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The Pact: Three Young Men Make a Promise and Fulfill a Dream
A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
A remarkable story about the power of friendship.
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 joining forces and beating the odds. A story about changing your life, and the lives of those you love most... together.
A remarkable story about the power of friendship.
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 joining forces and beating the odds. A story about changing your life, and the lives of those you love most... together.
263 pages, Paperback
First published March 21, 2002
262 people are currently reading
2256 people want to read
About the author
Sampson Davis
7 books44 followersDrs. Sampson Davis, George Jenkins, and Rameck Hunt are practicing physicians, authors and the founders of The Three Doctors Foundation."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 553 reviews
August 20, 2011
Ok, here's the thing. I would give this 2.5 stars, but definitely couldn't round it up to 3. I appreciate the overall theme: perseverance and pulling oneself up from metaphorical bootstraps. I really do think it's a valuable idea for people to explore through individual stories of success like this one.
However, there are so many things in this book that prompted me to have to literally have to restrain myself from throwing it in the ocean on multiple vacation occasions. Firstly, the organization was horrendous. I'm a professional "reader," if you will, and even I found myself going, "wait, what?" on way too many occasions. I realize these doctors are not writers, but that's what editors are for. One Dr would be telling a story about an event that happened in this life and in the very next paragraph he's recounting an event that occurred years later. No page break, no transition, zip. Other sections would be discussing one deep philosophical realization one of the men had, and in the next paragraph he's recounting an event totally unrelated. This jumpiness made the story confusing, and it should have been more carefully laid out in its chronology. Allusions to later (or earlier) events are one thing, but it's almost as though the men, while telling their stories, had constant ADD, as though in mid-story they had the "oh, and by the way..." method of telling a story. I have friends like that, and it takes them forever to get a point across. That's why I don't let them tell stories.
Finally, (see, that's an example of a transition fellas) I really didn't feel that the element of luck was properly addressed here. One of the boys in particular repeatedly makes the wrong choices, knowingly, and succeeds in his efforts to become a doctor by sheer luck. These things include violence, anger, and therefore arrests. The stars aligned and he wound up with no consequences. Lucky him, but those 2nd and 3rd chances don't usually happen in life. Your decisions determine your path in life, as much as that may suck, it's reality. I took serious issue with how lightly these issues were touched upon, and felt there was some serious space for a teachable moment there. This isn't to say that's not something I can do in my own classroom, but the fact remains that 13-16 year old kids see the world differently; they already think they're indestructible and that failing grades mean nothing, that they're good enough to play in the NBA, that skipping class and refusing to do work for years on end won't affect their dreams of becoming a lawyers and doctors. When they read this book and see how the world just up and gave this boy unlimited chances, they're going to see that luck as a given. Unfortunately, some of them may find out too late that it just doesn't work that way. We have to work for what we become.
However, there are so many things in this book that prompted me to have to literally have to restrain myself from throwing it in the ocean on multiple vacation occasions. Firstly, the organization was horrendous. I'm a professional "reader," if you will, and even I found myself going, "wait, what?" on way too many occasions. I realize these doctors are not writers, but that's what editors are for. One Dr would be telling a story about an event that happened in this life and in the very next paragraph he's recounting an event that occurred years later. No page break, no transition, zip. Other sections would be discussing one deep philosophical realization one of the men had, and in the next paragraph he's recounting an event totally unrelated. This jumpiness made the story confusing, and it should have been more carefully laid out in its chronology. Allusions to later (or earlier) events are one thing, but it's almost as though the men, while telling their stories, had constant ADD, as though in mid-story they had the "oh, and by the way..." method of telling a story. I have friends like that, and it takes them forever to get a point across. That's why I don't let them tell stories.
