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Spilled Milk
Brooke Nolan is a battered child who makes an anonymous phone call about the escalating brutality in her home.
When social services jeopardize her safety condemning her to keep her father’s secret, it’s a glass of spilled milk at the dinner table that forces her to speak about the cruelty she’s been hiding. In her pursuit for safety and justice Brooke battles a broken system that pushes to keep her father in the home.
When jury members and a love interest congregate to inspire her to fight, she risks losing the support of family and comes to the realization that some people simply do not want to be saved.
Spilled Milk is a novel of shocking narrative, triumph and resiliency.
When social services jeopardize her safety condemning her to keep her father’s secret, it’s a glass of spilled milk at the dinner table that forces her to speak about the cruelty she’s been hiding. In her pursuit for safety and justice Brooke battles a broken system that pushes to keep her father in the home.
When jury members and a love interest congregate to inspire her to fight, she risks losing the support of family and comes to the realization that some people simply do not want to be saved.
Spilled Milk is a novel of shocking narrative, triumph and resiliency.
388 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
17542 people are currently reading
80965 people want to read
About the author
K.L. Randis
5 books980 followersAuthor of bestselling novel Spilled Milk: Based On A True Story and new release Pillbillies. Lover of reading, writing, journaling, running and spending tons of time with family.
I love books that move me, make me think and allow powerful relationships with the characters in them. As my husband so eloquently puts it, I am 'Literally the only person he knows who will laugh out loud, gasp or cry while reading.'
I penned my first novel in the hopes to bring peace to myself and in turn have brought peace, healing and understanding to thousands. Thank you for your ongoing and enthusiastic support, it means the world to me.
I love books that move me, make me think and allow powerful relationships with the characters in them. As my husband so eloquently puts it, I am 'Literally the only person he knows who will laugh out loud, gasp or cry while reading.'
I penned my first novel in the hopes to bring peace to myself and in turn have brought peace, healing and understanding to thousands. Thank you for your ongoing and enthusiastic support, it means the world to me.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 4,462 reviews
February 10, 2014
Spilled Milk by K. L. Randis is a touching story based on true events. Brooke Nolan, from the time she is a little girl until her teenage years is sexually abused by her father. She isn't the only target in the family, as her siblings feel his wrath in the form of physical abuse. Her mother is disabled from a mishap at work, and there are 4 children in the household which traps her financially. The perfect setting for the lightning storm that is Brooke's life. It isn't until sitting down to dinner with her boyfriend's family, and his little brother accidentally spills his milk, that she realizes her family isn't normal, nobody screams at the child or raises their hands in anger. Brooke has a difficult time wrapping her mind around the entire incident. The milk mishap is what seems to propel her into seeking help.
Brooke builds strong relationships with others, mostly adults who stand by her, giving their full support as she faces the challenge of survival, and court, against her father. The fear she feels echoes through the pages of this compelling story. K.L. Randis illustrations of growing up in a violent home are on the money. Her novel speaks volumes to anyone, especially those who have suffered the devastating effects of abuse. Her words are precise, and descriptive placing the reader front and center in an explosive household. Brooke is an intelligent young woman who finds peace, justice, and most importantly, strength.
In my opinion Spilled Milk is about awareness, and reaching out, helping those who can't help themselves. There are far too many stories that mimic Brooke's, characters, and situations may be different, but the fear, and devastation aren’t. Someone in a toxic relationship has to want to be helped, and be willing to come forward. If they know they aren't alone, that support is available, then maybe more will reach out. This is a novel to share with as many people as possible.
Spilled Milk is an excellent read.
Brooke builds strong relationships with others, mostly adults who stand by her, giving their full support as she faces the challenge of survival, and court, against her father. The fear she feels echoes through the pages of this compelling story. K.L. Randis illustrations of growing up in a violent home are on the money. Her novel speaks volumes to anyone, especially those who have suffered the devastating effects of abuse. Her words are precise, and descriptive placing the reader front and center in an explosive household. Brooke is an intelligent young woman who finds peace, justice, and most importantly, strength.
