Shattered: 67 days to a family's self-destruction

by Travis Winks

A true story about the devastating impacts of mental illness and domestic violence that saw one family self-destruct in just 67 harrowing days. Told through the eyes of a hurting brother and son, this tragic story follows three family members through a series of decisions that bring the family together and then tear them apart. Almost every family has a tumultuous chapter and this story is about the real impact mental illness and domestic violence can have.  The consequences are not only catastrophic for sufferers, but also for those who love them. Travis tells his story with rawness and honesty, but also with hope and humour.

193 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 2, 2020

Reviews

[Leisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very personal account of the sliding doors moments in everyone’s lives and how easy mental illness and domestic violence can impact those around you. The book was very easy to read and was told like Travis was talking to you at your local! This book definitely a book to read in a quiet corner!

[Simone Vijums-Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such tragedy yet touching. Quite the page turner that left me so so wanting to know what came next.

[Vikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this book down.

[Venessa Johnstone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartbreaking and relatable..

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝓑𝓸𝓸𝓴 𝓡𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀

Triggers: Domestic violence, mental illness, suicide (discussion)

Av. Goodreads rating: 4.62
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𝕋𝕀𝕋𝕃𝔼: ‘Shattered’ by Travis Winks

‘Shattered’ is brutal and poignant, detailing the events over 67 days that led to the destruction of Winks’ own family. While it was a heartbreaking story, it was told with a certain nuance that allowed the readers to both absorb shocking truths while also appreciating the artistry of Travis’ writing. Backstories were a huge component in both setting and character development. Unlike many other novels, these snippets were short and precise giving just enough information without boring or bombarding readers. Character development was achingly incredibly; Travis’ writing bringing life to characters intimately known by him and shared with the reader.

Never have I been more captivated by a prologue and subsequent format of a novel before. ‘Shattered’ begins with 3 short snippets that serve as signposts, signifying gradual degradation across the book. Swapping between events and reactions, ‘Shattered’ kept me as a reader on my toes, striving to keep up with the chaos unfolding every line.

I found myself surprisingly gripped by this story and I couldn’t put it down. I can’t pin down the strange fascination I had with ‘Shattered’ but the combination of Winks’ easy narration and personal connection to the story kept me reading right to the end, my heart shattering with every new and almost unbelievable circumstance.

Novels like this serve to highlight the importance of not just hearing other’s stories, but actually listening. This is an important novel, and Winks has expertly used his skills as a storyteller to share his story. This encourages me as a reader to listen to other’s stories, to search for ways to share the burdens of life with those we care about.

‘Shattered’ was both truly inspirational and devastatingly heartbreaking and it is a must read for anyone looking to hear and truly listen to others.

Thank you to Big Sky Publishing for sending my a copy in exchange for an honest review!

ℝ𝔸𝕋𝕀ℕ𝔾: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Beccabeccabooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝗜𝘁 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝘁𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝟲𝟳 𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗶𝘀 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗸𝘀' 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁.

Told with raw emotion and brutal honesty, journalist Travis Winks relives his own personal hell in ᔕᕼᗩTTEᖇEᗪ.

Admitingly, this was a very hard read and I had to stop several times to compose myself. It deals with strong themes of mental health illness, thoughts of and attempted suicide, domestic violence and death. All of which contributed to a living nightmare for Travis and his family. After reading this heavy hearted story, my heart goes out to all of his family members! I want to hug each and every one of you! You are all very strong and brave people.

ᔕᕼᗩTTEᖇEᗪ is a reminder to us all:
𝙻𝚒𝚟𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚒𝚝𝚜 𝚏𝚞𝚕𝚕𝚎𝚜𝚝. 𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚗𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝'𝚜 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚗𝚎𝚡𝚝.

Thanks to Travis Winks for a free copy in exchange for a honest review. Also thanks Trav for being so wonderfully you: you're an inspiration to those who are facing all their own personal battles.

[Cailene Noden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shattered bought out not only tears for the Winks family, but tears for my own. The raw honesty of what Russell, Trent, Amy and those that loved them endured has parallels to my own family. All so often abusers destroy not only their victims but the children, parents and friends who get caught in the abusers’ crimes. RIP Russell, loved by so many peoples accounts you were not only an incredible father, but man. I hope the surviving members of the Winks family are moving forward with their lives and healing. Hard to relive Travis has written a book that will touch the hearts of many families. Well done Travis for stepping up and supporting those that you love, while suffering your own pain. It is evident that Russell raised an incredible man.

[Barry Sandry]

Unbelievable how so much destruction could happen to one family in such a short space of time, and how the effects of many years of mental abuse endured by Amy and Russell in this story could all come to a head in such tragic circumstances. This was a heart shattering read, I know Travis Winks and worked with him for 6 years, it is amazing that he is still standing to tell this story, a lesser man would be a screaming mess living in a mad house. This is a very confronting, very sad story that makes you question life and the real value of family and friends and love and support and I could not put it down until I finished it. A gut wrenching story from a very brave man and told with honesty - a definite five star read.

[Neil Scruton]

WOW. Opened 1st page and never put it down till the last.
The most amazing, touching, thought provoking, confronting and EMOTIONAL book.
A BRILLIANT read.
The choices made by the family members, and the people that were intertwined into there lives is so confronting.
This book will make any reader think of the heartbreak of the Winks clan, and then reflect on someone within their own family or someone they know, and get minds thinking of helping others close to them.
Makes you think of what you say, what you do-as it affects others around you.
Love your Family endlessly and tell them so, as you just never know how things can change.
What an amazing read, from an amazing man Travis has to be.

A MUST read this book is!

[Fiona Laureau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shattered is a true story of grief. Russell’s grief for his children and grandchildren and their pain leading to his death is heart wrenching. The emotional pain and helplessness that Russell was carrying is testimony to the depth of his love for his family. A truly remarkable man. Love and grief cannot exist without the other and this family had its fair share of both. None of us can escape grief but all of us can love. Thank you for writing this book Travis, it is certainly a wake-up call and support to all who read it. Hopefully a movie will be made so that the story will reach those who are suffering their own pain will know they are not alone.

[Kristina Macgill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book arrived at 5pm and I finished it the same night. I was not able to put it down. It felt like I was living this harrowing nightmare along with the family. I felt like I knew them. So much resonated personally. Please read this. Its so well written and easy to read....although the content is anything but easy. That said, it is so important. To see how people, just like you and me, can have their worlds flipped upside down in a heartbeat. Cannot recommend highly enough. Well done Travis, and thankyou so much for sharing.

[Leanne Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Trav for sharing your family story. So easy to read and emotional too. Would thoroughly recommend your book, hopefully it raises more awareness for Domestic Violence and helps others to get out of toxic relationships. It brought back memories for me as I am a survivor of this. With regards to mental health even that strong person you think can cope but needs support too. DV has a ripple effect on families and friends. Life certainly throws curve balls and thank goodness you have a supportive partner Trav. Waiting to read the next book!

[JUDITH HALPIN · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a lot of books in my time but Shattered by Travis Winks was one I wanted to open at every available opportunity.

Travis invites us into his life and the lives of his family, sharing with us the devastating events that occurred over a very short period of time.

You put yourself in his shoes while reading this book and imagine the lengths you would travel to keep your family together. His unconditional love shows no limits.

Travis is a true inspiration and I will never be able to grasp how difficult this must have been. This book was truly written from the heart.

[Ben Maslen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read. Clearly this typifies who Travis is; to be able to share with us what he and his entire family must have gone through during this period and beyond was not only shocking but a real wake up call that sadly when you think things can’t get worse, they probably can. To want to raise awareness of mental health and domestic violence whilst the author clearly had to deal with several emotional traumas is a testament to him and the people in this story. I couldn’t put this down until it was finished.

[Glen Oakey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic insight into what can happen to any family when the wheels begin to fall off. The Winks family capitulation demonstrates how at any given moment, we’re all just one bad decision away from a potentially life altering event that can set in place a series of consequential unforeseen cataclysmic events.

Also great to see someone finally putting the spotlight on a rarely covered subject: The fact that someone needs to care for the carers!!

A gripping read.

[Susan Land · Rating 5 out of 5]

You wonder how one family can go through so much misfortune? I started reading this book at 10pm and didn’t go to sleep until I was done. Such a great read. It touches on topics which are too often brushed aside. People deal with grief in so many different ways and clearly this was Travis’s way of dealing with it. It would have taken a lot of courage for him to write your story and share it with others.

[Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Travis’ writing perfectly sets the scene and mind’s eye for what is ultimately a tragic family story.
While I was caught up in the addictive pace and narrative, I kept the thought in the back of my head that this is a true story that actually happened to a good man... a good family.

Read it, I urge you. It will change the way you think about your family, in so much as you will never again want to go long without seeing or speaking to them.

[Helen Eaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very powerful book that tells of the absolute tragedy that a family faced on more than one occasion. As the book suggests it is very brutal, but told with all the emotions and feelings experienced by the family. It holds very powerful messages associated with Domestic Violence and Suicide. Once I started reading the book, I didn't want to put it down.
Thank you so much Travis for sharing your family's pain, lets hope it can help others who are faced with similar situations.

[Wendy Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know this family and I know the depths of their pain. I also know their strength, the steady ebb and flow of it until it becomes the norm and puts pain firmly in its place. This story is a one sitting, captivating read.

[Matt Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a heart breaking set of circumstances. This read absolutely outlines the affects of mental well-being and it’s importance. This could happen to any family. Strength to those who are left behind.

[Nick Bopf · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliantly written, emotive and powerful insight into the horrifying impact that domestic violence and mental illness can have. Travis turns the spotlight on an issue all too often swept under the carpet.
An absolute must read, I challenge anyone who reads this not to be moved to tears.

[Tiffany Bagger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw this book on the finalist list for best True Crime in the International Book Awards and had to read it. I've just finished it and what a story! The author made me feel like I was on the journey with him in this tragic series of events. It's that good it probably should have won the award.

[Pippa Ronson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't normally write reviews but after reading this story, I had to. It is a moving and gripping read that has left me with many questions, not only about what follow this family's story but about certain things happening in my life. This book is one for the ages.

[kimm_ii · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn't help but physically cry in parts. Devastating blow after blow endured by this loving family. My heart goes out to the Winks family. Thank you for sharing your family's story Travis. I hope things are looking up.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

An incredibly sad story about one family’s struggles with mental health and the impact that had for them. I did find the writing somewhat basic though, seemed the story was stitched together with Hallmark card quotes.

[Stuart Liversage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compelling read to say the least, unimaginable that this chain of events could lead to what it did! Very hard to put this book down!

[Elaine P · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has delivered a true emotional masterpiece. His story will make an impession on generations to come.

[Pat Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

One word, EXCEPTIONAL. I think I'll read it again.

[Kerry Blanchfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read book. A riveting real story.

[Roger Farnley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping and emotional story, you will shed tears reading this.