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Tragedy: Confronting the Unthinkable
When a bullet pierced a calm August evening, it forced one family into tragedy and fractured lives in the small Oklahoma community. In this powerful memoir, a mom recounts her family's grief, which was ignited by one seemingly harmless decision, resulting in the senseless and violent death of her five-year-old child. Full of haunting foreshadowing and ethereal experiences, this story traverses the barbed and foreign landscape of loss and the quest for justice. It entrenches the power and impact of one choice and of one life. Ultimately, this story is one of human resiliency that is rooted in a generous God, although He allows pain, He supplies what the human heart needs to confront the unthinkable.
350 pages, Paperback
Published April 14, 2022
171 people are currently reading
1107 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
May 21, 2022
It is impossible to imagine reading this story and leaving anything less than 5 stars. Renee somehow manages to convey years of pain and bring you to tears without ever making the reader feel hopeless.
A completely senseless tragedy exacerbated by legal issues brought this incredible family to their knees and yet they rose again giving all glory to God. Their faith is inspirational and their love for family is excellent. What a challenge I was left with, to love my people deeply and trust fully in God.
A completely senseless tragedy exacerbated by legal issues brought this incredible family to their knees and yet they rose again giving all glory to God. Their faith is inspirational and their love for family is excellent. What a challenge I was left with, to love my people deeply and trust fully in God.
February 4, 2023
Is it possible to know you are going to die?
After reading Tragedy and knowing what happened to my son before he was murdered, I genuinely believe God lets Christians know their time on earth is coming to an end. I share this in my memoir, and I love that Renee has researched this and found many similar stories. God does this so people who know they will die can help the people they are leaving behind.
Tears poured down my face as I relived my son’s death when Renee Haley and her family lost (and said goodbye to) their five-year-old son, Austin, to a preventable shooting. But sometimes God’s plans are bigger than ours, and until we get to heaven, we won’t know the reason for this little preacher’s death. But Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” So this family’s pain is not in vain—and the Haleys know this. I’m so glad they do.
Renee Haley’s emotions are raw as she tells her story to help others find the peace and grace of God. Many will enter heaven because of her courage to speak from her heart while reliving her pain. I love the faith that has always been in their lives and comes out in Tragedy. If you’ve lost a loved one, this book will help.
After reading Tragedy and knowing what happened to my son before he was murdered, I genuinely believe God lets Christians know their time on earth is coming to an end. I share this in my memoir, and I love that Renee has researched this and found many similar stories. God does this so people who know they will die can help the people they are leaving behind.
Tears poured down my face as I relived my son’s death when Renee Haley and her family lost (and said goodbye to) their five-year-old son, Austin, to a preventable shooting. But sometimes God’s plans are bigger than ours, and until we get to heaven, we won’t know the reason for this little preacher’s death. But Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” So this family’s pain is not in vain—and the Haleys know this. I’m so glad they do.
Renee Haley’s emotions are raw as she tells her story to help others find the peace and grace of God. Many will enter heaven because of her courage to speak from her heart while reliving her pain. I love the faith that has always been in their lives and comes out in Tragedy. If you’ve lost a loved one, this book will help.
January 29, 2023
Heartbreaking and uplifting
This story tells of the worst possible heartbreak, something I could never imagine, and hope never have to endure. Yet, the strength and forgiveness in this family is incredible.
I'm not personally a religious person. But it brings me comfort to hear how this family managed to find their peace through God.
I felt like I had a good glimpse of the incredible little boy Austin was, and find it so heartwarming that in his short life he impacted so many people.
This story tells of the worst possible heartbreak, something I could never imagine, and hope never have to endure. Yet, the strength and forgiveness in this family is incredible.
I'm not personally a religious person. But it brings me comfort to hear how this family managed to find their peace through God.
I felt like I had a good glimpse of the incredible little boy Austin was, and find it so heartwarming that in his short life he impacted so many people.
April 24, 2022
I read this book and wasn’t able to put it down, not once. It took me under 3 hours to finish it. It is utterly captivating and utterly heartbreaking. This book is about a little boy from my home town. I was only 3 when the incident occurred. I can’t even describe my feelings towards this book, there are too many. All I can say is that it was certainly a tragedy and this family will stay in my prayers.
