In Off The Plate: Book 8 in the Slugger Series by E. L. Skinner, young Alexander Ian Holt Jr., also known to friends and family as Ian Holt, learns to overcome obstacles that are thrown his way, and he becomes closer to his family because of these obstacles. When seventeen year old Ian Holt joins the United States Navy, following in the footsteps of both his mama and his dad, he learns some very valuable lessons, and is changed both mentally and physically from his time serving his country. Upon returning home, Ian must learn to adapt to civilian lifestyle and hope that his family will still accept him even though he is a changed man.