Kristen Schlueter

In "Stepping Stones," Kristen Schlueter delivers a raw, unflinching memoir about her journey through addiction, recovery, and reclaiming the life she nearly lost. Growing up as the youngest of three sisters, Schlueter developed an early belief that she was "the annoying one," setting the stage for a pattern of self-doubt that would follow her into adulthood. Her story takes readers through devastating lows—drunk driving accidents, hospital visits, and drinking rubbing alcohol in desperation—while exploring the complex family dynamics and personal struggles that fueled her addiction. The turning point comes not through dramatic intervention, but in a quiet hospital moment when she sees a tear fall down her father's face. This powerful memoir examines how multiple rock-bottom moments failed to create lasting change until one finally connected in a way that made recovery possible. Schlueter's honest narrative offers hope while acknowledging the messy, non-linear nature of healing and transformation.