Adam Shepard, the 22-year-old who dared to prove you can succeed with just $25 in your pocket, will appear Oct. 9 to share his memoir, Scratch Beginnings at the Main Library in Newton.

 His appearance, sponsored by the Catawba County Library System, is free and open to the public

The Raleigh resident set out in 2006 with just a tarp, a gym bag, a sleeping bag and a few dollars on a year-long quest to see if he could secure his own furnished apartment, acquire a drivable vehicle and save at least $2,500 within 12 months. His adventure took him to Charleston, SC where he took up residence in a homeless shelter and found employment for a local moving company.

With strict budgeting, he achieved his goals within 10 months and went on to write Scratch Beginnings that has earned him appearances on “The Today Show,” “Glenn Beck” and Fox News, among other national venues. His book will be re-released by Harper Collins Publishers in mid-October.

“This program should appeal to teens as well as adults because of the many issues covered in the book-our economic system, minimum wage and government assistance, to name a few,” said Tammy Wilson, public information officer. “We’re excited about having this author in Newton.”

Additional copies of the book will be placed in the county library system so that residents will have a chance to read it prior to Oct. 9.

As a college student, Shepard had taken an interest in social issues.  When he read the much-acclaimed bestseller Nickel and Dimed by Barbara Ehrenreich, he was intrigued by the seemy, impossible life of the working poor. To write her book, Ehrenreich, a journalist, had worked undercover in various low-paying jobs. Multiple copies of Ehrenreich’s book are available for checkout.

In response, Shepard set out to prove that the American Dream is still possible by becoming a self-made winner. Scratch Beginnings will be available for purchase and signing that evening.Â