In my opinion Spilled Milk is about awareness, and reaching out, helping those who can't help themselves. There are far too many stories that mimic Brooke's, characters, and situations may be different, but the fear, and devastation aren’t. Someone in a toxic relationship has to want to be helped, and be willing to come forward. If they know they aren't alone, that support is available, then maybe more will reach out. This is a novel to share with as many people as possible.
Spilled Milk is an excellent read.
January 13, 2020
I saw this book described as "fictional realism"... so I did a little bit of research on the author to see what I could find out about Spilled Milk. I found where she was asked if the book was a true story or fiction and she answered by saying that it was both. Meaning that the events within the book are based on true events, but certain things have been altered or fictionalized for the comfort and healing of the author and her family. So I'm not sure how much of this book is actually true, but I do know that she was an abused child who testified at a criminal trial against her father for sexual abuse and many other charges. With that being said, this was something that was hard to read, but something I think is very important. The author's resiliency and strength could just be the push someone else may need to get help. I thought it was a really good book and well written.
October 16, 2013
My 15 yo read this and told me I should read it. I was hesitant because of the subject matter but also wanted to be able to discuss with her. It was really hard to read in the beginning but I am glad I pressed on and finished it. A very insightful view of what she went through and how the system "works"...or doesn't work. Unbelievable resiliency displayed throughout this book. Thanks for the courage of the author to write this book.
October 7, 2013
This was a very compelling story and I could hardly put it down, but it made me so angry. I know this kind of abuse goes on and that children are victimized by their parents, but this child was also victimized by Social Services and her school. How could such agencies promise confidentiality and then do things which put her into further jeopardy? How could a school be so insensitive?
But this is a story of a young girl with enormous courage. At times I was hearing the music from "Rocky" while I was reading. Brooke felt responsible for her siblings and her mother so she tolerated a situation that no child should have to face with the tacit understanding that her father would not sexually abuse her sister. She couldn't protect her family from her father's incredible rage and selfishness, but she could keep it from being any worse.
Brooke's mother, while not abusive, also contributed to her problems. As in so many cases, she was passive and absorbed with her own survival and so she chose to ignore some vital signals. Despite this, Brooke had people in her life who cared about her and recognized that something wasn't right. In the end, they did what they could, and did it well.
But this is a story of a young girl with enormous courage. At times I was hearing the music from "Rocky" while I was reading. Brooke felt responsible for her siblings and her mother so she tolerated a situation that no child should have to face with the tacit understanding that her father would not sexually abuse her sister. She couldn't protect her family from her father's incredible rage and selfishness, but she could keep it from being any worse.
Brooke's mother, while not abusive, also contributed to her problems. As in so many cases, she was passive and absorbed with her own survival and so she chose to ignore some vital signals. Despite this, Brooke had people in her life who cared about her and recognized that something wasn't right. In the end, they did what they could, and did it well.
May 12, 2014
This just goes to show just how important proofreading your book is. Seriously..."would OF?" "Oxycontin's?" Not to mention the ungodly number of run-on sentences. I bring this up because I thought this was a fantastic book, and it's a shame I couldn't give it a full 5-star review. Editing is writing 101.
August 11, 2018
I’m not sure why this book has such good reviews. The story is compelling but the writing is painful. The dialog was unreadable, especially the counselor, Midge. I think I’ve had enough of Kindle Unlimited self-published books.
February 6, 2014
Honestly, it is a moving and horrifying tale of bravery and sadness. But if the editing had been more thorough I'd have been able to focus solely on Brooke's voice. Instead, the misused plurals/'s and the disregard for punctuation left me a bit distracted.
July 24, 2020
I heard about this book from the author's TikTok of all places. I assume it was self published as it's filled with typos and the narrative structure abruptly hops around in a strange way. Despite this serious lack of professional editing, I found her story powerful and inspiring. If you can ignore the flaws, this is a painful and difficult read that will probably reduce you to tears. It was also moving to learn what the author has done with her life in the years since her horrific childhood experiences. (Currently free on Kindle Unlimited)
May 11, 2019
~~5 stars~~
This book was great. If you have triggers about sexual or domestic abuse then please proceed with caution. This popped up as a popular book in Kindle Unlimited. When I read the blurb I knew I had to read this book. This is the kind of book that will stay with you for awhile. The fact that it's based on a true story made it so much MORE. So much emotions emerged while reading this devastating life story. My heart broke for Brooke. She was so strong. She is someone to admire. Someone you can look at and say to yourself..."You're not alone." She endured so much and still came out so much stronger on the other side. She didn't let what her father did to her, dim her light. I'm glad I stumbled across this book.
