1 to 10 of 10
Review Date: 2/14/2014
Helpful Score: 3
Read this book, it will change your life.
Yes, it is heartbreaking to learn the truth, the journey of
the meat you put on your plate.
This should be required reading for every American.
Decide for yourself, but be informed, know what is in the meat on your plate.
Yes, it is heartbreaking to learn the truth, the journey of
the meat you put on your plate.
This should be required reading for every American.
Decide for yourself, but be informed, know what is in the meat on your plate.
Etched in Sand: A True Story of Five Siblings Who Survived an Unspeakable Childhood on Long Island
Author:
Book Type: Paperback
17
Author:
Book Type: Paperback
17
Review Date: 11/10/2013
Helpful Score: 5
Etched in Sand: A True Story of Five Siblings Who Survived an Unspeakable Childhood on Long Island by Regina Calcaterra is the true story of the abuse and neglect the author and her siblings suffered through - at the hands of their mother and in a system that wasn't working as it should. Regina notes that her childhood made her very aware of how people in power can impact the lives of others and this knowledge helped lead her to her present day career in public service.
Regina has two older sister, Cherie and Camille, and a younger brother and sister, Norman and Rosie. Regina makes it clear that their mother, Cookie, was a drunk who was always avoiding the cops. She abused and neglected her children, abandoning them for weeks at a time. She stole, wrote bad checks, and always had a series of warrants out for her arrest. While Cookie's "aim is to put in as little effort as possible to get what she can from whom she can, including the system (pg.31)" Regina (and her older sisters) wanted to keep themselves out of the system entirely.
These children were in an impossible situation. With their mother there was rampant abuse and neglect for certain, but in the system (foster care) lurked other very real potential dangers. As I was reading this powerful memoir, I literally had to set the book aside several times. It was so frustrating to see a system that wasn't working or groups that were unable to work together or across state lines.
It was encouraging and inspirational to see how Regina overcame the odds. As an emancipated teen in the system it certainly appeared that she would be lucky to escape from her childhood without any long term trauma. To see how hard and tirelessly Regina worked to overcome her background is a testimony to her determination. The determination she had to try and keep her siblings together or in contact with each other was touching.
At the same time, Regina is trying to confirm that her father really is the man Cookie has always said is her father. He won't admit it is true but the evidence seems to confirm Cookie is telling the truth. It was good to see a conclusion to this question, although the fact that she had to ask it is heart-breaking.
In Etched in Sand Regina writes about her childhood in the present tense with a simple straightforward honesty which makes the narrative feel more raw and tragic, if that is even possible. We know she survived this horrific childhood to become the successful adult she is today, but while reading about some of the abuse... oh.my.goodness. It's probably for the best that it is written in this manner, a recounting of the facts as she experienced them when a child.
This is a well-written personal account of a woman who overcame a deplorable childhood. It might be difficult for some people to read about the abuse, but for those who can, the triumphant conclusion of Regina's story today will outshine the appalling facts of her childhood.
Very Highly Recommended
Regina has two older sister, Cherie and Camille, and a younger brother and sister, Norman and Rosie. Regina makes it clear that their mother, Cookie, was a drunk who was always avoiding the cops. She abused and neglected her children, abandoning them for weeks at a time. She stole, wrote bad checks, and always had a series of warrants out for her arrest. While Cookie's "aim is to put in as little effort as possible to get what she can from whom she can, including the system (pg.31)" Regina (and her older sisters) wanted to keep themselves out of the system entirely.
These children were in an impossible situation. With their mother there was rampant abuse and neglect for certain, but in the system (foster care) lurked other very real potential dangers. As I was reading this powerful memoir, I literally had to set the book aside several times. It was so frustrating to see a system that wasn't working or groups that were unable to work together or across state lines.
It was encouraging and inspirational to see how Regina overcame the odds. As an emancipated teen in the system it certainly appeared that she would be lucky to escape from her childhood without any long term trauma. To see how hard and tirelessly Regina worked to overcome her background is a testimony to her determination. The determination she had to try and keep her siblings together or in contact with each other was touching.
At the same time, Regina is trying to confirm that her father really is the man Cookie has always said is her father. He won't admit it is true but the evidence seems to confirm Cookie is telling the truth. It was good to see a conclusion to this question, although the fact that she had to ask it is heart-breaking.
In Etched in Sand Regina writes about her childhood in the present tense with a simple straightforward honesty which makes the narrative feel more raw and tragic, if that is even possible. We know she survived this horrific childhood to become the successful adult she is today, but while reading about some of the abuse... oh.my.goodness. It's probably for the best that it is written in this manner, a recounting of the facts as she experienced them when a child.
This is a well-written personal account of a woman who overcame a deplorable childhood. It might be difficult for some people to read about the abuse, but for those who can, the triumphant conclusion of Regina's story today will outshine the appalling facts of her childhood.
