Read Online Etched in Sand A True Story of Five Siblings Who Survived an Unspeakable Childhood on Long Island Regina Calcaterra 9780062218834 Books

Product details Paperback 320 pages Publisher William Morrow Paperbacks; Original edition (August 6, 2013) Language English ISBN-10 0062218832

Etched in Sand A True Story of Five Siblings Who Survived an Unspeakable Childhood on Long Island Regina Calcaterra 9780062218834 Books Reviews

• I started reading this book as a reluctant reader, having so many books on my bucket list to read and never wanting to waste my time spending an hour reading something that doesn’t enrich, educate, inspire. Having a preconceived notion about any book I begin to read, this one was no different. Having said that, I’ll start by saying what this book is not it’s not a casual read about the coming of age of women in a man’s world, or another tale of rags-to-riches. It’s not another story about someone behind the 8 ball who is given a second chance at life. This story will beggar your imagination in an attempt to wrap your mind around how a human being in the 20th century could possibly treat her children the way she did, and how those children could possibly withstand the deprivation and degradation that they were exposed to. I constantly had to remind myself that this was taking place in American and in and around the same neighborhoods I grew up in. I was literally brought to tears to see how these sisters and their brother continually elevated their sibling relationship by loving each other on increasing levels that made me realize what my own sibling relationships had entirely lacked. It revealed with clarity the importance of the teacher in our society, and the now almost extinct neighbor-to-neighbor relationship. If you are a teacher, you need to read this book to renew your acquaintance with the power you have in your sphere of influence. If you are a parent, your parenting will change for the better – no doubt. If you are a social worker, for god sakes, please read this book. In fact, my suggestion to any and all social work courses and degree programs – make this a mandatory read! The images that I have in my head from reading this book will never go away. This book has so many cogent lessons to teach, so many words of wisdom to inspire….in short, it will change the way you think about children, parents, government bureaucracies, school, neighbors, and the American culture in general.
• I hate writing reviews. When I read what others have put I get angry when they tell me what the book is about. I know that already from reading what a back cover would say. Others tell me what the ending of the book is. That I really hate, there is no longer a reason for me to read the book.
  
  That being said I do feel compelled to leave a review of this book. Those of us who live in warm houses, cool houses in the summer, have our bellies full of food need to read this book. I think it is important to learn about another way of life that is happening to children in our society that we overlook or maybe hope doesn't exist at all. We need to know how they fall through the cracks so that changes can be made to stop and take a good look at abused and abandoned children and find a better system to help them.
  
  Books like this can read like a novel. I have to keep reminding myself this is REAL. This is someone's day to day existence. Someone's review said it was "too depressing to read". Considering what the book is about what were they expecting, lollipops and roses?
  
  I liked the book for it opened my eyes, it made me think and be grateful for the life (and childhood) that I have had. It told me of the powerful will to survive and the importance of family.
  
  I give immense kudos to the author for telling the story. The ending of the journey you will have read yourself!
• This is the true story of how five children tried to band together to cover up the abuse of their mother, provide for their basic needs in a way that Social Services wouldn't become aware of and just be able to remain together so that they could protect one another.
  
  The story openly shows how the Social Services system fails children but how perserverence, some adults to provide foster care or just believe in your capabilities can enable you to succeed when everything is against you. You don't have to continue the cycle but it does take some caring individuals to help you find your way out. Some of the emotional scars can heal but others do seem to hang on to the point where the feeling might be scabbed over but you are always going to protect that area since you fear the scab could be ripped off so easily.
  
  As an educator, I have been frustrated by some of the responses that we receive from Social Services and I am very aware of the high needs, the lack of funding, and the small pay the workers get for trying to protect our most precious resource.
  
  Regina has written an eye opening, well written memoir which more people should put on their "to read" list.
• This was a book that was hard to put down. Regina Calcaterra narrates the horror or growing up with her 4 siblings pretty much on their own on Long Island. Their mother was a drunk and mostly absent for months. The older kids would steal food just to stay alive. They were terrified of the "system" so they would lie about their mother being at work when the social worker would visit. When you read this book, your troubles will suddenly seem very small when you learn what it took for these children to stay safe and alive. Regina is now a very successful lawyer in New York, which is amazing after all she endured, many times being beaten so badly, verbally and mentally abused constantly. Full of suspense, shock, and wonder at how these children survived, this book is not something you will want to stop reading.
• I am so thankful to you and your siblings, Regina Calcaterra! To read about the atrocities of your childhood, in the manner you penned them, brought a new awareness of just how many others there could be that are so painfully hurting at the hands of those who are supposed to love and care for them forever. I work in the public schools, and know that God placed me there so I too, can make a positive difference. This memoir will be ever etched in my heart as I keep my eyes, ears, and heart opened to every child I come in contact with.