2014 Reading: The Other Wes Moore by Wes Moore

wesmooreThe Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates by Wes Moore

I rarely finish a book in a single day, but I did that with this one. It’s a compelling narrative about two men named Wes Moore. They’re from similar backgrounds in Baltimore, but a combination of choices and circumstances took them in different directions. The author, Wes Moore, a Rhodes Scholar and White House Fellow was headed down the wrong path when his mother took drastic action. He then read a book by Colin Powell that showed him that stories can change peoples lives–and Powell’s story changed his. The other Wes Moore, though, didn’t change, and the author has the opportunity to interview him in prison, where he is serving a life sentence.

There is a lot to absorb here about poverty, education, drugs, and opportunity in America. This book, like Powell’s, is potentially going to change lives.

About the author

I am the author of three novels--THE LAST BIRD OF PARADISE, OLIVER'S TRAVELS, and THE SHAMAN OF TURTLE VALLEY--and three story collections--IN AN UNCHARTED COUNTRY, HOUSE OF THE ANCIENTS AND OTHER STORIES, and WHAT THE ZHANG BOYS KNOW, winner of the Library of Virginia Literary Award for Fiction. I am also the co-founder and former editor of Prime Number Magazine and the editor of the award-winning anthology series EVERYWHERE STORIES: SHORT FICTION FROM A SMALL PLANET.

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