Growing up, Calcaterra bounced between living with her birth mother, who was extremely negligent (she often left her 5 children alone for weeks or months at a time) and abusive (physically and verbally), and with foster parents, often separated from her siblings.

Due to the nature of her story, there is a lot of profanity (in the dialogue recorded) and also brief descriptions of the sexual behaviors/media she was exposed to, including some sexual abuse. (She is frank with these, not overly gratuitous, though I would still caution those 18 years and under to read something else.)

The events recorded in this book take place primarily in the 1970s and 1980s and it was horrifying to read most of what happened. There have been some major improvements to both the foster care system and government-assistance programs, which I'm very thankful for but, of course, there will always be more to improve. ( )

This book really touched me, as it takes place on Long Island (where I live and grew up) and involves 5 siblings (I am also one of five). It is an incredible story of 5 children who banded together to survive a horrible childhood at the hands of an alcoholic, abusive mother who often left them to fend for themselves in trailer parks, abandoned homes, and homeless shelters. Calcaterra (the author) and her siblings lied, stole, and made up stories to explain the marks of their abuse until Calcaterra was emancipated and went to live with a foster family. Calcaterra keeps her story very realistic and includes blunt details. Although there are many heavy descriptions of abuse and mistreatment, "Etched in Sand" provides a new perspective for many and inspires people to avoid taking their own lives for granted. Overall, it is an amazing story of strength and managing through social services and the foster care system in the US. It is hard to believe that the novel is a true story. It allows readers to have a new appreciation for life.

"Etched in Sand" tells a haunting biography of the author's childhood through mistreatment, abuse, and homelessness. 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. Calcaterra and her siblings lied, stole, and made up stories to explain the marks of their abuse, until Calcaterra was emancipated and went to live with a foster family. She continues her education and studies to become a New York state official.
Calcaterra keeps her story very realistic and includes blunt details. Although there are many heavy descriptions of abuse and mistreatment, "Etched in Sand" provides a new perspective for many and inspires people to avoid taking their own lives for granted. ( )

Regina Calcaterra tells the story of her horrific childhood and how she persevered to get past the pain in her life. All parts of the book are gripping as she writes about different parts of her life. Although it's difficult to imagine children living this way with a parent that cares so little, it's a story worth reading. I especially enjoyed hearing about the people that tried to help them and Regina's life today. ( )

Not the usual book to my taste but this one sucked me in and stayed up the whole night reading it -- I couldn't put it down. Really impressive that children who have had such a terrible childhood were able to overcome it. But they did get some care at various points, such as good teachers. But children are so vulnerable that the mistreatment of them truly breaks my heart. ( )