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Spilt Milk

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Within these pages you will meet an array of characters. Choices are made that will change lives. Are they right or wrong? You decide. Each brief story deliberately distills a life’s essence. Mika Sugano’s original drawings compliment D. K. Cassidy’s flashes of fiction, heightening these refreshing ideas and themes on the page.

Welcome to Modern Gothic stories that are droll, horrific, and thought provoking.

• George, a child who collects things
• Cinderella’s stepmother in therapy
• A paraplegic finds her true life
• Caleb, unwanted, neglected, now grown
• Jared, baptized in a coffee world
• A mother lost in her torn past
• And six others

Spilt Milk: A Collection of Stories

60 pages, ebook

First published July 15, 2014

41 people are currently reading
1471 people want to read

About the author

D.K. Cassidy

19 books120 followers
D.K. Cassidy has been scribbling stories since she was a child and loves to write in various genres including Magical Realism, Urban Gothic, Science Fiction, and Literary Fiction. She has a B.A. in English Literature from the University of Washington.

D.K. Cassidy lives in the Pacific Northwest with her greatest fans: her husband Mark, twin sons Aidan and Jared, and three cats. When not writing, she loves to travel, run, knit, use the Oxford comma, and of course read!

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5 stars
202 (36%)
4 stars
107 (19%)
3 stars
114 (20%)
2 stars
87 (15%)
1 star
51 (9%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
Profile Image for Jana Petken.
Author 54 books741 followers
August 12, 2014
Spilt Milk is delightful, disturbing, engrossing, and highly entertaining. Each story is brilliantly written. The paragraphs do not contain long phrases or prose, instead they hit the spot, with sheer descriptive and impressive writing. I found a writer's courage in each story. Ms Cassidy goes beyond the realms of reality, striding to bring just that something a little bit extra to her readers.

The characters in each story are often dark, verging on evil, suffering and desperate, however if you look beneath the surface you will also find people who need help and guidance. I believe this debut author (hard to believe) has taken a good look at humanity's character, and has managed to compile a range of stories with wisdom and thought provoking words.

This is a great read and one I will go back to at a later date. Congratulations to Ms Cassidy.
Profile Image for Jennifer Theriot.
Author 19 books476 followers
May 14, 2015
Wow! I had just finished Curious Reality by this author and decided to move into Spilt Milk. The title kind of screams "Read Me!" and I'm so glad I did. The idea of short stories is ideal for me, since my reading is done via my Kindle on my daily commute to and from work. I totally devoured this.
Dark and thought provoking are but a few of the descriptions that come to mind and I can't believe how these stories grabbed me. I was drawn in and felt like I had to keep going as I fell in love with some characters and developed a severe dislike for others. Macabre is how one reader described it and I agree. The characters this author has given us are flawed, they are twisted but yet so real. As with Curious Reality, I now look at the people I stand next to at the grocery store, the bank, the hairdresser and everywhere wondering if they possess qualities of those found in Spilt Milk. A great read that will get your thought juices flowing...and flowing...and flowing.
Profile Image for Chris Rose.
Author 4 books90 followers
March 1, 2015
As with finishing any proper, great read, I’ll ‘sit around’ awhile; I’ll wallow in reflection of what’s just gone; spend time before moving on to something else – in a kind of regret that the book has come to an end, I guess; my glass is never half-full at these times, something’s over, never to be repeated. Now, when it comes to a brilliant collection of short stories, I feel even worse, and that’s because the short story is a mode/genre of writing I know I’ll never conquer. I feel envious, then.

For any great short story, I firstly tend to smile, just before the end. And by the end, I actually laugh, however briefly. And then sigh: ‘Clever.’

I did that for each one of this author’s collection. Furthermore, before all that, I’d find myself studying her style, as well as her subject matter. I became truly amazed by the ingredients.

