Libraries Save Lives

9780062218834Standing in the library that served as a “safe haven” to her and her four siblings (Middle Country Public Library on Long Island, NY) when they were the homeless children of a mentally ill and abusive mother, Regina Calcaterra talks to Inside Edition (video here) about her memoir of that time, Etched in Sand (HarperCollins/Morrow original trade pbk).

Amazingly, Calcaterra managed to not only survive, but to also put herself through law school and help her siblings who are now all doing well. She says she is very moved by “just the thought that my book may be in this library where I came as a kid who was impoverished and that one day one of these kids are going to be reading it too and figuring out how … they are going to be able to pull themselves up out and out.”

In the new issue of People magazine reviewer Caroline Leavitt writes, “Her book reminds us that it’s possible to suffer the unimaginable and still grow up to make a difference.”

3 Responses to “Libraries Save Lives”

  1. Linda Baie Says:

    Thank you for this review and heads up about this book. It sounds like a good story, and inspiring as well. I loved seeing about The Book Thief trailer too. Your blog posts are always interesting!

  2. Laurie Cohen Says:

    This library has been my shelter in times of grief, joy and every day life. It is an amazing place where dreams take flight.

  3. Nora Rawlinson Says:

    Laurie;

    Thanks for taking the time to say that — it’s great to hear.

    Nora