July 6, 2015
Bad
What ?????? Really sad story, not written well, extremely confusing characters. Do not recommend this book at all. Didn't even finish the last chapters.
What ?????? Really sad story, not written well, extremely confusing characters. Do not recommend this book at all. Didn't even finish the last chapters.
February 2, 2017
I started reading this thinking it's a memoir, few pages in I realized it's actually a novel "based on a true story". The writing is not that good and I'm really surprised of its high rating.
January 11, 2022
This was my first read for 2022, and I'm so happy to start out the year with a bang. I absolutely loved this book - not because it's an easy topic to read about, but because it's such an important topic to read about.
This is a nonfiction memoir (just some names and places were changed) about Brooke/Kelley who was sexually abused by her father her whole life, until she put him in prison when she was a teenager. This is such a heart breaking and disgusting story to read - so many trigger warnings! This might be hard for some to read who have suffered something similar, and Kelley doesn't tread lightly. I've heard some people complain about the writing style, or errors, but I had absolutely no problem with the writing style, and I almost devoured this book in a day, that's how thrilling it was.
If you watch Kelley on TikTok, she explains why she self published, and why there are writing errors, etc, so please don't judge this book just because of that.
This book just makes me so shocked and disheartened with all the nasty people there are in this world, and I hope more people can read this book, so they can see the signs of child/sexual abuse.
This is a nonfiction memoir (just some names and places were changed) about Brooke/Kelley who was sexually abused by her father her whole life, until she put him in prison when she was a teenager. This is such a heart breaking and disgusting story to read - so many trigger warnings! This might be hard for some to read who have suffered something similar, and Kelley doesn't tread lightly. I've heard some people complain about the writing style, or errors, but I had absolutely no problem with the writing style, and I almost devoured this book in a day, that's how thrilling it was.
If you watch Kelley on TikTok, she explains why she self published, and why there are writing errors, etc, so please don't judge this book just because of that.
This book just makes me so shocked and disheartened with all the nasty people there are in this world, and I hope more people can read this book, so they can see the signs of child/sexual abuse.
April 14, 2020
This book has been on my TBR for a few years but I wasn't desperate to read it until I saw it was free with my Kindle Unlimited membership. Based on a true story, it was definitely a very sad situation and I don't wish to downplay the trauma the author suffered but I wish she would've delved into her father's treatment of the family a little more. He was portrayed as this horrible monster but exactly why they were so afraid of him seemed to be glossed over until nearer the end. Also there seemed to be some inconsistencies regarding financial details, like sometimes there wasn't enough money for food and yet at one point when she was in high school she mentions wearing braces. As far as I know they aren't cheap. Some of the writing was a bit immature or amateurish and the way Midge's speech was depicted made me shudder. I feel like the last few chapters would be an excellent resource for someone in the domestic violence field or someone who is in the same situation as Brooke. All in all, this was just an okay read for me.
August 7, 2024
TRIGGER WARNING:
The vivid descriptions of abuse may be distressing for some readers.
Spilled Milk by K.L. Randis is a difficult but straight forward powerful memoir that tells the true story of Brooke Nolan. Brooke was 8 years old when the abuse at the hands of her father started in the middle of the night while her younger sister slept next to her.
This memoir is raw, honest and straight forward. The author takes all of the words in her book from her own life experiences. She proves to be strong and courageous. As she maneuvers from childhood to adulthood. From victim to survivor to advocate. It is heart wrenching at times to read. A dew tears rolled down my face. As I work as a counselor and advocate I can only admire this woman’s strength.
The vivid descriptions of abuse may be distressing for some readers.
Spilled Milk by K.L. Randis is a difficult but straight forward powerful memoir that tells the true story of Brooke Nolan. Brooke was 8 years old when the abuse at the hands of her father started in the middle of the night while her younger sister slept next to her.