Funny, I doubt Deborah Cassidy has even thought of this herself – if she has, wow, we’re really in sync – but I couldn’t help seeing her opening piece, ‘Bee’s Knees’, as a kind of symbolic prelude for the rest of the book, as if the author has somehow managed to tune into to the busy hum of the everyday mind, as a collective, caught them in her net, from ostensibly banal situations. There is so much going on in such little space, and via such terse phraseology, it’s almost frightening – the book practically screams at you.

The subject matter is dark, real and compelling – I admit to having turned pages rather tensely; and that’s the sign of any skilfully written story. And yet depicts what would appear on the surface to be ‘normal’, young, people going about their everyday ‘normal’ lives – barring, say, the likes of a young woman who prefers to call herself “cripple”, though wouldn’t allow herself to be called such.

Someone once told me that ‘normal is no more than a cycle on a washing machine. Deborah Cassidy’s 'Spilt Milk' certainly, skilfully, supports the idea.

Brilliant!
Profile Image for Brenda Perlin.
Author 14 books176 followers
August 23, 2014
“Spilt Milk: A collection of short stories” by Author D. K. Cassidy is a rich collection of well thought out pieces that reach deep. I loved the sweet illustrations and the clever title. I was instantly pulled in. This is a well done creative book which stories pulled on my heartstrings. Biting, at times. I felt so many different emotions as I read each stoey. I was moved and touched by the authors voice.

These short stories pack a punch. There is depth to the writing and it would be difficult not to be moved. I would highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys writing that comes from the heart. I was moved, entertained and held captive until I turned to the last page. Split Milk is a uniquely wonderful read.

Quote ~

Caleb stepped off the bus. Walked the last few blocks to his childhood home. Now it belonged to him, memories included. He sat in the recliner staring out at the backyard. A jungle of weeds and neglect looked back. Dust coated every surface, laying claim to the abandoned house. Caleb didn’t care, it was all his. Time to start his birthday party.”
Profile Image for Gale Stanley.
Author 91 books321 followers
July 22, 2014
Each story in this collection is a peek into someone’s slice of life. Some are shocking, all are thought-provoking. The situations are varied, and the characters are young and old, male and female, but the author manages to make a deep impression with each one and despite the brevity, I was vested in each story because Cassidy has a talent for squeezing an enormous impact into a few pages. When certain characters cross paths, it makes for riveting reading. Well done! I look forward to reading more from D.K. Cassidy.
Profile Image for Robert Jr..
Author 23 books15 followers
July 20, 2014
Spilt Milk: A Collection of Stories (Kindle Edition)
SPILT MILK is a collection of short stories where each one takes you on a trip into its own unique world. These stories are not mundane, they are bold and far reaching - touching parts of lives that are often times ignored or brushed over with the shrug of a shoulder because the implications are a mystery or confusing, while in all reality they should be examined closely - mulled over in one's mind to pull the truth, feelings, and inner meanings out of them. I was deeply impressed by the work and the craftmanship of words. Ms. Cassidy's stories enchanted me, made me sad and happy, puzzled, but most of all they made me think and wonder. Stories like these cannot be placed into a single genre - they cannot be labled - they stand on their own and pull the reader into their depths. The book is a fullfilling read - one you will read over and over again.
Profile Image for Jennifer Loiske.
Author 22 books263 followers
August 10, 2014
Flash fiction in its best! A marvelous collection of urban gothic stories, a fast read and a perfect book to pick up whenever you feel like taking a short break from the reality.

D.K. Cassidy has managed to squeeze quite impressing collection of thought provoking stories into this book. Each of them being different and taking the reader to a journey of someone else’s life. Very refreshing and powerful! If you think the short stories are kind of meh, think again! I can highly recommend these marvelous, unusual stories to anyone.

