Scratch Beginnings By Adam Shepard Summary

Scratch Beginnings by Adam Shepard is the story of a young man, Adam Shepard, who was, “chasing the American Dream”. By a series of different events, Adam starts off with the clothes on his back, and twenty-five dollars. A young person feeling the struggles of poverty, and seeing how much one must work to gain experience, and mature in the real world.
Adam Shepard embarks on his journey, in the pursuit of, “The American Dream”. On his journey, he encounters various risks, threats, and back-breaking jobs. Adam is smart with his money, kind too. Upon his arrival in Charleston he has already met a drunk well known in the town. He spends his money, an act of kindness for this drunk woman. He then is offered a place to stay with her yet refuses. He’s offered another once

more across the street from a woman.

Adam refuses. He states that, “Anything can happen behind closed doors, and no one will know”. Thankfully he meets Sergeant Mendoza. He being the good cop, dropping tips, where to work, what not to do. And there Adam settles for his place to stay at the Crisis Ministries.
Next thing you know, Adam skips orientation and takes his opportunity to work with the company known as, “EasyLabor”. He works less than minimum wage, working jobs with no training or experience would get him that far. Thankfully, Adam’s work ethic is something we all wish to see or have in every one of us. He works and works, a hard-working person. He too is diligent with his money. He cuts corners with taking care of various things such as his laundry in the shower, instead of throwing coins into a laundry machine. His work ethic and will power get him to better job opportunities. Adam being smart with his money, he makes a dollar out of fifteen cents. What I

mean is how in Chapter six, Adam purchased cigarette boxes and sold each cigarette for twenty-five cents. Thus, earning him fifty dollars a carton. In result, with Adam’s diligence with his money, and his hustle, he had started off with twenty-five dollars, then earning up to an impressive five-thousand dollars. Adam always took every opportunity he could when given. When coming with nothing to offer, other than himself, he gave his all. Stated his purpose, and why he was there to work. Along his journey he’d encountered co-workers he did not always find enjoyable to work with, yet he still trucked on, and pulled through. In conclusion, Adam was flexible, diligent, and motivated to do the best he could. At the same time he was intelligent while executing. Doing what he could, the best he can. He didn’t blow his opportunities or stay around Crisis Ministries. He worked, and experienced the true meaning of the, “Pursuit of The American Dream”. He then, returned home to aid a sickened parent. Achieving his dream, and making something better out of something that wasn’t so great.
This book is one not like many others, captivating, entertaining, and adventurous. If you’re a person such as I, one who needs to be entertained constantly, then I recommend this to an audience such like us people. The journey Adam embarks on is one that is understandable, along with his logic. His work ethic, and untiring efforts push and set an example for us young people. Adam sets a goal, to attain the, “American Dream”. He executes by starting from nowhere, to making nothing, to something. Lastly, I recommend this piece of work to anyone who finds themselves lost at times, or need inspiration. Adam Shepard is a person to follow, and a great example for us young people, that will be the next generations of Americans. “In pursuit of the American Dream”.