Three young men growing up in Newark, New Jersey made a pact in high school to support each other and stick together and go on to college together.
The young men include:
George Jenkins who always wanted to be a dentist. He was encouraged at an early age to go to college. George had the most stable environment of the three.
Sampson Davis who at an early age realized his mother could not read. Her own mother had died when she was seven, so his mother helped to take care of her brothers and sisters and then married at fifteen. Sampson’s mother encouraged him to go to school and get good grades.
Rameck Hunt who both parents were addicted to drugs. He was raised by his beloved grandmother.
Their home town of Newark was a dangerous place lots of drugs, shootings and other illegal activity. Only one the three of them managed to stay out of trouble growing up. All three young men agreed to go to Seaton Hall together to become doctors. I think that at times they believed it would never happen and it was just a whim.
Going to college wasn’t easy. They were smart and made good grades. There were many pitfalls along the way, including money issues, things they weren’t prepared for, but all three of them made it and became doctors and returned to the area where they grew up to practice. They founded a foundation to encourage students to make goals and realize them. They were also in demand as motivational speakers. This is an uplifting read and could be used as motivation for students. ( )

The Pact follows three young men who grew up in inner-city Newark and, at a young age, realized that they wanted to pursue an education and career in medicine. Drs. Sampson Davis, George Jenkins, and Rameck Hunt each tell parts of the story that intertwine and overlap, giving the reader insight into the difficulties they faced. What is most striking about this story is that these men chose a path that was completely foreign to anything they were used to seeing on a day-by-day basis. More than once the authors emphasize that they were not exposed to many other options besides dropping out of school, stealing, selling drugs, and running the streets. The fact that they made a conscious decision to do something different and then proceeded to overcome any obstacle put in their way is admirable.

This is a valuable story to pass on to students who find themselves in similar situations and who need encouragement to see that their future is not decided for them. I have already recommended this book to a student who is facing the same decision these men made. The narrative is told in a very straightforward way, which makes it accessible to non-readers but might bore more seasoned readers. While I was compelled to read because of the nature of the subject matter, I would otherwise not have pushed forward because of the simple writing style. However, it's a great resource to have in a class library and I can see it as something inspiring for young people. ( )

In 1989, when three boys were just 16, Sampson Davis, Rameck Hunt, and George Jenkins, the boys made a promise to each other to attend college, Seton Hall University, and later become doctors. George first thought about becoming a dentist at 11. When the boys was growing up they lacked the benefit of a male role model at home. Growing up was tough, but growing up in Newark, a city ranked one of the worst places in the country was even tougher. Especially for a young black man. After testing into Newark's University High School, the three decided to apply, upon George's urging. They promised to help each other through school and make sure that none of them became another statistic. They promised each other they would all become doctors, and stick it out together through the long, difficult journey to attaining that dream. The three are not only friends to this day, they are all doctors. ( )

An inner-city inspiration! this is a great book for teens to understand the value of friendship and how birds of a feather do flock together. It encourages young people to soar like eagles. Absolutely, absolutely, love this book! This is my most recommended book to teens.

This is an inspiring story that is not well-told. I wish another person had jumped in and helped these three young men tell the story in a more compelling way. ( )