The book is about three African American men—Sampson Davis, George Jenkins, and Rameck Hunt—who grew up in a tough urban city (Newark, New Jersey) where it was easier to fail than succeed. Each had negative influences in the form of peer pressure. Nevertheless, each did well in school, and teachers recognized their potential. Unknown to them at the time, their positive direction initially started when the three took tests to enter a pilot school program that would academically challenge them and give them a better chance to enter college. After passing their exams, Sam and George entered the school at the junior high level and quickly became friends. Rameck took his exam prior to high school. So he started attending in 9th grade. Rameck met the other two on the first day he attended. However, he was more interested in hanging out with the boys in his home neighborhood. Doing this resulted in some very sticky situations. It wasn’t until junior year that Rameck bonded and became close friends with the other two. In their senior year, the three attended a presentation given by a recruiter from Seton Hall University. She told them about a program at the university called the Pre-Medical/Pre-Dental Program. It was an initiative created by the University for minority students interested in going to college, and eventually attending medical/dental school. In attending Seton Hall, the students in the program would receive free tuition and free tutoring for attending the four years. George was excited. Though they wanted to attend college, Sam and Rameck were not as interested in the Seton Hall program. George was persistent, and encouraged the other two to join him in applying. Sam and Rameck finally gave in and agreed to apply. This was where the pact was created. It was an unwritten agreement that the three would attend Seton Hall together and continue on through medical school together. There was nothing physically symbolic like a handshake to "seal the deal." It was only based on each other’s word. Their promise to each other did not take into consideration that they may not be accepted. But they were, and their lives changed from then on. Of course, the lure of the streets would come close to pulling them from the journey. There were also monetary problems in helping to pay for medical and dental school. Yet through fate, as well as help from friends and family members, they continued on. And of course, they had each other to use as a strong support system. They still had that unwritten pact to abide by. This shows that positive peer pressure can also be a very strong influence. All three graduated from college, and completed medical and dental schools. Rameck and Sam became medical doctors and George became a dentist. All three not only practice in and around the same city that they grew up in, but they have formed a non-profit foundation to assist those young people looking for opportunities to better themselves.

This book is engrossing and will maintain your interest throughout. It would be an excellent read for those entering high school. Yes, it tells a fascinating story of the three doctors, and the route that they took to success. But the book also offers practical steps for young people (or anyone else for that matter) to follow in attaining goals—even if they seem out of reach. Because of this, it could be a powerful influence in the direction that one can take not just in school, but more importantly, in life.