Etched in Sand by Regina Calcaterra
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Luckily, Regina Calcaterra lets us know in the first pages of the book that all the children in her family have survived their horrific upbringing at the hands of a mentally ill and alcoholic mother. Otherwise, the repeated tales of abuse and neglect would overwhelm the reader. The book instead is a testament to the tenacity of the human spirit, to maintain hope and familial love in the face of terrible odds.
Calcaterra, through her own intelligence and determination manages to survive the double threats of her mother's insanity and the bureaucratic insanity that often resides in the nation's foster care system. Luckily, there are a few souls who do reach out and help her. Today, she is a successful attorney who, working within and outside the political arena, is an advocate for foster children everywhere. Hers is a strong voice for the thousands of unheard, unseen children who seek refuge in our schools, our libraries, and in work.
Etched in Sand is a beautifully written, timely memoir. It was nearly impossible to put down (the alarm clock was not my friend while I was reading it!). I highly recommend this book.

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