July 23, 2025
I devoured this 2 hours and 32 minutes. I love the memories at the end. I also love the fact that his middle name is Gabriel (messenger of god). I also saw the alliteration of Dalton and Mikaylas names with the connection of Gabriel in the Bible (like in the Bible with Daniel and Mary). I also love that Gabriel is named after Austin. I had mixed feelings when she forgave the officer so quickly. I definitely cried at the beginning, felt angry in the middle, and felt relief at the end. I'm sorry that this had to happen to Austin and her family. The punishment wasn't enough, and to think that they could be cops again, hopefully, they learned some common sense. I define dont agree to the expunged part either. I'm glad Renee told her story of her boy, her dad, and just all of it. I also love the statue, I hope it's still there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 4, 2024
A tragedy that should never have happened
My youngest son is the same age that this child was when he died, so I felt every emotion possible when reading this story. Thank you for sharing. God bless this family
My youngest son is the same age that this child was when he died, so I felt every emotion possible when reading this story. Thank you for sharing. God bless this family
November 13, 2024
Powerful!
The pain this family endured is unimaginable but they relied on God for comfort and guidance. I can only imagine how hard this has been for them. Sad but uplifting story.
The pain this family endured is unimaginable but they relied on God for comfort and guidance. I can only imagine how hard this has been for them. Sad but uplifting story.
October 22, 2022
This book is a book of loss, it is a book of love, guilt, grieving, forgiving and redemption. A young precious boy loved God so much he showed the world how much. At age 3 he would tell kids at a park when he seen other kids he would ask them if they knew who Jesus was then he would tell Jesus was and what he done on the cross for them ( dying on the cross Gor their sins and his). He loved his family so much especially his little brother Dalton. Austin would help Dalton all the time.
But one fatal mistake would change this families lives forever. Nothing will ever be the same.
**** This book is a TRUE STORY written by the mother of Austin. She writes this book to help herself and others that it might bring some kind help and peace from their own tragedies of life.
But one fatal mistake would change this families lives forever. Nothing will ever be the same.
**** This book is a TRUE STORY written by the mother of Austin. She writes this book to help herself and others that it might bring some kind help and peace from their own tragedies of life.
January 9, 2023
This is such an inspirational book, and once l started reading it l had a hard time putting it down. I simply cannot imagine going through the kind of tragedy that this family endured. Such a precious little boy taken by such a irresponsible senseless act.
I do believe that this family's faith in God and prayers is what has carried them through, and l know after reading this story it is not one that l will ever forget.
I do believe that this family's faith in God and prayers is what has carried them through, and l know after reading this story it is not one that l will ever forget.
January 25, 2023
This was my former 2nd grade student's book. The emotions are raw and real. Her jorney goes from bitterness and incredulity to forgiveness and hope. I cried. I lost sleep. I read and I reread. This family's unthinkable tragedy will be a beacon of hope and light to anyone who reads it. Well done, former 2nd grade student Renee Tracey Haley.
February 28, 2023
Beautifully written
First off I just wanted to say I am so sorry for the loss the Haley family has endured. With that being said this is the most beautiful tribute to a life gone far to soon. Renee made me feel ways I have never felt while reading a book before. This book was definitely not what I was expecting, but much much more beautiful.
First off I just wanted to say I am so sorry for the loss the Haley family has endured. With that being said this is the most beautiful tribute to a life gone far to soon. Renee made me feel ways I have never felt while reading a book before. This book was definitely not what I was expecting, but much much more beautiful.
October 25, 2022
The grief felt by the family of a child killed needlessly is unimaginable. The telling of their story defines how the love of God can heal.
February 15, 2025
Wow… the heaviness of grief but perseverance through faith throughout this book is so encouraging. I cannot imagine the depths of grief this family has gone through. What bold faith to be transparent through this senseless tragedy and still rejoice in God’s love. Renee, thank you for sharing your son’s story. His legacy will live on and touch many, many lives. The forgiveness you extended to the officer is so admirable. Until you reach heaven, back into your boys arms, I pray you will continue to heal and lean into God. I pray for you and your family.
February 17, 2025
Heartbreaking
I cried throughout the majority of this book, I don't have children but I can't begin to imagine losing one- let alone such a beautiful soul like Austin. The daily heart break the Haley family experiences along with the simply inspiring faith they have ensures Austin will never be forgotten, and will continue to be a vital part of his family. I'm not religious and I lost my father suddenly May 7th 2024 but, seeing how religion helped lead the Haleys grieving and at times reassured them is truly one of the most beautiful things I've ever read. I found this book through a group on Facebook "Must Read Book Recommendations" where Renee Haley herself replied to my comment! I know the pain will never go away but I know Austin is proud of his family, especially his mother for sharing his story through this book.
