Book Review of
The Other Wes Moore
Two kids named Wes Moore were born blocks apart within a year of each other. Both grew up fatherless in similar Baltimore neighborhoods and had difficult childhoods; both hung out on street corners with their crews; both ran into trouble with the police. How, then, did one grow up to be a Rhodes Scholar, decorated veteran, White House Fellow, and business leader, while the other ended up a convicted murderer serving a life sentence? Wes Moore, the author of this fascinating book, sets out to answer this profound question. In alternating narratives that take readers from heart-wrenching losses to moments of surprising redemption, The Other Wes Moore tells the story of a generation of boys trying to find their way in a hostile world.
Lynn's Review
The Other Wes Moore was the book I read for my Maryland book as part of my nonfiction books for every state challenge. This challenge has forced me outside of my comfort zone so many times. It forced me out of my comfort zone in a good way. I don’t think I would have ever picked up this book if it hadn’t been for this challenge. This book is not an easy read, but I think it is an important one. The book alternates between two kids/men named Wes Moore who were born blocks apart, and yet their lives took very different paths. The author describes in detail what life on the streets of Maryland were like. He deals with the issues of growing up without a father and in a world in turmoil. This book is an important read for our times.