Rating: 
Summary: All it takes is a dream...
Review:
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
Rating: 
Summary: The Power of Friendship and Positive Competitiveness Display
Review: "The Pact" is an incredible book! I just finished reading the remarkable journey completed by Drs. Sam Davis, George Jenkins, and Rameck Hunt. It's an easy, quick read ~250 pages. If you're not familiar with their story, they are 3 young, African-American men from Newark that establish a pact at 17-years old to become doctors. Over the years, they run into many obstacles (peer pressure, arrest, finances, and family issues) that tend to dissuade so many young people from pursuing their dream. With the "I got your back" support of each other, mentors they encountered throughout their journey, and God they become doctors despite how many people had presumed their future would turn out. Dr. George Jenkins, probably the most focused in the group, knew at a very young age that he wanted to be a dentist. In high school, the three friends attend a college presentation offering full scholarships to minority students interested in the medical field. Knowing that neither he nor his friends could afford college THIS OFFER would be their ONLY way to attend college...the formation of the pact. Surprisingly, after completing college and med school, Sam and Rameck were still unsure if they wanted to be doctors. Sam saw business/management as his future and Rameck wanted to be an actor (he'll settle on being a rapper). (If I didn't know the outcome, I would have been in suspense until the bitter end waiting to learn if they became doctors.) The death of an important person in each of their lives confirmed that medically helping others is what they were meant to do in life. If you're in the education field or work closely with children in your community this is an excellent book to pick up when you... - feel like what can I do to get through to this person
- need a testimony that success is not by luck but achieved through faith, perseverance, and support from others
- need a roadmap to better mentor a person in need "The Pact" is an amazing story of inspiration and motivation to get (primarily) black teens to see beyond their environment, current situation, and look ahead with a plan for tomorrow. "The Pact" also displays the need for adults to begin mentoring children before they reach their teens. The book concludes with the doctors providing the "how-to's" to make a pact work.
Rating:
Summary: The title tells it all!
Review: "The Pact" is the perfect gift for a young MALE teen this holiday season. It is a tale of determination and struggle of a remarkable trio that overcame all the odds stacked against them.
Rating:
Summary: Inspirational
Review: A very special friend of mine gave me this book. As I read it I realized why he had given it to me. I am currently applying to Graduate School at Harvard. While going through this process I have questioned whether someone like me who came from a 'bad' neighborhood can make it to Harvard. This book has truly inspired me to reach my ultimate goal which is Harvard. It has futher confirmed my true calling to work with kids like me from the innercity. If you know someone who needs to be inspired give them this book. Also, for educators this is a great read not only for your students but for yourself.
Rating:
Summary: Inspirational
Review: A very special friend of mine gave me this book. As I read it I realized why he had given it to me. I am currently applying to Graduate School at Harvard. While going through this process I have questioned whether someone like me who came from a 'bad' neighborhood can make it to Harvard. This book has truly inspired me to reach my ultimate goal which is Harvard. It has futher confirmed my true calling to work with kids like me from the innercity. If you know someone who needs to be inspired give them this book. Also, for educators this is a great read not only for your students but for yourself.
Rating:
Summary: The Ultimate Inspiration
Review: After reading this book, I fully realized that there is no reason why my African American brothers and sisters cannot succeed and prosper. These men faced all kinds of adversity and in spite of it, they persevered. This book should be required reading for every African American male.
Rating:
Summary: A Must Read for Motivation
Review: As a full time student and at the age of 31, I have come upon many of times wanting to call a end to it all. Sometimes telling myself, "just go out and get a regular job that does not require a college degree". This book has truly inspired me. Know longer do I have the thoughts of not pursuing my Masters. This book and put me in a mindset that to settle is not enough. We must push ourselves if we want better for our lives. We as adults must be an example to the youth in our communities. We must not forget where we came from and to return and help those that are left behind and coming up.
This is truly a book that I would recommed for younger children as well as adults. Any person that feels that they are about to give up, let these 3 young men be one of your inspirations, let them be your motivation.
EXCELLENT BOOK!
Rating:
Summary: Should be required reading for teachers,politiciansand kids
Review: As an African American women I know how hard being Black in this country is on a daily basis. I also know that our young males have an extremely tough time as they try to discover what manhood means in a world of hustlers and hard times. And this book so solidified to me what it is that politicians, administrators and teachers don't get - these kids are not inherently bad, stupid, lazy or dangerous. They are children, some of whom have parents with desires for their children but no understanding of how to guide them. They are children without mothers and/or fathers. They are children who had to raise themselves. They are children who had to decide at an early age how to survive long enough to make it home from school Who had to make decisions about who to be based on the gang colors of their neighborhood. Why don't we have more doctors, lawyers, scientists, etc.? The answer lies on pages 177-78 where Dr. Davis talks about having never held a stethoscope until he was in medical school. Doctor visits were few and far between for him as a kid. How is a child supposed to identify his desire if all he is exposed to his what stands on the corner near his house. Why do many Black students fail to graduate? That answer is on page 217 when again Dr. Davis describes how after 4 years of pre-med and 4 more years in medical school no one had bothered to tell him about the National Resident Matching Program. How are you supposed to know is someone doesn't help you. The most amazing thing about their stories is that even with all of the support from family members, teacher and counselors they all came dangerously close to still not making it through as the constant tugs from the street, their friends and family, society continuously made them hesitant and doubtful. This should be required reading for everyone from school administrators to parents, politicians, students and the President. We have much work to do.
Rating: 
Summary: great story, poorly written
Review: Could become recommended reading for high schoolers. Great story but presented in a fragmented and poorly written manner. Not taking anything away from the three guys and their accomplishments, wait for the made for TV movie.
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding
Review: I found the strength, courage and determination of these three men to be outstanding. Not only have they set a standard for other young men in similiar situations to follow, but they have shown that no matter what the odds, you can achieve your goals and dreams. I am so proud of these young men. I have purchased their book as a graduation gift for my son who will be headed off to college this fall. Thank you for being courageous enough to share your story.........
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