Scratch Beginnings

The American reverie is except as authoritative as ones imagination. The Scratch Beginnings by tour Shepard gives the contributor an opportunity to walk in the shoes of a man work to turn rags-to-fancier-rags (p. xvi, Shepard). Within the book lies non only the journey of Adam Shepard, an ordinary man flacking to advance from being homeless to living financially stable, but in like manner the stories of others, whom Shepard met along the way, taking contrastive routes to reach alike(p) goals. Taking place in 2006, it is easy to connect each event, third historic period later, with todays economy.All through the story we argon reminded that ones character impacts his own achievements A person is only competent to approach such a goal if their heart, passion, and mind argon set to their ambitions. One main motto told the reader that to achieve the American Dream one must never settle for anything less than what they look for from themselves. This saying was shown in many tasks described within the story skillful as Shepard was about to take the job at the carwash, which only paying(a) the minimum, he took some initiative and made a final attempt to persuade Curtis into hiring him at Fast Company.Another example would be of Derrick, with problematical work, dedication, and a little assistance he was able to succeed in buying a new home. Shepards story described the turned on(p) impacts of each achievement and failure. He was not short in weighty of each fiasco he encountered and with every let down transfer to him, Shepard was still able to look on the bright side in each event. The experiences in Scratch Beginnings hint to the reader that the American Dream is not always about hard work but a positive attitude is just as important.Some say the up-to-date economy is struggling but is it any different from seventy days ago when families immigrated to the United States in search for a better life sentence? Hearing stories of your ancestors how they came to America, their struggles, absorbing their families, and by living your life today would you not think your ancestors achieved the American Dream? Over the past couple years statistics have shown that the unemployment rate has increased and many Americans are losing their jobs however, statistics have also shown that technology is increasing and so are desires of Americans.Shepard repeatedly states that with success comes hold he sacrificed his evening outs, free time in order to view extra money, and also his purchases to save for later in life. When shopping for clothes, I even thought about splurging for a couple extra pairs of underdrawers and shirts, but the timing didnt seem right. (p. 74, Shepard) The economy needs to start thinking money savvy instead of splurging on items, settle for the necessities. Shepard utter others have criticized his experiment however by briefly including the accounts of others (Marco, Derrick, BG, ect. , all with different backg rounds, and how they have advanced in society, gives his book credibility. The journey of Adam Shepard was in his eyes the achievement of the American Dream. He surpassed his goals by saving roughly $5300 while living in an apartment with monthly expenses. Everyone has their own rendering of the American Dream and it is up to them to figure out what it is and how they will be able to achieve it. Like Adam Shepard said, We are only as strong as our weakest link. (p. 215, Shepard)