. It is a reminder that sometimes we must look outside the box of “norm”. The author is brave in telling her story. She and the other children experience horrors ar such a tender age that most of us will not experience in a lifetime. Ms.Calcaterra dedicates herself in helping the helpless. Her past has not hardened her heart as it does in many others in her shoes. Instead she turns her life around. She comes out a much better person with an education and a means to support herself. Studies show the majority of children who experienced the abuse, hunger and poverty that she has tend to follow that same pattern into adulthood. They live in poverty and as adults, barely know how to take care of themselves let alone a family that is bound to start. She lived a life of battles. She fought for her siblings. She became a strong woman dispite what life t

A really touching book. Horrific and sad at what children go through and anger and frustration at the children's welfare system. It's broken! I know it's a happy ending after a life long battle but the other unheard stories out there, just heart breaking. Well done Regina and thank you for sharing your story.

An amazing story of strength, love & perserverance. It was painful to witness - through this narrative - what these children went through. Their success at ending the cycle of abuse is powerful and encouraging....I read this book straight through...an important & great read!

About the author

Regina Calcaterra, Esq. 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. She is a partner at Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz and is a passionate advocate for children in foster care.