Excellent read!
Author 5 books34 followers
July 21, 2014
The author has crafted a selective collection of short stories {Spilt milk} that are thought provoking and the story of SuperFriends is thoroughly intriguing from the very start; I must admit I somehow like the lines when George the main character starts playing his game; There’s the mother-son bond readers would connect to and on the whole, Author has done a fantastic job in articulating the characters and base line of the story. Look forward to read more of her work. I was given this book to review in a honest and fair manner possible. Look forward to read more by this author.
Profile Image for Vaughan.
Author 51 books2 followers
August 13, 2014
Spilt Milk is a sly, engaging read. It contains a dozen literary slices of life. Each story is written in the author's lean, economical style, which casts a penetrating gaze on what at first seems a fairly ordinary scenario, but which invariably resolves in a way that leaves the reader feeling slightly out of kilter. Spilt Milk is well worth you time and money. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Heather Osborne.
Author 29 books128 followers
November 12, 2014
Reviewed on behalf of Readers' Favorite

Spilt Milk: A Collection of Stories by D.K. Cassidy is a dark compilation of twisted tales. Several of the stories stem around George, an obese collector of things and Caleb, a young man who has an almost psychopathic streak. As the collection begins, we see stories that explain what happened during the childhoods of these two men. Subsequent stories provide insight into their lives as they grow up. Intermixed into these bizarre tales are stories ranging from one about Cinderella’s stepmother and her morbid obsession with mutilating her daughters for monetary gain to one about Naiad, a girl who was shot and became paralyzed. In some of the other stories, George and Caleb make subtle appearances as background characters.

Miss Cassidy is truly talented in her ability to weave together such interesting tales. Apprehensive after the first story, I grew to find that my heart went out to George, his only friends being action figures due to an oppressive mother during his childhood. “Super Friends” had to be my favorite story out of the entire book, bringing me to tears. George relied on the only people that would not judge him for his weight. He buried his sorrows and loneliness in the only comfort he knew: food. The collection was put together in such a way that each new story provided a piece of a developing puzzle. I would love to know what happened to George and Caleb. Spilt Milk: A Collection of Stories is not for someone looking for a feel-good book, but for someone not afraid to explore new literary boundaries. Absolutely excellent!
Profile Image for Joey Paul.
Author 26 books587 followers
September 17, 2014
SPILT MILK is a collection of short stories. Some of which seem to interlink with each other. They include the birth of a child not wanted, the story of a young man who lives in his closet for safety and other stories, such as the one about a woman who feels she is free of her disability when she's in the water. I thoroughly enjoyed each little snippet and put together they make an excellent collection, allowing you to dip in and out of worlds that have been created for your enjoyment. D. K Cassidy has written beautifully crafted snippets and I really enjoyed reading each and every one of them. Her characters come to life on the page and you will be able to watch as they continue on their journeys. Highly recommended and an excellent read!
Profile Image for J.D. Franx.
Author 11 books185 followers
July 25, 2014
The collection of stories put together in this book run the whole gambit of enticing. Well written and thought out, they range from sad to frightening and includes a terrifying new twist on a classic fairy tale. All the stories easily caught and held my attention while making me smile and sometimes shudder as I read. An incredibly talented set of short stories by what should be an amazing up and coming indie author. I highly recommend this book whether you're a fan of short stories or not. You won't be disappointed.
Profile Image for Marika Germanis.
Author 13 books141 followers
August 3, 2014
Within these pages you will meet an array of characters. Choices are made that will change lives. Are they right or wrong? You decide!
I was vested in each story because Cassidy has a talent for squeezing an enormous impact into a few pages. Well written and thought through. A great collection of creepy stories. Highly Recommended.
I was gifted this book for and honest review.
Profile Image for David Cook.
Author 12 books91 followers
July 31, 2014
An excellent collection of twelve stories. Brilliantly told and evoked so many emotions. Flash fiction at its best.
Profile Image for Bridgitte Lesley.
Author 118 books191 followers
July 31, 2014
Thought provoking - most definitely! A brilliant collection of stories!
Profile Image for Othen Cummings.
Author 53 books24 followers
August 1, 2014
A collection of short stories and every one of them were very fulfilling. I will be browsing through this many times!
Profile Image for Ranjini.
316 reviews18 followers
September 16, 2017
This is a collection of gothic stories, that are unusal and thought-provoking. Stories are borderline disturbing, yet engrossing. The writing is descriptive to the imagination, yet do not contain long passages or phrases. The author takes you beyond the realm of reality.
The characters are quite dark, bordering on evil; however, if you scrutinize you will find the reality and truth underneath these disturbed minds. It gives a sneak peek into someone else’s minds and thoughts. Such people need help, as a society and as individuals we need to be able to identify them, and you will be left wondering when you see the next man/woman at the grocery store or at the salon, perhaps.