Finally, (see, that's an example of a transition fellas) I really didn't feel that the element of luck was properly addressed here. One of the boys in particular repeatedly makes the wrong choices, knowingly, and succeeds in his efforts to become a doctor by sheer luck. These things include violence, anger, and therefore arrests. The stars aligned and he wound up with no consequences. Lucky him, but those 2nd and 3rd chances don't usually happen in life. Your decisions determine your path in life, as much as that may suck, it's reality. I took serious issue with how lightly these issues were touched upon, and felt there was some serious space for a teachable moment there. This isn't to say that's not something I can do in my own classroom, but the fact remains that 13-16 year old kids see the world differently; they already think they're indestructible and that failing grades mean nothing, that they're good enough to play in the NBA, that skipping class and refusing to do work for years on end won't affect their dreams of becoming a lawyers and doctors. When they read this book and see how the world just up and gave this boy unlimited chances, they're going to see that luck as a given. Unfortunately, some of them may find out too late that it just doesn't work that way. We have to work for what we become.
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September 2, 2016I read this book in one sitting. Three young men, from dysfunctional homes from the rough streets of Newark, NJ overcome the odds by making a pact to become dentists and then working hard and achieving their goal. With unflinching honesty and rawness the 3 doctors talk about the obstacles they faced, the people who gave them support and encouragement, and how they were able to persevere through legal troubles, poverty, and personal turmoil to achieve success. My only regret was that I was just now finding this book. This is a very moving and inspiring story about never giving up.
–Christina Vortia
from The Best Books We Read In August 2016: http://bookriot.com/2016/08/01/riot-r...
–Christina Vortia
from The Best Books We Read In August 2016: http://bookriot.com/2016/08/01/riot-r...
June 23, 2018
When I saw this book on Amazon, I knew I had to read it. The Pact is an inspiring memoir that chronicles the life of three men who grew up in a violent neighbourhood. There were no doctors or lawyers walking their streets. Instead, most of their loved ones were struggling to make ends meet and turning to drugs. Despite their tough upbringing, they were all able to graduate from medical school.
In high school, they made a pact to become doctors together. But the journey from then to residency was not easy. They each had their own struggles: drug addicted mother, mentally ill sister, poverty, abuse, heartbreak, negative peer pressure, and even jail. Although their resilience is remarkable, their accomplishments never made them arrogant.
After becoming doctors, all 3 of them decided to open practices in their old neighbourhoods. They believed it was not them, but God who had saved them so they could be examples and mentor youth who were are also growing up in difficult environments. They went onto starting a charity, writing books, and giving interviews based on the lessons their pact taught them.
On a personal level, this memoir touched my soul. When I got to the end, and saw them walking down the stage to get their medical degrees, I was smiling like a proud mama. I also grew up in a rough neighbourhood and understand how hard it is to break the cycle. And now as an aspiring Social Worker, I love reading about others who have done the same.
Pursuing a profession where I can see displays of outstanding human resilience every day is a blessing. Many of my clients are in challenging situations, but books like these help my motivational counselling practice. They remind me to continue having faith because though we never choose the circumstances we are born into, there is always space for betterment.
In high school, they made a pact to become doctors together. But the journey from then to residency was not easy. They each had their own struggles: drug addicted mother, mentally ill sister, poverty, abuse, heartbreak, negative peer pressure, and even jail. Although their resilience is remarkable, their accomplishments never made them arrogant.
After becoming doctors, all 3 of them decided to open practices in their old neighbourhoods. They believed it was not them, but God who had saved them so they could be examples and mentor youth who were are also growing up in difficult environments. They went onto starting a charity, writing books, and giving interviews based on the lessons their pact taught them.
On a personal level, this memoir touched my soul. When I got to the end, and saw them walking down the stage to get their medical degrees, I was smiling like a proud mama. I also grew up in a rough neighbourhood and understand how hard it is to break the cycle. And now as an aspiring Social Worker, I love reading about others who have done the same.
Pursuing a profession where I can see displays of outstanding human resilience every day is a blessing. Many of my clients are in challenging situations, but books like these help my motivational counselling practice. They remind me to continue having faith because though we never choose the circumstances we are born into, there is always space for betterment.
August 6, 2012
I know how my students feel now when they are required to read a book NOT of their choosing!
