A Debacle of Donuts

by Allison M. Dickson

After a disappointing result on the scale, Claire decides to go for a walk. Only it winds up being the strangest and darkest walk she's ever had, where paranoia and demons of her self-hate lurk around every corner. It doesn't help that her ankles are raging in agony, her asthma is flaring up, and some kid just threw a rock at her. She's about reached the end of her rope.

When she gets an unusual and terrifying opportunity to transform into the person she's always wanted to be, she discovers the conditions are steep. Way steep. How far is she willing to go to shed her own skin?

A DEBACLE OF DONUTS asks a question that passes through the minds of millions every single day. Will you like Claire's answer? Read on and find out...

Genres: Short Stories, Horror

18 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 30, 2011

About the author

Allison M. Dickson is the author of several well-reviewed independently published novels and short stories covering everything from horror and sci-fi to suspense.

Her major debut thriller, THE OTHER MRS MILLER, is due out from Putnam on 7/16/19! Learn more at her work at allisonmdickson.com.

Reviews

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've come to terms with the fact that I am a fan of Allison Dickson. I wouldn't go so far as to say I'm a groupie and she can do no wrong, but I am fond of her writing.
Short stories are hard to write, but I think this is truly Allison's niche. To bring me from beginning, to middle, to end feeling like I am in the story. Not just a casual reader, but actually in the scene experiencing the story along with the persona. I love that feeling, because even in full length novels that feeling is sometimes hard to achieve.

As a girl that has always been on the heavy side, I could relate with this story. I too have wanted to kill my husband for plying me with donuts and telling me I was beautiful no matter how much I weighed. Granted in my case he was my boyfriend and he plied me with Cadbury chocolate...my weakness.
I feel like I lived vicariously through the persona, doing all those things I've secretly wanted to do like cursing ill-mannered children and stomping donuts.
A short read, with a love letter from the author at the end.
This book is worth the download.

[Grampy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read several of Allison M. Dickson's stories, and I must say I've enjoyed all of them. This particular story is built around the "be careful what you wish for" premise, but in a kind of tongue-in-cheek way that made it humorous. The characters were well-crafted; each reminded me of someone I know. They all played their roles well, and those roles were very true to life. I think the biggest surprise, in light of the title, is that it was NOT about policemen! (That's a joke, officer. I really don't believe you guys sit around eating donuts all day. I don't know HOW that rumor got started.) Bottom line: it's a cute, short story, and I recommend anything written by Allison Dickson.

[Mollydee]

This was a very interesting short story. I was wondering why it was under horror and then, 3/4 of the way through, I found out. I think it is a be careful what you wish for kind of tale. Trust me you start off with at least compassion for the main character, and then, quickly the horror comes to your surprise and the main character's as well.

I would recommend it. It is a short read. I am now curious as to her other books.

[Delta]

A Debacle of Donuts is a very dark short story. Am refraining from rating, but it is very well written. I do not recommend for those struggling with weight and body image issues. Aside from that, dark horror fans may enjoy this dark tale.

[Maryellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Weird short story. Picked it up because it was free - it's written by someone who has been dipped in self loathing at some point in her past - it was actually uncomfortable to read. Interesting end - worth the 10 minutes it took to finish it.

[Vincent Hobbes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witty book. Awesome story. Read this.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. Creepy, moving, sad, funny, just great.