Interestingly the stories are linked to one another. The protagonist of one crosses paths with the protagonist of another.

However, I wished some of the stories did have a better ending and perhaps closure.
Recommended for those who enjoy gothic fiction
Profile Image for Kelsey Bohl.
152 reviews3 followers
September 30, 2014
I judge a good book by how long the story or, in this case stories, will stay in your mind after you finish, and this book will definitely stay with me forever! It’s a book that needs to be read more than once. When I read the description on Goodreads, I wasn’t too wild about it, but looking at the reviews it had all 5 star reviews, so I decided to give it a try. It was AMAZING! Spilt Milk is a collection of 12 different stories and only about 100 pages. I took a few days to read it, so I could have time to really absorb and think about each story, although, you could read this book in only a couple of hours. Some characters end up crossing paths which makes it even more interesting. Two characters, George and Caleb, appear numerous times. The stories are dark, disturbing, and twisted. You know these people are extremely MESSED up, but having a look into their daily lives and how they think is so intriguing. Another really disturbing/awesome thing about this book is that you could potentially know any of these characters in real life! The characters seem normal on the outside to the public, but in truth border on evil. It’s so hard to believe that this is D.K. Cassidy’s debut novel! I will definitely read anything she writes!!
Profile Image for Stephany Tullis.
Author 26 books299 followers
July 26, 2014
DK Cassidy describes her urban graphic collection as "stories that are droll, horrible, and thought provoking." As you read this well written collection of short stories you are forced to think! The stories are cryptic yet powerful. Each brief tale thrusts the reader into the world of each character. Ms. Cassidy entices the reader with her unique storytelling style...where you meet the characters as they are. She challenges you to judge, accept, reject, or love...

I did not know what to expect when I began reading this collection of stories. I am impressed with the author's writing style and her ability to develop characters that, regardless of their circumstance, challenge you as a reader to assess and evaluate. I highly recommend this book.

The content and depth of these short tales will require you to think and rethink your initial, second, and even third impression of each character. This is the kind of book you should definitely read more than once! Kudos to Ms. Cassidy!
Profile Image for Terry Reid.
Author 4 books21 followers
January 20, 2015
Spilt Milk is a collection of short stories by US writer DK Cassidy. On the surface of it the tales told within its pages seem to follow very different characters contending with very different situations and daily lives. But if you read it all the way through a lot of the characters actually cross paths: sometimes in major ways, sometimes in minor.

Something a lot of short stories struggle to do is build personality in their characters simply because of the limitation of space. However, DK Cassidy does not waste a word when writing about hers. The characters are given inner monologues and this door into their mind helps a lot to build a picture about the protagonist you are reading about. Some of them are in very dark places and this is captured well in her words.

My favourite of all the stories was Octopus. I can’t really say anything without giving the story away. So you should go and read this great collection of short stories!
Profile Image for Dolores Ayotte.
Author 14 books39 followers
August 21, 2014
Spilt Milk: A Collection of Short Stories by Author Deborah Kappes-Cassidy

What a unique and captivating variety of short stories by Author D. K. Cassidy. I had no idea what to expect when I opened the pages to read Spilt Milk but I was immediately drawn into each short story as they unfolded. From an addicted young woman in labor about to give birth to Caleb, then on to the story of George, a young boy with a penchant for stealing…each tale grabbing my attention right from the onset. Octopus touched my heart in a special way. One well-written story after another, some sad, some funny…penned with expertise by a talented writer, Author D.K. Cassidy. An enjoyable and unique read to be sure!