February 26, 2016
A well written book, The Pact it takes the reader to a whole different world through the lives of three different teenager boys. An unexpected turn came into these two boys they started out on not caring about school ditching getting into fights going into the wrong group of people. Sampson Davis, George Jenkins, and Rameck Hunt when they were in high school they made a pact that they will help one another through no
matter what goes on in life. This novel is really interesting; It’s a three part book with each part is different stories and different author from different character’s point of view in this story. Each author takes on their parts of a crazy childhood/life for the main characters; when it gets to the middle/end of the chapter of the book, all the previous crazy past the main characters had a huge life changing in their lives.
Sampson Davis, George Jenkins, and Rameck Hunt did a great job with telling their personal lives. When i was reading the book i didn’t know that it was written by different authors until i was finish and going through each chapter and saw different names in the chapters. The authors did really good on working together, the authors made it seem that it was only written by one author. The stories didn’t change at all and the switching of each author’s point of view.
the best part i love about this book was that you can get to read about very different stories about these three different guys that want to become doctors and dentist. Each character experience about being in college and also getting to experience on being a doctor and working with people. All three guys have experience on being alone getting apartments to stay in, family problems, best friends, heartbreaks, topics that the readers can relate to in this story The Pact.
This book will start out slow and boring but once you get to the middle/end of the book it will start getting interesting that you won’t be able to take your eyes off of the book. I would recommend this book to whoever have gone through something rough in their lives with college or friend’s problem, or family trouble. When i started reading this book and thought i wouldn’t like it but once it got to showing who these three teenagers really are and how their lifestyle is then i started to get into the book and loved it!
matter what goes on in life. This novel is really interesting; It’s a three part book with each part is different stories and different author from different character’s point of view in this story. Each author takes on their parts of a crazy childhood/life for the main characters; when it gets to the middle/end of the chapter of the book, all the previous crazy past the main characters had a huge life changing in their lives.
Sampson Davis, George Jenkins, and Rameck Hunt did a great job with telling their personal lives. When i was reading the book i didn’t know that it was written by different authors until i was finish and going through each chapter and saw different names in the chapters. The authors did really good on working together, the authors made it seem that it was only written by one author. The stories didn’t change at all and the switching of each author’s point of view.
the best part i love about this book was that you can get to read about very different stories about these three different guys that want to become doctors and dentist. Each character experience about being in college and also getting to experience on being a doctor and working with people. All three guys have experience on being alone getting apartments to stay in, family problems, best friends, heartbreaks, topics that the readers can relate to in this story The Pact.
This book will start out slow and boring but once you get to the middle/end of the book it will start getting interesting that you won’t be able to take your eyes off of the book. I would recommend this book to whoever have gone through something rough in their lives with college or friend’s problem, or family trouble. When i started reading this book and thought i wouldn’t like it but once it got to showing who these three teenagers really are and how their lifestyle is then i started to get into the book and loved it!
February 26, 2016
The book The Pact by Lisa Frazier Page is an interesting book that takes the reader for a trip through the lives of a few boys. Three boys live in a community that very many people don’t make it out of without going to jail or dying at a young age. The boys tell their story of how they made it out of this troubling place and got to where they are. Sampson, George and Rameck encounter things average teenagers wouldn’t. The author does an amazing job at making the different points of view combine as a whole
The way the book is set up is difficult for me to understand. In the book each paragraph alternates between characters so it’s hard for me to keep track of what is happening to whom. The book overall has a slow pace but I still consider it to be a good read if you enjoy slower paced books. It is based on a true story about three guys who made something out of their lives even though they grew up in bad communities.
The reason I choose to read this book was for class. I thought the book would be my type of story but it turns out it wasn't. Throughout the story situations that can jeopardize the boys paths to success happens. They each have things they have to overcome, their families were different in their own way but they all connected somehow. Some get involved in the wrong crowds and others can't control their anger and it gets the best of them but in the end they make it out as good people and return back to their communities as doctors.
The book is not one I would put on my list of favorites. Don’t get me wrong The Pact was a good book. It had a great theme and was very well written. I just wouldn’t prefer reading it. I recommend this book to teenagers that love a good slow paced story. I’d give this book 2 stars out of 5.