I cried throughout the majority of this book, I don't have children but I can't begin to imagine losing one- let alone such a beautiful soul like Austin. The daily heart break the Haley family experiences along with the simply inspiring faith they have ensures Austin will never be forgotten, and will continue to be a vital part of his family. I'm not religious and I lost my father suddenly May 7th 2024 but, seeing how religion helped lead the Haleys grieving and at times reassured them is truly one of the most beautiful things I've ever read. I found this book through a group on Facebook "Must Read Book Recommendations" where Renee Haley herself replied to my comment! I know the pain will never go away but I know Austin is proud of his family, especially his mother for sharing his story through this book.
September 28, 2025
I can not imagine what you and your family went through losing a child in this way... I am so sorry for your loss. I cried so much while reading this book, but also smiled so much when reading how close your boy was to God. Such an inspiration and amazing example of being a little soldier for Jesus here on earth! Thank you for sharing your story, and most importantly, sharing how our Lord carried you through everything and is still carrying you and your family to this day. Such a powerful testimony! Praise the Lord!
January 9, 2025
The first half was so good! It shared raw emotions of grief, fear, trauma, anger and everything that embodies the loss of a child. About 3/4 of the way through the book it felt a bit redundant.. Overall a VERY good book and such a tragic true story. Would recommend!
September 28, 2024
What a beautiful story of tragedy, faith and triumph. This family will touch your heart in a way you never thought was possible through reading a book. They will stay in my heart forever.
September 5, 2024
This is the saddest book I’ve ever read 😭
February 18, 2025
surprise
This was very well written. It kept you engaged and you actually felt the pain she was going through. Not my normal read but I was engrossed.
This was very well written. It kept you engaged and you actually felt the pain she was going through. Not my normal read but I was engrossed.
November 4, 2024
I do not mean for the stars to be so little but it took me a long time to get through this. Here is my feedback on why.
Positive feedback- the heartbreaking death of her son Austin was tragic and well conveyed throughout the story. I particularly enjoyed the letters towards the end and the journey of forgiveness which is anything but easy to do. I’m so happy that they had the support and began networking for themselves, their family, but also other families.
Lower rating was because it felt to be more than it needed to be where it felt that it became more of a scripted dialogue of the what ifs. Maybe because it’s so spiritual and religious or maybe because it was so hard to know that everything could be captured in these dialogues with kids so young. There were many repetitive moments and it took away from the tragedy and subsequently the path the family followed .
To the author and her family- thank you for being vulnerable and sharing your story. Thank you for giving the hope necessary for others to successfully navigate their own moments of grief. Sounds like you had an amazing little boy and I’m grateful you shared his and your families stories.
Positive feedback- the heartbreaking death of her son Austin was tragic and well conveyed throughout the story. I particularly enjoyed the letters towards the end and the journey of forgiveness which is anything but easy to do. I’m so happy that they had the support and began networking for themselves, their family, but also other families.
Lower rating was because it felt to be more than it needed to be where it felt that it became more of a scripted dialogue of the what ifs. Maybe because it’s so spiritual and religious or maybe because it was so hard to know that everything could be captured in these dialogues with kids so young. There were many repetitive moments and it took away from the tragedy and subsequently the path the family followed .
To the author and her family- thank you for being vulnerable and sharing your story. Thank you for giving the hope necessary for others to successfully navigate their own moments of grief. Sounds like you had an amazing little boy and I’m grateful you shared his and your families stories.
February 3, 2025
A powerful story of a beautiful young boy and his tragic murder. Left me feeling such sadness for the families tremendous loss.
November 26, 2024
Inspirational!
Excellent book! It provided reassurance of the life we will receive with God! Thank you for sharing your story of your precious son and your faith journey.
Excellent book! It provided reassurance of the life we will receive with God! Thank you for sharing your story of your precious son and your faith journey.
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December 9, 2025This book has me in a choke hold. What a powerful story. Broke my heart this was based on a true story. Does have a lot of bible inscriptions and talks a lot about god. But wow, I never rate books that are memoirs because who am I rate to something that happened in your life and you wanted to share it with others….but what this family went through and what the little boy did to give closure says something.
June 11, 2025
It took me a while to get through this book because, well, life. That was a recurring theme in this book - the way life and pain and stress and emotions ebb and flow.
I’m a single mom to three children of my own so, right off the rip, I knew I would be unable to get through this book without crying multiple times. I was correct. Anyone with the ability to sympathize would feel the same. You can feel Renee’s emotions in every single sentence, oozing from every paragraph. It’s real, raw, and unfiltered.
