Damaged: Heartbreaking Stories of the Kids Trapped in Britain's Broken Care System

by Chris Wild

Chris Wild lost his dad aged 11, leaving him to grow up in the care system. There, he witnessed the incessant physical and sexual abuse of children, with the only escape leading to the streets. So many others like him, failed by the systems put in place to protect them, ended up with nothing but drink, drugs, prostitution, and crime as their normality. Later, working in a care home himself became the only way Chris could help, but he was shocked to discover little had changed and vulnerable children were still being failed. In Damaged, he shares heartbreaking memories of the care system along with the stories of all the boys, girls, men, and women he met along the way—exposing why we must take action now to protect all of Britain's forgotten children.

320 pages, Paperback

Published September 14, 2018

Reviews

[Erica⭐ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has been written from heart and soul and this is so evident from beginning to end. As you turn the pages you read in disbelief, how on earth does this even happen in real life and how is it possible that not more people have tried to find a better solution for these children? The author writes beautifully, each story is so well portraited that you almost feel like you’re present in some of the described homes in the shoes of some of the confused and vulnerable children. Strongly recommend, its a moving, eye-opening book and a topic that everyone should learn more about.

[Chelsea may Simpson xx · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking and emotional read but once you pick this book up you won’t be able to put it down. Xx

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damaged was such a heartbreaking read about children suffering from abuse in care homes, homes that are meant to keep children safe, it's such an inspiring read.

[Doris Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really struggled to get into this book, not because of the writing but because of the heartbreaking life this chap has had. I could only read a few pages at a time or I’d burst into tears. The first 150 pages took 3/4 days to read the remainder of the book I read in an afternoon. More people who have experienced the care system in this way need to not be afraid to speak up only then might there be a change in what is acceptable.

[Gabrielė · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a brilliant book. I couldn’t put it down because of how real and heartbreaking the stories were. Chris Wild is a such a strong and kind man that I know has inspired many, including myself. It’s a beautifully written book that has made all of the characters come to life. 100 recommend this book to those who are going into care jobs.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book, quite heart wrenching in places, which follows the author through from losing his dad, to being placed into a care home, where he along with other youngsters suffered at the hands of those whose duty it was to look after them. Sadly not all that end up in care grow, survive and thrive.

[Maxine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A frank story which brings light to those that can’t be heard or those that are silenced. It’s no literacy master piece in terms of writing. However it is well written and to the point, so an easy read I managed in one sitting. I hope it serves its purpose and shines a light on a broken system and brings help to those that need it.

[laura.B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very raw and sad to hear that this is what people in care sometimes go through.

[kellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thought provoking read about kids on the street and kids in care. The main story is about Chris and his life growing up after losing his dad. He spirals out of control and meets people from different back grounds along the way. I loved how the book told us the tragic lives of the people he meets. Really enjoy this book and thought is was very well written. It pulled on the heart strings and all though if I wanted to change so much for him.