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

Description

Regina's Calcaterra memoir, Etched in Sand, is an inspiring and triumphant coming-of-age story of tenacity and hope. Regina Calcaterra is a successful lawyer, New York State official, and activist. Her painful early life, however, was quite different. Regina and her four siblings survived an abusive and painful childhood only to find themselves faced with the challenges of the foster-care system and intermittent homelessness in the shadows of Manhattan and the Hamptons. A true-life rags-to-riches story, Etched in Sand chronicles Regina's rising above her past, while fighting to keep her brother and three sisters together through it all. Beautifully written, with heartbreaking honesty, 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.

While growing up in Suffolk County, New York with her four siblings, Regina Calcaterra lived in numerous foster homes, homeless shelters, and on the streets. Regina graduated from the State University of New York at New Paltz in 1988, and in 1996 she obtained her juris doctorate while attending law school in the evenings at Seton Hall University School of Law. After college, Regina became the founding partner of the New York office of Barrack, Rodos & Bacine (BR&B), an internationally recognized and highly ranked securities litigation firm. In early 2010, Regina announced her candidacy for New York State Senate for the First Senatorial District, and campaigned actively on ethics reform in New York State government.From 2006 to 2011 Regina was a board member of You Gotta Believe, an adoption agency for older foster children. She has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of the perils that foster children face if they age out of the system parentless and the need to get these youth adopted into permanent homes. Today, she serves as Chief Deputy County Executive to Suffolk County Executive Steven Bellone. Regina is also a frequent commentator of policy and politics, appearing on stations like the Fox News Channel, CNBC, Newsday and other media outlets.

Riveting reading from start to finish... Never once does she flinch from the terrible truths with which she has lived and so courageously reveals here. -- Kirkus Reviews Courageous and fascinating, written with a descriptive restraint that recalls moments of tragedy and perseverance with simplicity and subtlety... Calcaterra concludes her story with the genuine sentiment that 'we all have to believe.' At the end of this unforgettable book, readers will. -- Publishers Weekly