ePub The Other Wes Moore: One Name; Two Fates by Wes Moore in History

Review

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Thought provoking and heartbreaking story of two lives that could not have ended more differently.By Alison UrbanThe Other Wes Moore is the first book for a school reading project I have read that has moved me so much that even after I was done reading it I didn't want to stop reading. I read past the initial story to the after word and even the entirety of the acknowledgements. I have never done that with a book before; period. This is a book about two boys with the same name of Wes Moore. The story goes through the very similar lives of both of these men from their childhood to adulthood. You see all of the twists and turns in their lives that lead them to their fates; with one being a Rhodes Scholar and decorated Veteran; and the other in prison with a life sentence. You get to read the lifetimes of these men and try and figure out for yourself the big question of the entire book; "What made the difference?"What made the difference that led to our author being successful and the other Wes Moore serving a life sentence? You read the accounts of both men's lives as they struggle to survive in the Bronx from failing out of school; drug dealing; problems with the law; and young pregnancies. This book brings a complexity to the inner workings of the minds of two boys growing up in environments where everything is against them and they're expected to become delinquents; and then criminals; because it's the norm. You see their rises and falls as they go on paths where they begin to fix their lives but then just wind up falling right back to where they were. You feel the character's struggle as one falls further and further from grace and the other begins to get their life back on track. You know the outcome of the story and yet you keep hoping and praying that things will end differently; that everything will work out for both parties. It makes you forget that you already know the ending to the story.At the end of the book you're left with many questions and thoughts; but overall the message that your situation doesn't define you; that anyone can change their future no matter how hopeless the present seems. This book leaves you with the thought that anyone can turn their life around; while at the same time wondering why the other Wes Moore could not see the same. It's a powerful story of two boys becoming men in different ways and experiencing identical struggles of identity and trying to fight society's expectations of them while at the same time falling into them at one point or another.I would recommend this book to many if you want a powerful and thought provoking read that will captivate you and make you think about your path in life a little deeper like it did for me.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Recommended bookBy NICOLEThe Other Wes Moore; is a riveting and well thought out book that held my attention in entirety. The book explores the struggles of living in a poverty and crime stricken community that influences you in negative ways; especially in teens and young adults. Wes talks about what both his and the other Wes's life was like after not having a father and growing up in society that expects you to become another statistic. The book opens your eyes to the hardships not only boys go through to survive; but the young single mothers who work day and night to provide and care for her children with the absence of their father. It takes you through the path both took; similar in some ways; to get to where they are today which is two different places. The novel brings out emotions that makes you feel like it is you who is going through the adversities that are faced. The Other Wes Moore is a book I would highly recommend to anyone and everyone.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Full of Many StoriesBy Jared AdamsI really liked The Other Wes Moore. It was a really good book about the lives of the two Wes Moores. The author’s purpose was to show the similarities and differences of himself and the other Wes Moore. I really like how the stories go back and forth between both Wes Moores. I also love how the book is based on a true story. I do not really like reading; however; this book was very enjoyable. The book goes from story to story. I believe Wes Moore did a very good job of telling the stories. Both of the Wes Moores grew up just blocks from each other. Author Wes Moore talks about how neither of them had a dad in their lives. The book also showed the many struggles of both of the Wes Moores. I feel like the biggest difference between the two Wes Moores is the fact that one was a high school dropout and the author Wes Moore was sent to military school; which really changed him as a man. I believe military school kept him out of trouble. Overall; I really enjoyed the book.