For six decades, Eve Plumb has graced television screens and stages through commercials, sitcoms, made-for-TV movies, voiceover roles and much more. Her unique experience is chronicled through her recently released memoir, Happiness Included: Jan Brady and Beyond.

Recognized on a global scale as the middle child on the television sitcom The Brady Bunch, her work before, after and during the show is recollected in just over 300 pages. She shares the behind-the-scenes story of her colorful Hollywood career and her off-camera life along the way, complete with photos from her private archives.

Plumb’s storytelling is as visual as the art she creates. Turning a page is as descriptive as watching a home movie. The reader can walk through her childhood home, hear the waves crash near the family’s Malibu cottage and feel the love that her parents had for one another.

It was also heartwarming to read excerpts from letters and planners her parents wrote in and held onto. The meticulous detailing kept by her parents was clearly passed down to their daughter and assisted in her recounting of her childhood.

The attention to detail is, of course, deeply appreciated as she shares her memories of life as Jan Brady. The reader can visualize all six children crammed into a platform at the top of the iconic staircase that actually led to nowhere, or all nine castmates gathered around and learning to needlepoint. Plumb’s recollection of her time on the show is just as wholesome as the actual episodes.

Something that stands out greatly in each chapter is her gratitude. Her parents were the first to instill a sense of deeper understanding, which was further ingrained in her by her television parents. She would recognize the little things that people would do - like her mother giving holiday gifts to the crew or an actress being mindful of everyone’s time. The stories she shared were all valuable life lessons for her and how she wanted to leave a mark on the world.

Even at a young age, she recognized her interest in wanting to do something that could help people. As a child, she didn’t fully understand how sitcoms could make a difference. With only serious roles leading up to The Brady Bunch, it took her a bit to grasp the concept of bringing unserious storylines to people who needed an escape.

During her time on The Brady Bunch, her mother taught her another valuable lesson of saying no. Professionalism was already so deeply established as she had been raised around more adults than children, but standing up for herself and knowing what is best for her is just one of many reasons why her parents were so crucial to her career.