This memoir is raw, honest and straight forward. The author takes all of the words in her book from her own life experiences. She proves to be strong and courageous. As she maneuvers from childhood to adulthood. From victim to survivor to advocate. It is heart wrenching at times to read. A dew tears rolled down my face. As I work as a counselor and advocate I can only admire this woman’s strength.
June 5, 2014
Couldn't put it down!! However, it deals with a very sensitive issue that may make this a book that is hard to read for some.
February 20, 2017
I found this book very compelling. It shows how someone who lives in a bad environment feels it is normal. When they see how others act in a family, they see their lives are not normal. It reminds people to never judge others. You never know the hardships they go through. Unfortunately many wear a mask so others don't know the real person inside because they mask the pain they feel. Brooke's mask was being a good student. It hid what was really going on in her life. We all hide from one thing or another. It is wonderful to have a person that helps to pick us up off the floor when we need it most. Gina was the one to do that for Brooke. This book shows what a little caring can do for a person. It's always hard to trust others when living in a bad situation. Trust for some is hard because of what they have gone through. Such as social services saying it is confidential. Then sending a report to those who are accused. This book shows that no matter what we go through in life, we can change it to make it better. It shows caring for someone can change their life for the better.
February 19, 2021
Spilled Milk truly is one of those books everyone should read. There were moments when it was difficult to continue reading but I devoured this in less than 24 hours.
Brooke's story is heart wrenching but also enlightening. Lots of great insight into how to deal with situations of abuse especially when it might not be obvious that someone is suffering.
As others have said I would highly recommend anyone read this but especially teachers, public officers, police, coaches, etc. pick this book up and use it to learn the signs of abuse and that often times you have to let the person in that situation until they are ready to accept help.
The biggest takeaway for me was how normal she thought her scenario was and how long it took to accept that things weren't as they should be.
Brooke's story is heart wrenching but also enlightening. Lots of great insight into how to deal with situations of abuse especially when it might not be obvious that someone is suffering.
As others have said I would highly recommend anyone read this but especially teachers, public officers, police, coaches, etc. pick this book up and use it to learn the signs of abuse and that often times you have to let the person in that situation until they are ready to accept help.
The biggest takeaway for me was how normal she thought her scenario was and how long it took to accept that things weren't as they should be.
March 14, 2020
“Just remember, rain doesn’t seem all that threatening at first, but too much rain can turn into a flood.”
Cover aside (because well, it’s not the prettiest), Spilled Milk was one of the most compelling books I have read to this date. Spilled Milk shows you the inside of so many things that go on in this world every single day. And through Brooke’s POV, we see the details on how it can destroy a family and cause so much turmoil that they think there is no way to come back from it.
“But at the end of the day, the only person I can make changes to is myself. No matter how much I tell them how liberating it feels to finally be as happy as I am, they’ll never understand if they don’t want to.”
The book itself was very well written. It was poignant and sad but at the same time chilling and impactful to all. Not only was Brooke’s story heartbreaking, there are so many secondary characters that are heartbroken too. Seeing that, especially from Brooke’s perspective was terrifying. Especially knowing that these types of things happen to children every day. Including the injustices that come their way.
“I knew how important it was to have one moment of clarity, one seemingly unimportant glass of spilled milk at a dinner table, for a child to break the cycle of abuse in their family. After my insight somebody in that room would undoubtedly become someone else’s glass of spilled milk, their only hope, and their one fighting chance. For that reason alone, everything that had happened was worth it.”
I LOVE how the title came to play within the story line. The metaphor it was used as could not have been executed any better than what the author did. The way Brooke rises from the ashes but falls all the same was incredible. Her journey is not for the faint of heart but I’m so glad I braved it and journeyed with her.
This is one of those books I will think about as time passes by. It touched me in a way that I wasn’t expecting and puts so many things into perspective to me that I wasn’t aware of before reading Spilled Milk. Everybody needs to read this book. Whether you have went through abuse or not. I think we can all take something away from this book.
Cover aside (because well, it’s not the prettiest), Spilled Milk was one of the most compelling books I have read to this date. Spilled Milk shows you the inside of so many things that go on in this world every single day. And through Brooke’s POV, we see the details on how it can destroy a family and cause so much turmoil that they think there is no way to come back from it.
