Basketball is not just a hobby for Ian; it is a language. He first connects with Jacques by discussing the Raptors. Later, a game of one-on-one becomes a vehicle for mutual respect. The court is where hierarchies dissolve.
Did it change how you view peacekeeping or homelessness? Let me know in the comments. And please, support the author—go buy the real book. shattered pdf eric walters
Every major character in Shattered is initially judged by Ian based on appearance. Sarge looks scary. Jacques looks dirty. The other shelter residents look “crazy.” The novel systematically dismantles each prejudice. Basketball is not just a hobby for Ian; it is a language
As the story progresses, Ian’s "bystander" status is stripped away. He realizes that the people he serves have histories, families, and breaking points. His journey is one of education—not just about history, but about empathy. Walters uses Ian to teach the reader that privilege often blinds us to the suffering of others, and that true maturity comes from acknowledging that blindness. The court is where hierarchies dissolve
Ian Blackburn starts the novel as a spoiled teenager focused on the BMW his father promised for his birthday. The Catalyst:
In a world that often feels fractured, Eric Walters’ Shattered reminds us that broken things—and broken people—can still be beautiful. And sometimes, putting the pieces back together is the bravest thing a person can do.