"Scratch Beginnings" by Adam Shepard is the true story of one man who sets out to see if the American Dream is still tangible. Last night, on the last stop of his 19 city book tour, Adam shared with us the story behind what inspired him to take a train to Charleston with only $25 and a backpack. After his dreams of being a professional basketball player were crushed, Adam was inspired by Barbara Ehrenreich's "Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America" to see if he could build a life for himself with "scratch beginnings". Though I have not read the book myself, I was intrigued by Adam's story and impressed at how he told it. Though some may find his argument that the American Dream still exists biased (he is a good-looking Caucasian college graduate from a stable, loving family), no one can deny that he is an intelligent, positive young man trying to inspire hope in people who need it most. Find out more info here: www.scratchbeginnings.com
-Lauren Modery