Etched in Sand

Etched in Sand
By Regina Calcaterra
Harper Collins Harper Audio, 2013. Biography

Regina Calcaterra is a survivor of parental abuse. Regina’s mother, Cookie, was an abusive, promiscuous, mentally ill, alcoholic who had five children with five different fathers. The family moved constantly and frequently lived in a car. The few times Cookie did find a home or an apartment, she left her children alone for weeks with no way for them to access the necessities of life. Throughout their childhood Regina and her siblings experienced extreme hunger, cold, filth and degradation. When Cookie was around, she beat and verbally abused her children. At the age of 14 Regina emancipated herself and worked hard to eventually become a New York attorney.

This story has made a lasting impression on me, and is not for the faint of heart. The aspects that stand out the most are: Regina’s love for her siblings, her drive to create a life for herself and her fight to improve the lives of others makes her a real-life heroine. Even though her story is heart-rending and chilling, it is ultimately a tale of hope. Regina fits the bill for anyone looking for a strong female example.

The audio book is narrated by the author.

MC