Scratch Beginnings:

Written by Adam Shephard Scratch Beginnings documents his experiences living in America, (Charleston, South Carolina - city chosen out of a hat) with 25 bucks, the clothes on his back, and a gym bag containing a tarp and a sleeping bag. Points to learn from his journey:

1. Hard Work: it works.

2. Homeless Shelters: they stink (litererally).

3. Jobs: Make the manager see it's his a mistake not to hire you. "I'm awsome (in whatever area you really are good at), either you want me or you don't."

4. Clothing: check out Goodwill.

5. Stuff: Don't need it, don't buy it.

6. Furniture: You want it? Become a mover.

7. Housing: Should only cost 1/3 of your income.

Although the book is intriguing and informative, I can't give this a "go tell all your friends to read it" rating given the amount of profanity included in it. All I can say is the guy set a goal from being homeless to having an apartment, something like $2,500 in savings and a operable vehicle in one year, and he got it. The theme of the book is hard work will get you anywhere and that wrong choices, well, there your fault.