56 pages 1 hour read

In Pieces

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2018

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Part 3, Chapters 13-17Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of child sexual abuse, substance use, addiction, and mental illness.

Part 3, Chapter 13 Summary: “Transition”

After The Flying Nun completed filming, Field, now a 23-year-old mother, a homeowner, and her family’s breadwinner, looked for new opportunities. Because of the cheesy nature of her old show, she was not in demand as an actor and was often unable to audition for the complex starring parts she wanted. However, she landed parts in some TV movies and continued building her acting skills by attending the Actors Studio, which she credits with helping her develop personal and professional confidence. She feared repeating Margaret and Jocko’s career experiences of securing bit parts but never feeling secure. The pressure of being the family breadwinner continued to weigh on her, as Steve had recently graduated from college and was unemployed. Many of her family members continued to rely on her earnings, even Jocko, who visited and asked to “borrow” $5,000.


Making matters worse, Steve was drafted to serve in Vietnam, and Field was newly pregnant with their second child. She recounts how Steve showed up to his mental and physical evaluation with a letter from his doctor about his mental instability while high on marijuana, and was spared from duty. Field was troubled by Steve’s increasing use of drugs, which had expanded to include acid.

blurred text
blurred text
blurred text