Booktalks Quick and Simple

Booktalk #1

If you grow up around gangs, drugs, and violence you are suppose to be a criminal right?

Not always!

George, Sam, and Rameck grew up in poor homes in New Jersey neighborhoods where kids don't have a chance. Unless they are motivated that is!

During high school these men learned of a program for minority students interested in becoming doctors. That day their lives changed. George, Sam, and Rameck made a promise to each other to finish college and become doctors no matter what, and they did. One is a dentist, two are doctors, and they could not have done it without the friendship and inspiration of one another. The “pact” these men made in high school acted as a positive force to steer them away from the problems and dangers of the streets they played on as boys and send them into the medical world to help their communities as men. Read about growing up in the hood and finding a way out, but a way give back as well in The Pact.

Prepared by: Sue Anne Beym for South Carolina Young Adult Book Award Nominees 2005

Booktalk #2

                       It would have been easier for Sam Davis, George Jenkins and Rameck Hunt, three young African Americans, to stay in their familiar inner city neighborhoods in Newark, New Jersey. Their neighborhoods were dangerous. Fights, drug usage and poverty were common. But, these neighborhoods were familiar, these neighborhoods were home.
                        A discussion with his dentist during a routine visit, causes George to think about a possible career choice in that field. But, what chance would someone with his background have of attaining such a goal? The same thing for his friends, Rameck and Sam who would like to become doctors. Then, one day, just to get out of class, they attend a presentation by a representative from Seton Hall University who tells them about a program that provides tutoring and financial assistance to poor students who are considering careers in the medical field. After much consideration, they make the decision to sign up for the program and make a pact among themselves that they will all make it through together. Not one of the three will be “allowed” to fail, quit or stop. The other two will not allow it.
                        Sam, George and Rameck encounter many difficulties along the way. There are many times when each one of them considers quitting, but the inner motivation and “the pact” keeps each one going.
                        This book is a true tribute to friendship. “The only reward of virtue is virtue; the only way to have a friend is to be one." These young men proved that this saying by Ralph Waldo Emerson is true! A very inspiring story. (Francoise H. Fussell, fhfussell@yahoo.com, Universtiy of South Carolina, College of Library & Information Studies)

Booktalk #3

The odds were against them. Three African-American males from the inner city surrounded by violence, drugs and alcohol aren’t supposed to be successful doctors, right? Wrong! This awe-inspiring book is the true story of the pact three friends made as teenagers in Newark, New Jersey. See how each of these doctors struggled, sacrificed and succeeded in The Pact. (Joanne Suzara, jsuzara704@yahoo.com, Goose Creek High)