“But at the end of the day, the only person I can make changes to is myself. No matter how much I tell them how liberating it feels to finally be as happy as I am, they’ll never understand if they don’t want to.”
The book itself was very well written. It was poignant and sad but at the same time chilling and impactful to all. Not only was Brooke’s story heartbreaking, there are so many secondary characters that are heartbroken too. Seeing that, especially from Brooke’s perspective was terrifying. Especially knowing that these types of things happen to children every day. Including the injustices that come their way.
“I knew how important it was to have one moment of clarity, one seemingly unimportant glass of spilled milk at a dinner table, for a child to break the cycle of abuse in their family. After my insight somebody in that room would undoubtedly become someone else’s glass of spilled milk, their only hope, and their one fighting chance. For that reason alone, everything that had happened was worth it.”
I LOVE how the title came to play within the story line. The metaphor it was used as could not have been executed any better than what the author did. The way Brooke rises from the ashes but falls all the same was incredible. Her journey is not for the faint of heart but I’m so glad I braved it and journeyed with her.
This is one of those books I will think about as time passes by. It touched me in a way that I wasn’t expecting and puts so many things into perspective to me that I wasn’t aware of before reading Spilled Milk. Everybody needs to read this book. Whether you have went through abuse or not. I think we can all take something away from this book.
February 16, 2020
What to say, one word CRAP. It reads like a rushed high school assignment worthy of a D+ at most. I would give it less then one star if I could. Factually her mother having five back surgeries in 2 years combined with the various painkillers, some just rebranded versions of the same product took artistic license to a new level.
Then the psychological test described as flawless, her being a natural at everything including stripping not stripping was pure self aggrandizing.
The very amateur attempt to explain "reasonable doubt" and actually describing something similar to "without doubt" reminded me of some cheap legal drama lasting two airings before being pulled. My last gripe would be the use of the phrase "I could care less" when those over 10 years old know it is "I couldn't care less" an amercanism that just plain annoys me.
It's only saving grace is it's short I would not recommend this to anyone, although the subject matter may draw readers for many reasons this book is a disservice to the sensitivity required.
Don't waste you time.
Then the psychological test described as flawless, her being a natural at everything including stripping not stripping was pure self aggrandizing.
The very amateur attempt to explain "reasonable doubt" and actually describing something similar to "without doubt" reminded me of some cheap legal drama lasting two airings before being pulled. My last gripe would be the use of the phrase "I could care less" when those over 10 years old know it is "I couldn't care less" an amercanism that just plain annoys me.
It's only saving grace is it's short I would not recommend this to anyone, although the subject matter may draw readers for many reasons this book is a disservice to the sensitivity required.
Don't waste you time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2018
This book is nonfiction/true crime. The story is about a girl who is abused by her father. She has the added burden of protecting her younger siblings and taking care of her mom. As she gets older, she realizes that her home life is not right. She gets the ball rolling that will eventually lead to her dad being held accountable.
I liked that this book focused on Brooke's strengths. She is a survivor. I also liked that she has been able to bring change to a system that had gaping holes when it came to dealing with traumatized children. I listened to the audio so all of the editing problems this book is plagued with, didn't effect me.
I liked that this book focused on Brooke's strengths. She is a survivor. I also liked that she has been able to bring change to a system that had gaping holes when it came to dealing with traumatized children. I listened to the audio so all of the editing problems this book is plagued with, didn't effect me.
January 17, 2021
An absolute heartbreak, but so real and such a necessary read. Portrays the broken system in such a raw light, but also so eye-opening to the difference you can make in a child’s life and experience with trauma and abuse. I just want to hug Brooke so hard.
March 15, 2022
This book drives inspiration and hope to any adverse life experiences that we can learn from. I related this to my book What Is Wrong With Me? and I hope my book also gives actual tools to help someone with dealing with stress and how one's perception and past experiences can repeat if we don't to the work to turn that into a learning to gain self awareness and confidence. These books are needed in society to help everyone move toward hope and health. I recommend this as a book to inspire everyone. Thanks for listening and all the best to everyone.