The only part I struggled with a bit was how deeply-rooted religion was in this book. I do believe in a higher power - I’m still figuring out exactly what I believe that is. I allow my children to believe in whatever they choose to, which so happens to be God. I support this completely. However, I think it was just difficult for me to connect to that specific piece of this book. Just a personal issue and nothing that would retract from the book as a whole. In fact, it was the author/mother’s faith that got her through this tragedy of losing her child and I can respect that it was written into the book for that reason.
All in all, this was a beautiful re-telling of a tragic event and the fall-out and healing afterward from a strong mother’s point-of-view. “Tragedy” doesn’t seem to even cover what this incident was but I don’t believe there’s a word in existence that does. 💔
Prayers and good vibes to the author and her family.
I’m a single mom to three children of my own so, right off the rip, I knew I would be unable to get through this book without crying multiple times. I was correct. Anyone with the ability to sympathize would feel the same. You can feel Renee’s emotions in every single sentence, oozing from every paragraph. It’s real, raw, and unfiltered.
The only part I struggled with a bit was how deeply-rooted religion was in this book. I do believe in a higher power - I’m still figuring out exactly what I believe that is. I allow my children to believe in whatever they choose to, which so happens to be God. I support this completely. However, I think it was just difficult for me to connect to that specific piece of this book. Just a personal issue and nothing that would retract from the book as a whole. In fact, it was the author/mother’s faith that got her through this tragedy of losing her child and I can respect that it was written into the book for that reason.
All in all, this was a beautiful re-telling of a tragic event and the fall-out and healing afterward from a strong mother’s point-of-view. “Tragedy” doesn’t seem to even cover what this incident was but I don’t believe there’s a word in existence that does. 💔
Prayers and good vibes to the author and her family.
March 21, 2023
Excellent Read,Encouraging & Compassionate & Understanding
Though I live in Kennewick WA my heart is often in Norman & surrounding towns with my cousins and family I grew up with each summer. I was drawn to the book by my cousin Teresa and am grateful I made the purchase and read it. Forgiveness is huge and I'm thankful for the reminder and needed reminding I can get through anything. God loves me and never leaves me. Susan Faye
Though I live in Kennewick WA my heart is often in Norman & surrounding towns with my cousins and family I grew up with each summer. I was drawn to the book by my cousin Teresa and am grateful I made the purchase and read it. Forgiveness is huge and I'm thankful for the reminder and needed reminding I can get through anything. God loves me and never leaves me. Susan Faye
September 4, 2023
Beautifully written painful journey
Renee, Wow, sharing your story, your pain, and your faith through this book was amazing. I cried, laughed, got chills, and found direction in your story. Thank you. For anyone suffering from loss and feeling alone, please read this. You are not alone on this journey, many others have gone on it before you, take thier advice, find comfort in thier stories, and look for those silver linings that will help you through your days.
Renee, Wow, sharing your story, your pain, and your faith through this book was amazing. I cried, laughed, got chills, and found direction in your story. Thank you. For anyone suffering from loss and feeling alone, please read this. You are not alone on this journey, many others have gone on it before you, take thier advice, find comfort in thier stories, and look for those silver linings that will help you through your days.
July 19, 2024
Touching story on loss of a child
I will preface this to say I have not dealt with the loss of a child, I still however enjoyed reading this.
The author goes through that story of losing her son in a senseless accident that could have been avoided.
You can feel her pain and wonder.
The book is heavy with religious themes.
This book is a good one and would be fantastic for someone who is on their journey through loss!
I will preface this to say I have not dealt with the loss of a child, I still however enjoyed reading this.
The author goes through that story of losing her son in a senseless accident that could have been avoided.
You can feel her pain and wonder.
The book is heavy with religious themes.
This book is a good one and would be fantastic for someone who is on their journey through loss!
February 28, 2023
Finished this all today. And wow what a beautiful story!! I love the point of view where it’s like shes actually talking to you (near the end) That was my favorite part. This whole book was such mixed emotions. Happiness, Grief, love, all of it. I really enjoyed this book. Definitely will be reading it more. Definitely a 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 2, 2025
As I read this story, my heart completely broke for this family. As I read it, I thought about my kids and grandkids. The faith of this family and their sweet little angel is amazing. The courage of Renee Haley to tell her story is beyond extraordinary. I highly recommend it. This story is full of heartbreak and learning to cope through the unimaginable.
June 27, 2024
So sad but a great story definitely a tear jerker ❤️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews