Scratch Beginnings: Me, $25, and the Search for the American Dream
Adam W. Shepard
Aug 2023 · Harper Collins
4.3star
12 reviewsreport
Ebook
242
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About this ebook
A young man sets out to prove the American Dream is alive and well in this memoir of homelessness, grit, and perseverance.
After reading Barbara Ehrenreich's influential book, Nickel and Dimed, Adam Shepard felt discouraged by its hopeless view of American opportunity. He set out to disprove Ehrenreich's theory—the notion that those who start at the bottom stay at the bottom—by making something out of nothing to achieve the American Dream.
Shepard's plan was simple. With a sleeping bag, the clothes on his back, and $25 in cash, and restricted from using his contacts or college education, he headed out for Charleston, South Carolina, a randomly selected city with one objective: to work his way out of homelessness and into a life that would give him the opportunity for success. His goal was to have, after one year, $2,500, a working automobile, and a furnished apartment.
Scratch Beginnings is a personal account of Shepard's struggle to overcome the pressures placed on the homeless. His story will not only inspire readers but will also remind them that success can come to anyone who is willing to work hard—and that America is still one of the most hopeful countries in the world.
After reading Barbara Ehrenreich's influential book, Nickel and Dimed, Adam Shepard felt discouraged by its hopeless view of American opportunity. He set out to disprove Ehrenreich's theory—the notion that those who start at the bottom stay at the bottom—by making something out of nothing to achieve the American Dream.
Shepard's plan was simple. With a sleeping bag, the clothes on his back, and $25 in cash, and restricted from using his contacts or college education, he headed out for Charleston, South Carolina, a randomly selected city with one objective: to work his way out of homelessness and into a life that would give him the opportunity for success. His goal was to have, after one year, $2,500, a working automobile, and a furnished apartment.
Scratch Beginnings is a personal account of Shepard's struggle to overcome the pressures placed on the homeless. His story will not only inspire readers but will also remind them that success can come to anyone who is willing to work hard—and that America is still one of the most hopeful countries in the world.
Ratings and reviews
4.3
12 reviews
B. C.
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September 16, 2022
I was forced to read this stupid book at my school. I would never pay for this thing. This guy pretended to be homeless and exploited many nice people to prove a point. We saw this idiot speak at my college and he was booed
Amy
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December 8, 2015
I read this book while going through a rough patch. This book made me laugh and inspired me. It doesn't get much harder than this yet he not only survived, he thrived. Loved it!
1 person found this review helpful
crystal dattilo
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October 9, 2013
I dont read books nor do I like reading but this really caught my attention.
1 person found this review helpful
About the author
Adam Shepard is a 2006 graduate of Merrimack College in North Andover, Massachusetts, where he majored in business management and Spanish. He lives in Raleigh, North Carolina.
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