Kris
Kris
January 22, 2022
I'm sorry. I've got to stop reading these memoirs (I guess this is a memoir, kind of). I know this is "based on a true story," but parts of this was just so far out there for me. I'm not saying that the actual basis of the book is fabricated, but some of these details are just so outlandish that I almost stopped reading it.
You're telling me a man who served on the jury, and ultimately refused to convict a man, fell on his LITERAL KNEES in front of the victim begging for forgiveness and then went to the District Attorney to tell him how to better prepare for the next trial. No, that's just really not how juries are instructed to dismiss. This is when I almost DNF'ed this book.
You're telling me that during this entire investigation, Mom was supposedly so high on pills she's passed out all the time and no one was like...maybe we should remove these other kids from her custody since she failed to protect them for years and she's clearly high on drugs?
You're telling me men just flocked to the strip club to pay her to talk to them instead of strip? Because she's that hot and that smart? That's wild. She's also an amazing cheerleader without ever practicing, an amazing business-person at 14, top student, best testifier anyone in the world has ever seen, and a stand-in mom for her baby brother.
Why does her Southern therapist have this borderline offensive dialect? People don't talk like that.
I just got lost in the actual basis of the book because all of these details were just so sensationalized. The actual story itself was good. The depictions of her dad and her siblings were engaging enough that this could have been a fine memoir. The rest felt like terrible YA fiction.
You're telling me a man who served on the jury, and ultimately refused to convict a man, fell on his LITERAL KNEES in front of the victim begging for forgiveness and then went to the District Attorney to tell him how to better prepare for the next trial. No, that's just really not how juries are instructed to dismiss. This is when I almost DNF'ed this book.
You're telling me that during this entire investigation, Mom was supposedly so high on pills she's passed out all the time and no one was like...maybe we should remove these other kids from her custody since she failed to protect them for years and she's clearly high on drugs?
You're telling me men just flocked to the strip club to pay her to talk to them instead of strip? Because she's that hot and that smart? That's wild. She's also an amazing cheerleader without ever practicing, an amazing business-person at 14, top student, best testifier anyone in the world has ever seen, and a stand-in mom for her baby brother.
Why does her Southern therapist have this borderline offensive dialect? People don't talk like that.
I just got lost in the actual basis of the book because all of these details were just so sensationalized. The actual story itself was good. The depictions of her dad and her siblings were engaging enough that this could have been a fine memoir. The rest felt like terrible YA fiction.
September 6, 2024
“So as a victim, you think you have what it takes to get into these kids heads?” They asked.
“No ma’m, as a survivor i have what it takes.” She replied.
Spilled milk is a very heavy, devastating, and emotional read. Yet an important one.
Heartbreaking and very upsetting, yet beautiful and inspiring.
I have not only read the author’s traumatizing story in her own words, but also heard it by her own voice in audible (for she had narrated her book herself), which made it more touching and encouraging.
The writing style was incredible, it spoke of the author’s intelligence and ability to get the reader to live the story with her.
A very triggering read, but an eye opening one.
A story we all must read and understand. A story we all must teach and share, there is no shame in sharing such details, to let these kids know, what they live is not normal, what they experience must change, for it all to be wrong, and for us volunteering to be their safe place, to comfort and guide.
“To be a voice, for a child who doesn’t have one.”
“When people found out in high school that I was being sexually abused, they came to me with their own trauma. I think they thought I was the only one in the world who would understand them.”
The shameful truth.
To K. L. Randis and her battle with cancer:
Sending you a gentle reminder of your incredible courage and bravery that inspired us all. We will keep you in our prayers, you’ve got this.
“No ma’m, as a survivor i have what it takes.” She replied.
Spilled milk is a very heavy, devastating, and emotional read. Yet an important one.
Heartbreaking and very upsetting, yet beautiful and inspiring.
I have not only read the author’s traumatizing story in her own words, but also heard it by her own voice in audible (for she had narrated her book herself), which made it more touching and encouraging.
The writing style was incredible, it spoke of the author’s intelligence and ability to get the reader to live the story with her.
A very triggering read, but an eye opening one.
A story we all must read and understand. A story we all must teach and share, there is no shame in sharing such details, to let these kids know, what they live is not normal, what they experience must change, for it all to be wrong, and for us volunteering to be their safe place, to comfort and guide.
“To be a voice, for a child who doesn’t have one.”
“When people found out in high school that I was being sexually abused, they came to me with their own trauma. I think they thought I was the only one in the world who would understand them.”
The shameful truth.
To K. L. Randis and her battle with cancer:
Sending you a gentle reminder of your incredible courage and bravery that inspired us all. We will keep you in our prayers, you’ve got this.
July 12, 2020
Spilled Milk was one of the hardest books I have read. A story of real events how Brooke put her abuser, Her father in jail. I am glad I pressed through the book. If you have triggers of sexual assault or domestic, emotional, this book may not be for you.
My heart broke for Brooke; she is strong, caring, and loving. She endured so much and came out stronger. We didn't let her Father win or take her light away.
On a personal note, I agree with Brooke that the whole family needs help. Abuse affects the entire family, even if it didn't happen to them.
My heart broke for Brooke; she is strong, caring, and loving. She endured so much and came out stronger. We didn't let her Father win or take her light away.
On a personal note, I agree with Brooke that the whole family needs help. Abuse affects the entire family, even if it didn't happen to them.
October 13, 2016
1). Author’s Background
Spilled Milk was written by K.L. Randis. She wrote this book to portray her life as a sexually abused child. Although, the main character in the book is named Brooke, the things that happened to her were exactly the things that happened to K.L. Randis when she was a girl.
2). Literary Time Period
The book is based off of little excerpts from her diary, therefore, the book was written in Long Island, New York and Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.
3). Setting
The setting throughout the book is mostly Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania and Long Island, New York. These are the places where R.L. Randis was raped and molested by her father.
4). Characters
Brooklyn (R.L. Randis)- A strong girl that stood up for herself after years of torment from her father.
David Nolan- The father of Brooklyn (R.L. Randis) that raped and molested her for years.
Molly Nolan- The mother of Brooklyn (R.L. Randis) that was a pill popper and lousy mom.
Gina- The women that was there for Brooke whenever she needed her.
5). Theme
A huge theme in this book is abuse, because Brooke’s father abused her until she felt like she was worthless. The abuse inflicted onto Brooke was terrible and the book expresses it perfectly.
6). Plot Summary
Brooke Nolan is a battered child who makes an anonymous phone call about the escalating brutality in her home. When social services jeopardize her safety condemning her to keep her father’s secret, it’s a glass of spilled milk at the dinner table that forces her to speak about the cruelty she’s been hiding. In her pursuit for safety and justice Brooke battles a broken system that pushes to keep her father in the home. When jury members and a love interest congregate to inspire her to fight, she risks losing the support of family and comes to the realization that some people simply do not want to be saved. Fortunately, she fought through and became the savior of her family. Her coming forward sentenced her dad to up to 16 years in prison.
7). Literary Devices
Foreshadowing is one of the literary devices that is used when R.L. Randis said in the first chapter that her brother nearly drowning is the first of the many secrets she kept for her dad.
The next literary device used in Spilled Milk, is symbolism. In the book when Brooke realized that when her boyfriend’s brother spilt a glass of milk on the table and their father did not hit or shout at him, Brooke realized that her family was not normal.
8). Memorable Quotes
“But you have a damn good voice, and we are going to make it sing.”
Heather, a girl that kept Brooke updated on the case and any other court information, said this when Brooke was beginning to feel like there was no hope winning the case against her father. Fortunately, Heather said just a few words that reassured Brooke that she needed to do this for herself and for other victims.
“I beamed at Gina and stuck my hand out the window as we passed, passionately giving the jail the middle finger.”
This is the narrator speaking after David was convicted for his crimes. It is explaining the excitement that Brooklyn felt when she was set free from her abusive father.
Spilled Milk was written by K.L. Randis. She wrote this book to portray her life as a sexually abused child. Although, the main character in the book is named Brooke, the things that happened to her were exactly the things that happened to K.L. Randis when she was a girl.
2). Literary Time Period
The book is based off of little excerpts from her diary, therefore, the book was written in Long Island, New York and Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.
