The chilling truth is that his story could have been mine. The tragedy is that my story could have been his.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 … 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.
BONUS: This edition contains a new afterword and a The Other Wes Moore discussion guide.
Praise for The Other Wes Moore
“Moving and inspiring, The Other Wes Moore is a story for our times.”—Alex Kotlowitz, author of There Are No Children Here
“A tense, compelling story and an inspirational guide for all who care about helping young people.”—Juan Williams, author of Enough
“This should be required reading for anyone who is trying to understand what is happening to young men in our inner cities.”—Geoffrey Canada, author of Fist Stick Knife Gun
“The Other Wes Moore gets to the heart of the matter on faith, education, respect, the hard facts of incarceration, and the choices and challenges we all face. It’s educational and inspiring.”—Ben Carson, M.D., author of Gifted Hands
“Wes Moore is destined to become one of the most powerful and influential leaders of this century. You need only read this book to understand why.”—William S. Cohen, former U.S. senator and secretary of defense
“This intriguing narrative is enlightening, encouraging, and empowering. Read these words, absorb their meanings, and create your own plan to act and leave a legacy.”—Tavis Smiley, from the Afterword
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Two kids, same name, same general area of residence, totally different life results. Read it and try to figure out how one could end up incredibly successful and respected while the other ends up in prison for life. The odds are so stacked against African American Americans and other of color who find themselves living in ghettoes and poverty. Worth reading and will likely be an eye opener for many. The problems associated with racism and poverty until honestly addressed our country will never be free to reach a good and worthwhile future.
This is the true story of two young African American men who grew up in the same neighborhood and share the same name. Both have difficulties in their childhood experiences, and both get involved in illegal activities as teens. Wes Moore the author ends up in a military school due to a family intervention and goes on to become a Rhodes scholar. The other Wes Moore ends up in prison, as so many African American men do.
This is a thought provoking book. Circumstances and opportunities may shape who we are and how we live our lives but personal choices play such a big part . And we all have the power to make those choices.
Interesting book paralleling the lives of two boys growing up in the same time and geographical location as well as with the same name. Illustrates how a series of events, choices and the people in our lives help to form our ultimate course in life.
I had the pleasure of hearing Wes Moore speak at my son’s high school in November 2019. At that point, I had not read the book but my son had (required reading) so I was intrigued to hear the story.
This is the story of two young black men, both named Wes Moore. They both grew up in Baltimore. One went on to be a Rhodes Scholar, decorated combat veteran, White House Fellow, and business leader. The other is serving a life sentence in prison. Wes, the scholar, was in South Africa as an exchange student before graduating from Johns Hopkins when he gets a chance to talk to his mom who says to him “the police are looking for another Wes Moore from Baltimore for the murder of a police officer.” This intrigues Wes and he decides to interview the other Wes in prison to try to find out how they could start in the same place and end up so differently. They remain in contact and the other Wes did provide approval for the book to be written.
thoughtful story about the factors that can drastically alter the course of our lives
Realistic, because it is a story about real people. Wes Moore, the criminal, should have placed his energy in legal capitalism…..the rewards don’t come as quickly, but they do come.
We Moore demonstrates what a difference a dependable support group can mean to the development of young men at risk. Everyone who doesn’t live the life should read, to more fully understand the challenges to each person attempting to navigate the dangers for young men (and women) of color.
Fascinating story of 2 kids from poor families who ended up with very different lives.
thought provoking!
A tense, compelling story and an inspirational guide for all who care about helping young people.
This should be required reading for anyone who is trying to understand what is happening to young men in our inner cities.
Relevant for today’s misunderstanding of the society greed has created.
Good example of how circumstances effect ones life.
Well worth reading!
I liked this book, but I felt it just kind of ended. There wasn’t really a wrap up or summation of any sort. I guess the purpose was to let the reader draw their own conclusions, but it would have been interesting to get the author’s perspective.
I did not finish this book. The description of the drug filled lives of young children is disgusting and disheartening. It takes a strong stomach to get through this one.
Interesting history
Well done – amazing story..
Amazing the contrast of the two Wes Moores. A great read!