The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates

An interesting story about two people with same names and similar childhoods, but I think the comparisons were overrated. According to the author, their lives deviated based on seemingly small decisions and luck. But their backgrounds, support structure, and core morals were much different so it made sense to me how their stories turned out. I felt as if the author was talking about his own accomplishments too much, giving himself a pat on the back. I would have liked more analysis and interview excerpts. ( )

The Other Wes Moore by Wes Moore is a story about two men named Wes Moore. They grew up a few blocks away, both in poverty and fatherless. They had rough childhoods on the streets and they both ran into trouble with the police. They both had a loving family and friends that guided them. They started with almost identical beginning. One ended up in prison for first degree murder and the other a successful veteran, Rhodes Scholar, and White House Fellow. This story talks about the paths they took, the choices they made and their actions. It also talks about the guidance they received from family and friends. Both Wes Moores’ explain the chances they had to become better people and to make an impact.
I enjoyed this book this because it really makes you think about the path you take and the choices you make in life. It makes you reconsider who you hang out with and what you do. I think that it is an important message of the book. It is also sad to hear about the crime ridden parts of Baltimore and the drug game that goes on there. The book is also suspenseful because the author uses alternating narratives. The switching between the biographies keeps your interest and forces you to see what happens next.
This heartbreaking, amazing read will interest readers who enjoy biographies, suspense, decision making, adventures, and reality stories. This book changed my outlook on life. I would recommend it for anyone else who wants the same. It is a great, short read enjoyable for teens and adults. The message of the book is one that cannot be put into a few words. ( )

The book has a great beginning and a strong ending. It bogs down a little in the middle as he tries to identify and encapsulate significant incidents of each of their lives.

The last chapter has a reflection which compares how young black men are viewed by their culture - in inner city America versus the townships of South Africa; both cultures plagued by poverty, prejudice and lack of opportunity. That was very striking and thought provoking.

The Other West Moore: One name, two fates is on this year's CLSC reading list. It's an interesting true story of two young black men born in Baltimore about the same time with many similarities in their circumstances and with the same name. As they grow their lives become very different, ending with one in prison for life without parole while the other (the author) becomes an Army officer, Johns Hopkins graduate, Rhodes Scholar, and White House Fellow. It's well written and raises as many questions as it answers -- truly a worthwhile read. ( )

OUWC bookclub, 11/12, read ( )