Etched In Sand: A True Story Of Five Siblings Who Survived An Unspeakable Childhood On Long Island (2013) - Plot & Excerpts
Great memoir. Bravely written and a wonderful example of internal and personal perseverance. However, it's important to point out a major DISCONNECT in the author's perceptions. I was taken aback at her contempt of the overworked, and underfunded social service system and utter stoicism and total unappreciative nature for her foster parents. I work for an agency called the Child Placement Review Board (CPRB). Our job is to make recommendations to the courts for "the best interest of the child" in question and to make sure that social services is doing their job. This is an appointment by the governor of the state and its volunteer. My feelings, as an educator, parent and a long time Executive Committee member of the CPRB is that you are damned if you do and damned if you don't! The book has changed my perception of how I, and my colleagues in the court system, do our jobs. She says, at the end of the book, that forever families are needed and she is most certainly correct, but she offers NOTHING about how the poor foster families and social workers can do more. She directs her anger at the social workers, her biological parents and the social workers. She seems filled with anger and helping one homeless family with an intelligent child is only one small act. What about becoming an unappreciated forever family or foster family; maybe helping to change legislation regarding the number of cases social workers can be dealt? How about, at the very least, becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)? Fascinated with how these children persevered and overcame their childhood experiences. Particularly impressed with the author and what she was able to do with her life after the way she was treated as a child. Amazed that children can be treated this was and nothing is done about it, or nothing done until it's too late.Should make those of us with normal childhoods very thankful for the way we were raised and the families who raised us.
What do You think about Etched In Sand: A True Story Of Five Siblings Who Survived An Unspeakable Childhood On Long Island (2013)?
It's one of those books that inspires you to keep going no matter what life throws your way!
—bryan
What a great read. Amazing story of survival and family and love...
—Sarahbalais123
Gut-wrenching, but a must-read incredible story.
—fardoche_1991
Enthralling. Quick read. Triumph over tragedy.
—Vamshi