Inspirational Author & Book Reviewer ~ Dolores Ayotte
http://www.amazon.com/Up-The-Down-Lad...
Profile Image for James Chalk.
Author 5 books127 followers
September 14, 2014
Exceptional!
This aptly named collection of excellent short stories gives the reader brief, but illuminating glimpses of the various characters’ lives. The stories are exceptionally well written and extremely thought provoking. The author’s prose is clean, succinct, and captivating. Each story examines some important aspect of the human condition leaving the reader with plenty to contemplate and relate to. But, don’t misunderstand this is not a stogy philosophical tomb! Quite the opposite, these stories are each delightful and easy to read. I experienced a gamut of emotions ranging from fear and disturbing discomfort to laughter and delight. I will be looking for more work from this most excellent author!
56 reviews1 follower
October 22, 2014
Spilt Milk reminded me of being back at school - you know, those short stories that looked like nothing much but when you looked deeper, you discovered some real life themes that you could write a 3,000 word essay on.

The topics the author covers are in no means light hearted! They’re deep, a little disturbing but remarkably poetic.

My favourite thing about short story collections is that you’re able to like some and not like others - and that’s ok. My favourite personally was the cinderella one, it actually had me giggling because it was so cleverly done.

I also like how Ms Cassidy interlinks the stories and the characters so we can see them grow and change. It’s a quick read and didn’t take me more than an hour, but I’m glad I have it on my Kindle bookshelf.
Profile Image for Alan Hardy.
Author 39 books128 followers
December 2, 2014
A series of tightly-observed, blunt and evocative stories, etching scenes and penning characters against a background of poverty, destitution, and dysfunctional parents, families and individuals. There are stories centred on childbirth; a child stealing toys and books, and progressing on to girlie magazines; let alone a quirky take on Cinderella. A number of stories revolve around the same characters, tales relating a life of squalor, despair, victimization, crime, imprisonment, and ultimately mania and violence. The stories are tersely written, bare and brutal at times, some are shocking in content, but all are imaginative, bold, graphic and unforgettable.
Profile Image for Ju Ephraime.
Author 35 books231 followers
August 26, 2014
Spilt Milk, collection of short stories by D. K. Cassidy is quite appropriately titled. I was not sure what to expect with a title like that. I thought it was a children’s book; but far from it. Although, all the characters in the stories have a certain child-like quality about them, whether real or imagined, the underlying theme in this collection of short stories is psychological dependency in some form or other. The author did a great job of keeping the reader turning the pages in this book of flawed characters—almost addictive in the compulsion to keep reading to find out, what’s next? Great creative writing.
Profile Image for C.N..
Author 15 books97 followers
August 6, 2014
This is a delightful collection of stories that doesn't pull any punches. The characters are well drawn and evoke attention. Some of them are not so nice, but all of them are fascinating. An added thrill is when a character from one story crosses the path of another in a different story and the reader gets to see the person through a whole new set of eyes.

This is a book that makes a person think. There is deep meaning in all the stories and much like peeling an onion, the more intense the scrutiny then more is revealed. It is the sort of book that a person could go back to time and time again and get more on each reread. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Anna Burke.
Author 52 books1,166 followers
November 26, 2014
Spilt Milk is an intriguing title for an intriguing book. A collection of well-written short stories, each is dark, moody, and provides an unusual take on a sometimes disturbing vision or point of view on life. I normally don't read books with themes that run as dark as those explored in this book, but I found the writing and the originality kept me engaged. If you like dark and moody, quirky, even deeply disturbed characters then this book is for you and I highly recommend it. Even if it's not your usual choice of reading material, you might want to give this book a look given just how well done it is.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews