Local author and speaker Joseph Little will host the official launch of his debut memoir, “Me and Poverty: A Journey of Inspiration and Escape,” on Saturday, July 27, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the lobby of Movies on Main at the Collier Center in Inez.

He invites the public to attend the free event. Light refreshments will be provided and Little will remain on-site until 1 p.m. to sign books and greet guests. Attendees are welcome to stop by at any time during the event.

Little is a self-published author, and the release of “Me and Poverty” marks a deeply personal milestone. The book began nearly six years ago as a calling he says God placed on his heart, but the writing remained unfinished until the loss of his brother to addiction gave him the push to complete it. That tragedy became a turning point in his writing and his life’s purpose.

“This book is, in many ways, written in honor of the countless families who have lost loved ones for similar reasons,” Little said.

To help cover the cost of self-publishing, Little launched a successful Kickstarter campaign supported largely by people from Appalachia and his home community. Early backers received exclusive access to the writing process, early copies of the book and the opportunity to include their or a loved one’s name in the final pages.

At its heart, “Me and Poverty” is a call to action urging communities to invest in youth, particularly those facing poverty or broken homes, before it is too late. It is a message of redemption, prevention and hope.

Rather than listing the book on Amazon immediately, Little is currently going to offer it only through his personal website to ensure more proceeds stay in the community. A portion of every book sold will go toward a local scholarship fund for Martin County students, a tradition Joseph and his wife, Daisha, are proud to continue as they enter their ninth year of giving.

Online orders for “Me and Poverty” will open Saturday, July 27 at joelittleinspires.com.