The Bond

Not having had fathers left "gaping holes" in the lives of three African-American doctors whose personal and professional triumphs are movingly told in this exceptional audio. The production is organized in segments that combine each man's story with that of his father. The segments also share how each author's path changed after reconnecting with his father. The three stories emphasize how important it is for fathers to be successful role models and to provide the security a son needs to progress in life. In addition, the authors remind us of the rewards and responsibilities of deep friendship with a wife and children. Richard Allen's narration of this important memoir couldn't be more sensitive, warm, and connected to the book's redemptive underpinnings. He wisely understates the narrative's pathos, and his clear, consistent baritone is deeply satisfying from start to finish. T.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine

August 27, 2007
In this affecting follow-up to The Pact
, Davis, Jenkins and Hunt (“The Three Doctors” as they call themselves) turn from their shared friendship to the more tenuous relationships they shared with their absent fathers. Focusing again on their childhood and youth, they each reflect separately on the effects of growing up fatherless in inner-city Newark, N.J. Whether missing lessons as basic as shaving or tying a necktie or as serious as developing self-confidence, all three conclude that they would have been more prepared for the obstacles they faced growing up if they had had a stable father figure. Instead, they had to turn to the streets for answers, which included distorted views of women and masculinity. The authors offer little new information about growing up without a father. However, some of their suggestions (“find a mentor” and “realize fathering isn't just financial,” for example) do bear repeating, and in the context of these three young men's lives, they gain further relevance. The book includes chapters written by the authors' absentee fathers, who, refreshingly, do not make excuses for their shortcomings but give insights into their failures—including their own lack of a father figure—and provide an understanding that humanizes them and enables their sons to forgive them.

June 1, 2008
This painful, unflinching, yet uplifting and optimistic sequel to the "New York Times" best seller "The Pact" takes the three medical professionals further on their quest. Each attained his goal of becoming a doctor despite the overwhelming obstacles of being fatherless inner-city boys. Now they decide to learn to know the men who sired them. Alternating chapters give the father and son the opportunity to explain what happened and why. The sons conclude that learning more about their fathers, even later in life, helped them cope with the loss. Generally, the fathers are honest and direct in explaining their reasons for abandoning their vulnerable families. It is also apparent that both generations could have succumbed to crime, alcohol, and drugs. All agree that often bad times can bring about positive change. The doctors also illustrate the importance of mothers in this moving tribute to the vital role these women played in their sons' lives. The book closes by offering ways to repair relationships and help the community to stem the tide of fatherlessness. Narrator Richard Allen's rich voice breathes life into these old and young men alike; he also enhances the diverse quotes that make up this wonderful story. "The Bond" belongs in all African American, self-help, and medium-sized and large library collections.Susan G. Baird, Chicago

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