Very Highly Recommended
Review Date: 2/14/2014
Do you eat meat? Probably never think about what you served for dinner last night. Food does not live and grow in the grocery store, learn where your food comes.
Review Date: 5/30/2013
Helpful Score: 1
This book focuses on the lives of slaves in the Mississippi delta, before the war. Paying tribute to some of the terrible things that occurred during those years, but primarily focuses on hope, pride, faith and healing.
I loved this book, it is not to be rushed through but enjoyed as the layers are peeled away.
I do wish I still had a Gran Gran in my life.
I loved this book, it is not to be rushed through but enjoyed as the layers are peeled away.
I do wish I still had a Gran Gran in my life.
Review Date: 10/15/2012
I read this book in 2 days. I was so involved in this girls life I wanted to contact her, let her know how her life touched mine. A very fast read.
Review Date: 1/7/2014
My 7 year old grandson just loves this book.
Review Date: 5/15/2013
Helpful Score: 3
I started this book after dinner last night, finished after 1 am.
I was drawn into this book, Anthony's story opening my eyes to his world. Having a grandchild on the spectrum, although verbal, potty trained at 3, he didn't speak until he started ABA. He is 4 now, knows and loves mom, dad and granny he lives in a world unlike mine. We do not know where his life will lead him but we know we are blessed to have him in our life. Every time he blesses me with a tight hug, climbs in my lap and smiles, my heart does sing.
I do recommend this book and enjoyed every page.
My daughter has chosen not to read it, says she lives with autism everyday, this is not just a story of a child with autism it is a story of life.
I was drawn into this book, Anthony's story opening my eyes to his world. Having a grandchild on the spectrum, although verbal, potty trained at 3, he didn't speak until he started ABA. He is 4 now, knows and loves mom, dad and granny he lives in a world unlike mine. We do not know where his life will lead him but we know we are blessed to have him in our life. Every time he blesses me with a tight hug, climbs in my lap and smiles, my heart does sing.
I do recommend this book and enjoyed every page.
My daughter has chosen not to read it, says she lives with autism everyday, this is not just a story of a child with autism it is a story of life.
Review Date: 7/11/2013
Helpful Score: 12
Weaving together the stories of 2 abandoned children, one from the past and one from the present.
I am quite new at reviewing the books I read, but will try more because I understand how important they are to authors.
I loved this book and plan on reading it again.
The point of view was kinda confusing at first. However as a read it more and more I began to understand what the author was trying to say, by the way the characters interacted and brought the story to life.
Many times while reading I felt like I was right there in 1929 on the train or in the houses that Viv found herself. I did not live in the 1920s or 1930s, but the things at happened and descriptions really made me feel like was living in the time. I had to wait over 200 pages for something to happen but it definitely was worth the wait.
The current setting in 2011 is also just as amazing.
I lost many hours of sleeping reading the Orphan Train. The story, character development, and descriptions are first class.
"I was stunned to learn about the breadth and scope of the orphan train movement, which transported a reported two hundred thousand children from the East Coast to the Midwest between 1854 and 1929". (authors quote page 275)
I am quite new at reviewing the books I read, but will try more because I understand how important they are to authors.
I loved this book and plan on reading it again.
The point of view was kinda confusing at first. However as a read it more and more I began to understand what the author was trying to say, by the way the characters interacted and brought the story to life.
Many times while reading I felt like I was right there in 1929 on the train or in the houses that Viv found herself. I did not live in the 1920s or 1930s, but the things at happened and descriptions really made me feel like was living in the time. I had to wait over 200 pages for something to happen but it definitely was worth the wait.
The current setting in 2011 is also just as amazing.
I lost many hours of sleeping reading the Orphan Train. The story, character development, and descriptions are first class.
"I was stunned to learn about the breadth and scope of the orphan train movement, which transported a reported two hundred thousand children from the East Coast to the Midwest between 1854 and 1929". (authors quote page 275)
Part Wild: One Woman's Journey with a Creature Caught Between the Worlds of Wolves and Dogs
Author:
Book Type: Hardcover
2
Author:
Book Type: Hardcover
2
Review Date: 2/11/2014
Part Wild is the unforgettable journey Ceiridwen and her wolf-dog Inyo traveled together. A memoir of the beauty and tragedy of living with a wild animal. Beautifully written and heartbreaking, I loved this book. It will open your eyes (I hope) to the indiscriminate breeding of wild animals.
Saved by Her Enemy: An Iraqi Woman's Journey from the Heart of War to the Heartland of America
Author:
Book Type: Hardcover
14
Author:
Book Type: Hardcover
14
Review Date: 10/30/2010
I read this book in 2 evenings. It will stay with me, I bought a copy
for my kids to read and share. God worked a miracle in this one.
Wonderful Read.
for my kids to read and share. God worked a miracle in this one.
Wonderful Read.
1 to 10 of 10
