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skeltzer's review against another edition
dark
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
3.0
Wanted to read this because Wes Moore is about to become governor of my state. The writing was fine but not impressive (he admits, and it's clear, that he has no journalism training), and there were a few small details that seemed inaccurate that took me out of the narrative (Baltimore wasn't the birthplace of Edgar Allan Poe; one of the high schools mentioned isn't located where they described it) but not enough to make me stop reading. The Tavis Smiley call to action was jarring in the switch of tenor and tone. Moore seems quite aware that he could have ended up as the other Wes Moore did if not for a supportive family who wasn't necessarily privileged financially but had an understanding of how the world worked. The thing that bothers me about this book is that it's kind of exploitative - Wes Moore is using the story of the other Wes Moore to prove a point and effectively promote himself. I remember when this book came out but I don't remember the reaction when it did. I wonder what Wes Moore is or has done for the other Wes Moore since the book came out. Not that he's obligated to do anything, of course, and the other Wes Moore agreed to be a part of the book, but it makes me pause.
Content Warnings
Minor: Drug use and Racial slurs
peachani's review against another edition
reflective
sad
medium-paced
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Gun violence, and Racial slurs
Moderate: Bullying, Death, Hate crime, Racism, Violence, Police brutality, and Murder
Minor: Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Pregnancy, Abandonment, War, and Injury/Injury detail
dbuoih's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
3.25
All real pain. Descriptions of two real black men straddling the expectations they are born with.
I wish there were more interjections of the Wes Moore in prison. But his existing quotes were poignant, especially about performing expectations without knowing if they’re yours or not.
I was hesitant to read what I deemed as “black trauma” but it only skimmed the surface of that. It’s not gratuitous.
I wish there were more interjections of the Wes Moore in prison. But his existing quotes were poignant, especially about performing expectations without knowing if they’re yours or not.
I was hesitant to read what I deemed as “black trauma” but it only skimmed the surface of that. It’s not gratuitous.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, and Drug abuse
Moderate: Death, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Violence, Police brutality, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, and Pregnancy
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