• Etched in Sand

  • A True Story of Five Siblings Who Survived an Unspeakable Childhood on Long Island
  • By: Regina Calcaterra
  • Narrated by: Regina Calcaterra
  • Length: 8 hrs and 33 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (2,514 ratings)

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Etched in Sand  By  cover art

Etched in Sand

By: Regina Calcaterra
Narrated by: Regina Calcaterra
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Publisher's summary

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 abuse.

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 fighting to keep her brother and three sisters together.

Beautifully written and heartbreakingly honest, 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.

©2013 Regina Calcaterra (P)2013 HarperCollins Publishers

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What listeners say about Etched in Sand

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Heartbreaking

It’s an amazing story of perseverance and determination. It was so tragically graphic though I had nightmares from many parts of the story. The love between siblings is beautiful but that someone could be so evil to their own children or foster parents so cruel makes me sick.

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Good Story

Amazing story. You never think about what some kids endure when the system fails. Enjoyable audiobook.

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Excellent book!

This is a must read! Regina does an excellent job narrating her own book .

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Very good!

Very powerful book, written very well with the author being an excellent narrator! A book you will not forget.

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Unexpected

The subject matter is sad and disturbing but this book is a compelling read.

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bravo

loved it, so glad to see how a sibbling group made it and beat the odds. would and will recomend book to others

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so good!!

I love that she performed it. I teach in a Juvenile facility where many of my girls have traumatic histories and are in the foster system. They really liked the book too and some were very eager to read the second part as well, which I haven't done yet.

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Utah DCFS worker from Long Island

I loved it! What a way to put things in perspective. Recommended it to everyone.

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Loved the story of resilience!

What did you love best about Etched in Sand?

The author did a great job of telling her story without the feeling that it was embellished at all.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Etched in Sand?

The last meeting between the author and her mom was heart wrenching. I can't imagine a mother having such a deep dislike for her child. I kept hoping her mom, at the edge of death, would ask for forgiveness. When it didn't happen, my heart sank.

Which scene was your favorite?

There were too many scenes that I loved, to name just one would be a disservice to the others.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I thought it was remarkable how hard the author fought to have her biological father identified.

Any additional comments?

I didn't want the story to end. I wanted to know more about her and her siblings and how everyone is doing today.

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Wonderful story teller!!

I listened from start to finish in 1 day. I have never done that before, just couldn't stop listening to this beautiful story of love and strength from 5 siblings who had no one to turn to and refused to give up.

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