3). Setting
The setting throughout the book is mostly Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania and Long Island, New York. These are the places where R.L. Randis was raped and molested by her father.
4). Characters
Brooklyn (R.L. Randis)- A strong girl that stood up for herself after years of torment from her father.
David Nolan- The father of Brooklyn (R.L. Randis) that raped and molested her for years.
Molly Nolan- The mother of Brooklyn (R.L. Randis) that was a pill popper and lousy mom.
Gina- The women that was there for Brooke whenever she needed her.
5). Theme
A huge theme in this book is abuse, because Brooke’s father abused her until she felt like she was worthless. The abuse inflicted onto Brooke was terrible and the book expresses it perfectly.
6). Plot Summary
Brooke Nolan is a battered child who makes an anonymous phone call about the escalating brutality in her home. When social services jeopardize her safety condemning her to keep her father’s secret, it’s a glass of spilled milk at the dinner table that forces her to speak about the cruelty she’s been hiding. In her pursuit for safety and justice Brooke battles a broken system that pushes to keep her father in the home. When jury members and a love interest congregate to inspire her to fight, she risks losing the support of family and comes to the realization that some people simply do not want to be saved. Fortunately, she fought through and became the savior of her family. Her coming forward sentenced her dad to up to 16 years in prison.
7). Literary Devices
Foreshadowing is one of the literary devices that is used when R.L. Randis said in the first chapter that her brother nearly drowning is the first of the many secrets she kept for her dad.
The next literary device used in Spilled Milk, is symbolism. In the book when Brooke realized that when her boyfriend’s brother spilt a glass of milk on the table and their father did not hit or shout at him, Brooke realized that her family was not normal.
8). Memorable Quotes
“But you have a damn good voice, and we are going to make it sing.”
Heather, a girl that kept Brooke updated on the case and any other court information, said this when Brooke was beginning to feel like there was no hope winning the case against her father. Fortunately, Heather said just a few words that reassured Brooke that she needed to do this for herself and for other victims.
“I beamed at Gina and stuck my hand out the window as we passed, passionately giving the jail the middle finger.”
This is the narrator speaking after David was convicted for his crimes. It is explaining the excitement that Brooklyn felt when she was set free from her abusive father.
August 27, 2024
A heartbreaking book.
This was a tough read about a horrible and yet very real situation. It was clear that it was in part based on the author's own experiences, because it was well-researched and quite insightful about the justice system. The pacing was very good and the characters felt very real. It included some good examples and advice. The only bad thing about this book is the fact that it was self-published, while some sentences did need some extra editing. I also saw several spelling errors. Despite that, I think this is an incredible book and the writing still holds up.
4.5 stars, rounded up.
This was a tough read about a horrible and yet very real situation. It was clear that it was in part based on the author's own experiences, because it was well-researched and quite insightful about the justice system. The pacing was very good and the characters felt very real. It included some good examples and advice. The only bad thing about this book is the fact that it was self-published, while some sentences did need some extra editing. I also saw several spelling errors. Despite that, I think this is an incredible book and the writing still holds up.
4.5 stars, rounded up.
January 11, 2019
I was not happy with this book. I found it superficial. I sympathize with the Brooke and her siblings, but the books seemed to follow a very predictable storyline and I was baffled by how less role her siblings play by the end of it. I will not recommend this book to anyone. I almost feel like the subject of "Child abuse" was exploited to make this a best seller.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2020
This story is intensely heavy. Many parts of the book made me nauseous because of the content, but it brings truth to the reality that domestic and sexual violence have an enormous presence in our society. I was compelled by the vulnerability of the author who shared her personal story, and inspired by her will to overcome her horrific past.
January 1, 2021
Goes off topic a lot
Ok so I understand this is suppose to be a true story about abuse. However, the book goes all over the place. Very hard to follow at times, and unfortunately the book is as a child wrote it.
When writing a book about abuse I would figure it would be adult wiring memories of the childhood.
Ok so I understand this is suppose to be a true story about abuse. However, the book goes all over the place. Very hard to follow at times, and unfortunately the book is as a child wrote it.
When writing a book about abuse I would figure it would be adult wiring memories of the childhood.
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