The author did a great job putting the book together. I would not recommend reading it if you enjoy books that get right to the point. I personally enjoy reading books that have a mystery or books that give me something to look forward to. In The Pact I didn't really have much to look forward to because the story looked back on their lives instead of leaving you wondering if they were going to make it or not. It starts off by telling the reader that they had became doctors already. If you like books that give away the ending this would be a great book for you to read.
The way the book is set up is difficult for me to understand. In the book each paragraph alternates between characters so it’s hard for me to keep track of what is happening to whom. The book overall has a slow pace but I still consider it to be a good read if you enjoy slower paced books. It is based on a true story about three guys who made something out of their lives even though they grew up in bad communities.
The reason I choose to read this book was for class. I thought the book would be my type of story but it turns out it wasn't. Throughout the story situations that can jeopardize the boys paths to success happens. They each have things they have to overcome, their families were different in their own way but they all connected somehow. Some get involved in the wrong crowds and others can't control their anger and it gets the best of them but in the end they make it out as good people and return back to their communities as doctors.
The book is not one I would put on my list of favorites. Don’t get me wrong The Pact was a good book. It had a great theme and was very well written. I just wouldn’t prefer reading it. I recommend this book to teenagers that love a good slow paced story. I’d give this book 2 stars out of 5.
The author did a great job putting the book together. I would not recommend reading it if you enjoy books that get right to the point. I personally enjoy reading books that have a mystery or books that give me something to look forward to. In The Pact I didn't really have much to look forward to because the story looked back on their lives instead of leaving you wondering if they were going to make it or not. It starts off by telling the reader that they had became doctors already. If you like books that give away the ending this would be a great book for you to read.
July 5, 2011
This book is required reading for all the teachers in my school this summer, and will apparently be a program for staff and students next year. Three boys who grow up in inner-city Newark, New Jersey, meet at a magnet school they were each sent to because they showed academic promise. They realize that what they have in common is the determination to rise above their circumstances- and so they make a pact that they will all finish high school, go on to college and medical school, and become doctors. This they do, despite unstable homes, absent fathers, and the drug war of the 80s that is being fought on their doorsteps.
In many ways this is a really inspiring, uplifting book. I applaud these men for setting out to do something and doing it- it took amazing strength and dedication, and made me realize how lucky I am to have been born into a family and a society were the assumption was that I would get an education and be successful. In addition to the financial obstacles these men faced, they came from a society that believed being smart wasn't cool, and to get an education was to send the message that were better than everybody.
What bothered me about the book is that two of the boys made some very stupid decisions along the way, and I felt like they never really owned up to them- one boy in particular was on probation, knew he'd be kicked out of college if he messed up again, and did it anyway. It was only because he didn't get caught that he didn't face consequences. I wonder what kind of message this will send to my 9th graders; we struggle as it is trying to convince them that 9th grade is an important year and they need to take it seriously. I don't want them to get the impression that there will always be a second chance and people will always overlook their mistakes.
In many ways this is a really inspiring, uplifting book. I applaud these men for setting out to do something and doing it- it took amazing strength and dedication, and made me realize how lucky I am to have been born into a family and a society were the assumption was that I would get an education and be successful. In addition to the financial obstacles these men faced, they came from a society that believed being smart wasn't cool, and to get an education was to send the message that were better than everybody.
What bothered me about the book is that two of the boys made some very stupid decisions along the way, and I felt like they never really owned up to them- one boy in particular was on probation, knew he'd be kicked out of college if he messed up again, and did it anyway. It was only because he didn't get caught that he didn't face consequences. I wonder what kind of message this will send to my 9th graders; we struggle as it is trying to convince them that 9th grade is an important year and they need to take it seriously. I don't want them to get the impression that there will always be a second chance and people will always overlook their mistakes.
