We Beat the Street: How a Friendship Led to Success

by Sampson Davis

Hardcover, 2005

Description

Making a pact to stick together through the rough times in their impoverished Newark neighborhood, three boys found the strength and determination to work through their difficulties in order to complete high school, get through college, and attend medical school together. Sampson, George, and Rameck could easily have followed their childhood friends into drug dealing, gangs, and prison. When they met in high school, they recognized in each other the desire and ability to "beat the street." Along the way they made mistakes, faced disappointments, and nearly failed, but by working hard, finding positive role models, resisting negative influences, and supporting each other at every turn, they achieved their goals, and more. Today they call themselves the Three Doctors, and work in the same community where they grew up--where they run The Three Doctors Foundation, creating opportunities for inner-city communities through education, mentoring, and health awareness.--From publisher description.… (more)

ISBN

0525474072 / 9780525474074

Status

Available

Call number

610.922

Genres

Nonfiction

Collection

SDG

Publication

Dutton Books (2005), Edition: 1st, 208 pages

User reviews

LibraryThing member libmhleigh

In this work three African American doctors tell the story of how they used their brains, loyalty, and few good chances to escape their tough urban neighborhood, go to college and medical school, and become doctors. The book is targeted for an adolescent audience, although there is an adult

version, called “The Pact” available. At the end of each chapter, the doctors give some advice to young people who want to achieve more than those around them expect.

Quote: “Young people need positive role models and guidance in their lives. There is no underestimating a positive figure in a child’s life.”

I picked this book up because it is the only one recommended by more than one of my ninth graders. I enjoyed the anecdotes about the childhood and teenage years of the young men, but mostly I appreciated their frank discussion of the challenges their lives presented, the choices they needed to make, and the belief of many in their neighborhood that they would never get out. I think young people would enjoy the work even more than I did, since the authors were careful to target students.

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LibraryThing member Catnelson

An account of how three friends helped each other to make it through high school, college, and medical school rather than follow their childhood friends into the criminal life. Now the three doctors work in their home community helping others to have better lives

LibraryThing member aje3

This book is three stories in one. It tells of three street kids who made a lot of mistakes growing up, but used friendship and positive peer pressure to become successful doctors. The text is easy to read and the message is encouraging to any age and all walks of life. I would recommend the book

to anyone who needs a lift or just wants to read some positive material.

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LibraryThing member DebbieMcCauley

Three boys are growing up on the tough streets of Newark, New Jersey, USA. This is the story of the pact they made to improve their lives through providing support to each other through the bad times. They each made it through high school, college, and medical school whilst their childhood friends

followed another path into criminal activity. Today, the three doctors give back to their communities in the hope of inspiring young people to follow their path, rather than he usual one of crime on the streets.

Some of their messages; 'Find people who inspire and encourage you and stick with them. Pick your friends carefully - those with goals similar to yours'... "The person who is successful is the one who doesn't quit".

An inspiring story, told in a series of chapters on each boy during their journey. Excellent reading material for teens.

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LibraryThing member pnieme1

This book is a biography details the lives of three young men from Newark, New Jersey. Those around them were involved in drugs and gangs and often went to prison. The three boys stayed together and pushed one another to become educated and eventually become doctors. The story highlights how

important it is to have supportive- long term friendships. The three boys work together to “beat the street” and accomplish their dreams. I liked this book because of its inspirational message and its value on friendship. I also liked how the book switched between the authors writing and real life quotes and conversations from the 3 boys. It kept the book interesting and made it an easy read.

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