The Pact: Three Young Men Make a Promise and Fulfill a Dream
by George Jenkins, Lisa Frazier Page, Rameck Hunt, Sampson Davis
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Book Summary Information
Author: George Jenkins, Lisa Frazier Page, Rameck Hunt, Sampson DavisEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2003-05-06
ISBN: 157322989X
Number of pages: 272
Publisher: Riverhead Trade
Book Reviews of The Pact: Three Young Men Make a Promise and Fulfill a Dream
Book Review: All it takes is a dream...
Summary: 4 Stars
Television and some books depict how hard life in poorer parts of the city are, the threats which can potentially take over the lives of our youngsters, converting them into criminals or worse yet, leading to their demise. When three young boys in Newark, New Jersey meet, they each have various backgrounds, interests, and their own share of problems, but one thing they all have in common is loving mothers who push them to strive to make something of their lives. In this remarkable story of three friends who build a bond and establish a pact with one another, we are introduced to a friendship overflowing with opportunity and friendly competition.
Traversing from their times of hanging out with the wrong people, to skipping school, and even run-ins with the law, each boy goes through their own course of growing up. Even early on, it's noted that they each are smart, and with the right support and motivation, they could do more than most young boys in their neighborhoods. Encouraged by George to participate in a Pre-Medical/Pre-Dental Program for minorities so they could attend college together, the other two friends agree and thus they form the pact to help each other reach their dreams -- together.
It is refreshing to see young boys stick together, encourage each other and then attain the goal they've set for themselves. It should be required reading across school systems, in our communities, and households as it not only teaches that dreams are attainable, but also shows the power of friendship.
Because the book is told from the viewpoint of each author, it does get a bit repetitive at times and probably could've been edited a bit more to enable the reader to see other aspects of the doctors lives. In spite of this, it is a remarkable story worthy of being shared with not only youngsters, but those who aren't quite sure of what direction they want to follow in life. A sense of pride came over me while reading this book and stayed with me after finishing as I read about their foundation set up to give back to the community, The Three Doctors Foundation. Its goal is "to inspire and create opportunities for inner city communities through education, mentoring and health awareness."
Reviewed by Tee C. Royal
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers
Summary of The Pact: Three Young Men Make a Promise and Fulfill a Dream
Chosen by Essence to be among the forty most influential African Americans, the three doctors grew up in the streets of Newark, facing city life?s temptations, pitfalls, even jail. But one day these three young men made a pact. They promised each other they would all become doctors, and stick it out together through the long, difficult journey to attaining that dream. Sampson Davis, George Jenkins, and Rameck Hunt are not only friends to this day?they are all doctors.
This is a story about the power of friendship. Of joining forces and beating the odds. A story about changing your life, and the lives of those you love most...together.
As teenagers from a rough part of Newark, New Jersey, Sampson Davis, Rameck Hunt, and George Jenkins had nothing special going for them except loving mothers (one of whom was a drug user) and above-average intelligence. Their first stroke of luck was testing into University High, one of Newark's three magnet high schools, and their second was finding each other. They were busy staying out of trouble (most of the time), and discovering the usual ways to skip class and do as little schoolwork as possible, when a recruitment presentation on Seton Hall University reignited George's childhood dream of becoming a dentist. The college was offering a tempting assistance package for minorities in its Pre-Medical/Pre-Dental Plus Program. George convinced his two friends to go to college with him. They would help each other through. None of them would be allowed to drop out and be reabsorbed by the Newark streets.
Although this inspiring and easy-to-read book would be enjoyed by any teenager or educator, it seems perfect for minority youth, especially young men of junior high and high school age, who may lack more immediate role models. If the ordinary boys who made this pact could survive college and medical school by sticking together, then so can others. --Regina Marler
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