August 23, 2017
This book is about 3 black men from a rough neighborhood in New Jersey who make a pact in high school to all go to college and medical/dental school and become doctors. Each chapter alternates between each of the three friends, George, Sam, and Rameck. While I thought the idea was wonderful that these three friends worked so hard to break out of their circumstances and become successful, contributing members of society, I didn't like the heavy-handed overtones of "let's blame the system," "white people don't help black people," etc. There was a good deal of focus on the fact that because these guys didn't have stable homes, good fathers, etc. that they were doomed to become drug-dealers, thugs, etc. I certainly understand that may seem like the only way, especially when you don't have a lot of support from home and you are surrounded by many others who have chosen that route. But I would remind all of us that many people are born into less-than-ideal circumstances (white, black, hispanic, poor, from broken homes, little to no support from home or community, disabilities, illnesses) and have to overcome a lot to be successful in their lives. I do have to give these three major kudos for sticking it out and achieving their goals. Giving in and giving up is much easier than working hard.
February 26, 2016
A powerful and well written memoir, The Pact by Sampson Davis, George Jenkins, Rameck Hunt, & Lisa Frazier Page. The book tells the incredible journey of three teenage boys who live in one of the highest crime rate cities of New York; who make a pact by which they plan to stay together and fulfill their dreams of becoming doctors.
This book can be emotional to the reader because the main characters do not have father figures to look up to nor to teach them the life lessons they need to grow up into powerful men. As a group it's up to them to keep each other off the streets. Sam, George, and Rameck all face different challenges that are very hard for each and every one of them, however with a friendship so strong they work together to keep each other from giving up.
The way they chose to write this story is very relatable as a teen because I’m at the point in my life where I need to start making life changing decisions. They switched between characters to show you what hardship they were going through at the time, which I’m sure others could relate to as well.
No matter the circumstances you can achieve any goal. These boys had nothing. They grew up thinking that they would never make it and that they weren't allowed to go to college. I absolutely recommend this book to any and everyone because it can inspired you to do great things.
This book can be emotional to the reader because the main characters do not have father figures to look up to nor to teach them the life lessons they need to grow up into powerful men. As a group it's up to them to keep each other off the streets. Sam, George, and Rameck all face different challenges that are very hard for each and every one of them, however with a friendship so strong they work together to keep each other from giving up.
The way they chose to write this story is very relatable as a teen because I’m at the point in my life where I need to start making life changing decisions. They switched between characters to show you what hardship they were going through at the time, which I’m sure others could relate to as well.
No matter the circumstances you can achieve any goal. These boys had nothing. They grew up thinking that they would never make it and that they weren't allowed to go to college. I absolutely recommend this book to any and everyone because it can inspired you to do great things.
February 26, 2016
The memoir The Pact by Drs. Sampson Davis, George Jenkins, and Rameck Hunt is a very inspiring book. They grew up in one of the most dangerous places anyone could live in but they made a “pact” to stick together and do something with their lives; and they did, they became doctors. It encourages people to push themselves to do better in life and that anything is possible. The style of this book is very different; it shows all their different perspectives in each other’s life and them going through college together. All three authors did a great job in making the book seem like it was written by one author.
These three guys have struggled a lot when they were little and throughout their education. For example, one of the main characters Sam was sent to jail before entering his senior year of High School. That motivated him to do good and not hang out with the wrong crowd. The best part of this book is that you get to see how all three characters experience their struggles.
At the beginning of this memoir it's a little slow, but once you read the first chapter you won’t be able to put it down until your done with it. I would highly recommend this book to everyone, it’s a life changing book. It will make you rethink everything you do in life good or bad. This is one of my favorite books I have read so far.
These three guys have struggled a lot when they were little and throughout their education. For example, one of the main characters Sam was sent to jail before entering his senior year of High School. That motivated him to do good and not hang out with the wrong crowd. The best part of this book is that you get to see how all three characters experience their struggles.
At the beginning of this memoir it's a little slow, but once you read the first chapter you won’t be able to put it down until your done with it. I would highly recommend this book to everyone, it’s a life changing book. It will make you rethink everything you do in life good or bad. This is one of my favorite books I have read so far.
August 7, 2014
I would give a 2.5 if I could. I was inspired to read this initially (as many of you know I like memoirs), but it quickly fell flat for me. What the doctors accomplished is very inspiring, but the writing just fell flat. Each of the three characters simply 'told' their experiences, and all their voices melded into one dull narrator. I would have loved to hear more of each doctors voice and see more personality, but I didn't and was unable to connect with any character. Overall, too much telling and not enough showing. Impressive accomplishments. Perhaps seeing them speak would give me a better feel!
April 18, 2009
I had high hopes for this book and it started great, but it didn't live up to my expectations. The story lacked the emotion I needed. It was hard to feel connected to the characters.
March 30, 2016
Truly inspirational. We need more young, black men going into medicine and dentistry, and we need more positive peer pressure to help them develop and reach bold goals.
January 5, 2021
I enjoyed the positive peer pressure aspects and the journey...sometimes it is bumpy but the drive and determination make a difference. I found this book inspiring and wishing I had two best friends.
June 11, 2022
Started out great, then went round and round in circles. No discernible organization.
February 26, 2016
In the memoir, The Pact is about three men whole grew up in the ghetto to become doctors of the future. Living around an environment of drugs, gangs, and violence and kids there age get into that mess and die everyday. The three men grew up in Newark, New Jersey and all meet in school and soon make a pact to stick together to make it to college.
This book also goes back and forth with all three writers telling there part of the story. George Jenkins as a young boy had a dream to become a dentist and even though he lived in the projects he had his dream to fulfill. Rameck Hunt also grew up around his family addicted to drugs and still wanted to grow up to be somebody. Sampson Davis grew up and watched both his parents split and he had to learn to become a man on his own.
I felt the theme of this novel The Pact was that even though you come or go through hard times you can always accomplish your goals if you’re dedicated to it. I felt this book made a big impact to me because it is true that the friends you choose can either help you up or pull you down. I would recommend this book to teens because it is inspiring, humorous, and fulfilling. Very great book based on a true story telling, one of my favorites.
This book also goes back and forth with all three writers telling there part of the story. George Jenkins as a young boy had a dream to become a dentist and even though he lived in the projects he had his dream to fulfill. Rameck Hunt also grew up around his family addicted to drugs and still wanted to grow up to be somebody. Sampson Davis grew up and watched both his parents split and he had to learn to become a man on his own.
I felt the theme of this novel The Pact was that even though you come or go through hard times you can always accomplish your goals if you’re dedicated to it. I felt this book made a big impact to me because it is true that the friends you choose can either help you up or pull you down. I would recommend this book to teens because it is inspiring, humorous, and fulfilling. Very great book based on a true story telling, one of my favorites.
August 12, 2016
Really encouraging.
May 20, 2024
This book was gifted to me by one of the authors—Dr. George Jenkins—the head of the dental track at the pre-health program I did at Columbia University last summer. I'm glad I finally made the time to read about his inspirational journey. "The Pact" was a heartwarming and emotionally satisfying book and one I would unequivocally recommend to pre-health students of color. The book follows the life of Dr. Jenkins and his two friends, who grew up in the projects of Newark, and follows them from their disadvantaged backgrounds to completing medical and dental school.
At the heart of their relationship was a pact made in high school. They would defy the harrowing odds of being Black and poor in inner-city Newark and become doctors. That pact was sacrosanct and served as their north star throughout high school, college, medical/dental school, and residency programs. A pact derived from a seemingly crazy dream coupled with grit, determination, dedication, and the unyielding support of friends, family, and random strangers allowed the Three Doctors to defy those odds. They overcame the crack epidemic that ravaged their communities, stints in juvenile detention, heartbreak, complicated grief, and, at times, soul-crushing doubt. "The Pact" is truly a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of a supportive community during life's most difficult moments. I greatly enjoyed taking the time to peer through the candid window Drs. Jenkins, Davis, and Hunt provided. Their life story is living proof that the dream to create a life better than the one you were given is not an outlandish fairy tale. If you want a story that ignites a fire within you, then "The Pact" is the story for you.
At the heart of their relationship was a pact made in high school. They would defy the harrowing odds of being Black and poor in inner-city Newark and become doctors. That pact was sacrosanct and served as their north star throughout high school, college, medical/dental school, and residency programs. A pact derived from a seemingly crazy dream coupled with grit, determination, dedication, and the unyielding support of friends, family, and random strangers allowed the Three Doctors to defy those odds. They overcame the crack epidemic that ravaged their communities, stints in juvenile detention, heartbreak, complicated grief, and, at times, soul-crushing doubt. "The Pact" is truly a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of a supportive community during life's most difficult moments. I greatly enjoyed taking the time to peer through the candid window Drs. Jenkins, Davis, and Hunt provided. Their life story is living proof that the dream to create a life better than the one you were given is not an outlandish fairy tale. If you want a story that ignites a fire within you, then "The Pact" is the story for you.
March 11, 2019
I chose to read this book because I remembered hearing about it when I was in elementary school. I wanted to revisit it because I forgot about almost everything that happened in it.
It is about three people growing up in a dangerous neighborhood (Sam, George, and Rameck) and the struggles that they went through on their road to success. They all had a tough childhood with limited role models. The few role models they had put an emphasis on how important education was. Drugs were a huge problem in their neighborhood and they were all constantly pressured with them. University High is where they all met. One day at their school Seton Hall college visited talked about a minority medical scholarship and how people could get in. The three were thinking of skipping it but they described it as just ending up there. They end up getting the scholarship with a lot of work and perseverance but think of dropping out after facing racism and not doing too well in classes. The school's guidance counselor convinces them to stay and finish their time at Seton Hall. They graduate and achieve a medical degree at the medical schools that they attend.
I liked most of the book and the message in it but one thing I wish was different was the way that each chapter was written from a different person. I understand that they probably wanted each person story to progress at the same time but I think there could have been a different way of it happening.
It is about three people growing up in a dangerous neighborhood (Sam, George, and Rameck) and the struggles that they went through on their road to success. They all had a tough childhood with limited role models. The few role models they had put an emphasis on how important education was. Drugs were a huge problem in their neighborhood and they were all constantly pressured with them. University High is where they all met. One day at their school Seton Hall college visited talked about a minority medical scholarship and how people could get in. The three were thinking of skipping it but they described it as just ending up there. They end up getting the scholarship with a lot of work and perseverance but think of dropping out after facing racism and not doing too well in classes. The school's guidance counselor convinces them to stay and finish their time at Seton Hall. They graduate and achieve a medical degree at the medical schools that they attend.
I liked most of the book and the message in it but one thing I wish was different was the way that each chapter was written from a different person. I understand that they probably wanted each person story to progress at the same time but I think there could have been a different way of it happening.
May 3, 2019
I really enjoyed this book... it gave me a glimpse into a city world (poverty, crime, inferior schools, drugs, gangs) far away from rural Illinois where I have lived my entire life.
This was a great inspirational story of three black men who beat the odds of living in a poor, inner-city neighborhood... and stuck to their goal of becoming doctors. My favorite part of this book was the friendship that these 3 boys formed as youth... and continued all the way through high school, college and med school. I think this story shows that you could accomplish anything if you stay determined and focused. We CAN change things if we really have a passion to do so. That is one of the valuable lessons to be learned from The Pact.
This was a great inspirational story of three black men who beat the odds of living in a poor, inner-city neighborhood... and stuck to their goal of becoming doctors. My favorite part of this book was the friendship that these 3 boys formed as youth... and continued all the way through high school, college and med school. I think this story shows that you could accomplish anything if you stay determined and focused. We CAN change things if we really have a passion to do so. That is one of the valuable lessons to be learned from The Pact.
November 23, 2021
THE PACT is a story about Authors Sampson Davis, George Jenkins, and Rameck Hunt.
3 Doctors living in the streets of Newark as they make a pact to become doctors.
growing up in a harsh neighborhood with violence, drug dealing and stealing trying to make something of there lives but stuff doesn't become easy for them. they suffer through some hardships, trying to survive the streets. 3 of them make a pact in middle school to become doctors but as they grow up they think to survive in Newark you gotta sell drugs and skip class but they realized there are better ways, even though there family's are not wealthy they make best of what they have.
