Out of the Pickle Jar

by Stephanie Plumlee

This deeply personal memoir chronicles the journey of two siblings growing up in a turbulent, dysfunctional environment shaped by addiction, poverty, and the instability of a broken home. Through raw and vivid memories, the author recounts a childhood marked by the struggles of survival—navigating the chaos of a mother lost to alcoholism, an absent father, and a revolving door of unstable caretakers.

At its heart, the story is about resilience. From hiding with her sister during violent outbursts to being thrown into freezing water, enduring hunger, and walking miles to escape unsafe places, the author reflects on the experiences that forced her to grow up too quickly. Yet, amid the pain and instability, there are glimmers of hope—acts of kindness from unexpected sources and moments of joy that broke through the chaos.

As the memoir unfolds, it not only tells the story of hardship but also speaks to the power of persistence and the role others played in helping the author find a way out. With the support of key figures—like a compassionate nurse practitioner and a caring teacher—the author finds a path toward education and a future that seemed impossible.

This is not just a story of survival but a call to a reminder that small acts of kindness can change lives and that by stepping in to help, we can all be part of breaking the cycle of poverty and addiction.

216 pages, Paperback

Published September 10, 2024

Reviews

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full transparency ... I know the author, having gone to junior high and high school with her, and consider her a dear friend. That being said, I had no idea the depth of what she went through growing up. I knew that her home life was difficult, but I honestly could not have imagined the Stephanie I knew in 8th grade to have gone through all that she describes in her memoir. Stephanie was the funniest person that I knew at the time (and probably still is), and I can see now, in hindsight, that she was using that humor to cover up her wounds. I'm so glad that Stephanie was able to finally face her trauma, put pen to paper, and share her story. We lived in a very small community, everyone had to have known... but for so many different people to simply look the other way... that's heartbreaking.

Be the pickle person.

[Lindsey Atkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

True story that is not uncommon this day in age, or any age really. I'm so thankful that Stephanie wrote this book for us to catch a tiny glimpse into her life. I'm even more thankful for the way she is using her life to help children in our communities break the cycle. I'm making my teenage daughters read this book to show them what some of their peers live through. 5 giant stars!

[Medley Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 50 for me for 2024 and I’m glad it was this one. The author was a classmate of mine and this book is truly eye opening. The book is a memoir about living with an addict (her mother), bouncing around different homes, caring for her little sister, and overcoming poverty. It’s profound and heartbreaking. Be the pickle person! On repeat for 2025.

[joeysbooked · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oops...Just read this in one sitting.

I'm leaving a bit of a double review both as a book reviewer and as someone who briefly knew the author.

Personal Review: I didn't know her well, but I worked with Stephanie for my first couple of years teaching. During that time, I distinctly remember her speaking to our Middle School about escaping poverty, but learning more of that story makes it so much more powerful.

Book Review: Even from my reviewer's perspective, I am not rating this off of the author's life experiences. I really loved getting Stephanie's stories, though short memories. It really made this so easily digestible. It isn't a book meant to have the most beautiful prose but simply to inspire and heal.

I did find a few chapters to feel out of place within the narrative as they didn't fit the linear nature of the overall book, hence why its a 4.5⭐️ Regardless, I would highly recommend this for a quick, insightful read.

[Rachel Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for a quick read that will skip the fluff and really help you understand the point-of-view of a child that has experienced neglect or abuse, witnessed domestic violence, or cared for a parent battling addiction, THIS is it. The story is told exactly how it would be in a conversation, with no added drama or fluff for entertainment, but REAL experienced and memories for informative purposes. It really demonstrates the value and importance of engaging with children you may encounter in whatever role you have. EVERY interaction, no matter how small, matters and has the potential to be a pickle moment. Be the pickle person.

[Krystal]

This book tells the story of a young girl's troubled life. The author repeats a message throughout the book that asks the reader to reach out to those children you suspect need help. The people who showed her love, normalcy, and compassion are the ones who helped give her the strength to become the woman she is today. Much credit to her own resilience, too, though. She often carried the burden of taking care of herself and her little sister (in conditions no child should endure) when no one was stepping in to give the care and attention they needed. It broke my heart.

[Anna Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a collection of memories from a woman who grew up in poverty and the traumas that came along with it. It broke my heart for the little girl who lived things that no child ever should. It's a real perspective of something that too many people ignore and an inspiration to be a helper in breaking the cycle.

[Miranda Stricklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who went through immense trauma as a child, I sat and cried during the entire book. Resonating with so many of the memories, and inability to remember. It was healing for me. Absolutely be the pickle person!

[Shirley Shea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I started I couldn’t put it down. An inspiring story of how little acts of kindness can make a difference in someone’s life and story. I want to be the pickle lady.

[Jody Moore]

Local Southern Illinois details the horrific life she and her sister had. Perseverance prevailed and she survived.
A quick read and descriptive of a life none of us would want.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very powerful and eye opening story.

[Cheryl Klopcic]

Good story that met CEU requirements for CASA.

[Tasha Williford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an inspiring memoir that truly changed my way of thinking, I finished this in one day because I could not put it down!!