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

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

by Regina Calcaterra (Goodreads Author)

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Answered Questions (7)

Hands down one of the best books I have ever read. It was heartbreaking, eye-opening, moving, and inspiring. I am still curious what happened in Cookie's past. Do the readers ever find out, did I miss it?
Gene Hilgreen I will never say that I am too tired, or that I cannot do or take it anymore. My new hero is Regina Calcaterra, a proud Long Islander, who rises to th…moreI will never say that I am too tired, or that I cannot do or take it anymore. My new hero is Regina Calcaterra, a proud Long Islander, who rises to the top despite every misgiving that could be thrown at a child. Despite what the authorities told her—she survived—finished high school, went to college while working several jobs, and became a lawyer. I’m standing and clapping right now.
Etched in Sand is an eye-opening account of Regina and her four siblings—all with different fathers—life struggles through the foster care and child protective system. This isn’t TV where everything is honky-dory. This story brings to light—a foster care system that is broken and full of holes. This is real life and how the lowest form of human beings abuses the system.
Regina lived in the shadows of a heinous, abusive, (add any horrible word you can think of here), and neglectful mother while fending for them self. Dumpster diving for food and clothes; sleeping five across the back seat of a car, or in the trunk when they could. Despite living through the most horrible conditions, anyone could put to words—Regina, with some help from her two older siblings manages to raise and keep her family together.
When Regina’s mother is not out on her month-on-end drinking and sex binges—she is beating and humiliating Regina to the brink of death. Why you ask? Because the dirt bag of a man who fathered Regina—no names here, you have to read it for yourself—left before Regina was even born. Regina eventually proves who her father was, but she had to live with her mother’s wrath every day since he left.
Yes, Regina is my new hero and the foster care and child protective services system will be a better place because of her. I’m not ready to switch political parties just yet, but oh hell, why not—Regina Calcaterra for President.
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Doesn't the words to a poem supposedly written by the author sound so similar to the words penned by Woody Guthrie "You've Got to Walk That Lonesome Valley"????
Diane Ensminger I was thinking about that too and couldn't remember where had heard the song. I don't know why their editor wouldn't catch that error. Obviously she d…moreI was thinking about that too and couldn't remember where had heard the song. I don't know why their editor wouldn't catch that error. Obviously she didn't write it. It would have been enough to say that the words of the song gave them hope. (less)
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This question contains spoilers... (view spoiler)
laurie The author mentions several times the brother was the king, golden boy, etc. The mother only cared about him and never touched him.
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Does anyone have Etched in Sand book club questions?
Sara
Why were the older sisters compelled to rescue Rosie and fly her to New York while leaving Norman on his own?
What was their definition for the Mafia?
W…more
Why were the older sisters compelled to rescue Rosie and fly her to New York while leaving Norman on his own?
What was their definition for the Mafia?
What age is appropriate to read this book?
To do the abuse their mother did, what was to stop her from going totally over the edge?
Cookie's parents do not have a relationship with Cookie or her kids, so did they play a part in who Cookie became?
It was odd how one of the sisters stayed for months at a time with a friend. Didn't the friend's family question why this girl was staying with them or try to report the abuse going on? Didn't the family question the welfare of the other four kids?
What happened to Norman for years?
Why exactly did Rosie cut contact for awhile?
Why had one of the older sisters lost custody of her own child?
What made Cookie such a horrible person?
Where were the grandparents and aunts and uncles?
How could children show up at the hospital with cigarettes burns and Camille injuries from the stairs without an investigation?
How child welfare service could be so cruel and cold to these innocent children?
Why would Paul check to see if she's alive after the towers?
Camille escorted her son down the aisle at his wedding? Seems like a gender reversal there.
Did anyone get therapy?
Why was Regina so hyper focused on proving her paternity and not focused at all on asking questions of her father's family or her grandparents?
What the hell is with the Idaho authorities? Did they never even check out the house/family?
Would you recommend this book?
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What was their definition for the Mafia?
Blueballew Mothers and Fathers Italian Association
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