They style of the book is good you can understand why Sampson, George,and Rameck act the way they do. My experience while reading the book is good it made me want to do better in life made me want to better myself. My only issue about the book is i wanted read more about the other character in the story it made me want to know more about there back story. I would recommend it to people who want to be inspired and uplifted.
3 Doctors living in the streets of Newark as they make a pact to become doctors.
growing up in a harsh neighborhood with violence, drug dealing and stealing trying to make something of there lives but stuff doesn't become easy for them. they suffer through some hardships, trying to survive the streets. 3 of them make a pact in middle school to become doctors but as they grow up they think to survive in Newark you gotta sell drugs and skip class but they realized there are better ways, even though there family's are not wealthy they make best of what they have.
They style of the book is good you can understand why Sampson, George,and Rameck act the way they do. My experience while reading the book is good it made me want to do better in life made me want to better myself. My only issue about the book is i wanted read more about the other character in the story it made me want to know more about there back story. I would recommend it to people who want to be inspired and uplifted.
September 12, 2022
4.5 stars
Absolutely compelling story told from three unique perspectives. I knocked off a half star because it felt somewhat dated and boot-strappy. The accomplishments of these men are incredible, but I would hate that someone would read this book and think, "so why can't all Black kids become doctors if that's what they want, since these three did?"
And yet that is no reason not to read this book or understand what these three have been through or what it took for them (not just one helping hand, not just a village, but a concerted effort of people throughout their lives willing to give them all that they needed and more to make it through).
Highly recommended. Great audio.
Absolutely compelling story told from three unique perspectives. I knocked off a half star because it felt somewhat dated and boot-strappy. The accomplishments of these men are incredible, but I would hate that someone would read this book and think, "so why can't all Black kids become doctors if that's what they want, since these three did?"
And yet that is no reason not to read this book or understand what these three have been through or what it took for them (not just one helping hand, not just a village, but a concerted effort of people throughout their lives willing to give them all that they needed and more to make it through).
Highly recommended. Great audio.
November 10, 2022
The premise was nice. I like how they went through stuff and came out doctors. Partially growing up
In Newark, I honestly expected a little more craziness in their backgrounds, but it was okay. I guess the storytelling could have been better, if written by more seasoned writers.
Overall it was a decent read and nice to see people from disadvantaged backgrounds prosper and become successful.
In Newark, I honestly expected a little more craziness in their backgrounds, but it was okay. I guess the storytelling could have been better, if written by more seasoned writers.
Overall it was a decent read and nice to see people from disadvantaged backgrounds prosper and become successful.
July 22, 2020
2.5 this was fine although I generally dont read books like this. It was grounding and uplifting so nothing bad to say about it. Just a little repetitive here and there and we knew how it was going to end so not super interesting. But it was a fast read and a humbling read.
audio-tbr
December 28, 2019state non fiction rec for New Jersey
December 22, 2023
Read this with my health science students and some said it was the best book they ever read!! Highly recommend for YA 8/9th graders!
December 15, 2024
What a stellar memoir! This story made me walk into work and swear to be a more patient educator. Everyone who works with teens should read this book!
January 16, 2018
This book shows the true meaning of BrotherHood, something that my generation needs to learn. This book exemplifies how the Black Male goes through life during his early stages. This book is similiar to "Street Life" by Victor Rios due to the fact that these 3 guys, Sampson, George, and Rameck, are perfect examples of how you can make it out of the hood. From going to jail, to going through hardships! These guys promised eachother that when they get older, that they would all become doctors and that is exactly wha they did. Once again, this is definetely a good read!
November 22, 2022
I do not normally like biographies, but this is an excellent story about how friendship and support can help overcome real struggle!!
June 12, 2017
The Pact is about three young men who grow up in Newark a dangerous place to live during the 1970´s and 80´s. Sam, George, & Rameck all had tough childhoods growing up, but when they met and made a pact it changed their lives forever.
One of my favorite parts in the book is when they asked
One of my favorite parts in the book is when they asked
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