Reviews

The Work: Searching for a Life That Matters by Wes Moore

spom2024's review against another edition

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informative inspiring slow-paced

2.5

joefaulkenberry's review against another edition

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informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.25

rumbledethumps's review against another edition

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3.0

I've known about Wes Moore since his first book, and greatly respect his work. When I see him on a news program or other show, I'll make sure to stop whatever I'm doing and listen to him. But this book didn't quite hit the mark for me.

It tries to be a memoir, revealing personal growth through change and adversity, but just feels more like autobiography, a string of incidents told in chronological order.

What I found most compelling were the pieces at the end of each chapter where he profiled others who were answering their callings.

hannas_heas47's review against another edition

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5.0

Thanks Netgalley for a free book to read and review.

One mans journey through life and the wisdom that comes with. I think many things shape our life and mold us, these are the authors thoughts and life lessons. Heart felt book, and amazing read. Making our life have a purpose is a luxury some of us don't have. Everyday we go to work unfulfilled, but the author has a simple message. Our life is defined by what we make of it. Overall entertainment is five stars. I really enjoyed this look into his life, and the view of his time in Afghanistan.

k_b00kish's review against another edition

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4.0

Fascinating story about having the courage to choose a career path of work that is important and resonates with you

sneathery's review against another edition

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4.0

Some books are only great because you happen to read them just when you need them. This book was perfect timing for me. The book had a slow start and I found myself wondering if we were ever going to get to the process of purpose. But once we got there, I could completely relate. What a privilege it is to have this problem of finding purpose. This book has given me an additional nudge to conquer fear and use my privilege for a good fight.

lauraellis's review against another edition

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informative inspiring fast-paced

4.0

A brilliant man who writes well, and accessibly, talking about various forms of work he has done—Rhodes scholar, government, finance, military service—and his desire for work that is meaningful—a form of public service.  Maryland should put this book in all their high school libraries.

bisthesu's review against another edition

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2.0

I wanted to like this book. I believe Wes deserved everything he accomplished in his life and he sounds like a great guy. But the premise of the book, to show how to live a life that matters, was not met. The book is essentially a narrative of Wes' life. He goes into great detail about each person he encounters along his arduous journey. But the narrative doesn't provide anything actionable or easily duplicated. How does one live a life that matters? All I got from the book was you become a Rhodes Scholar, attend Oxford, work in politics, work in finance, go to war, have lunch with the president of Johns Hopkins who happens to know an executive at Citigroup who gets you another job in politics, and so on. I guess that's the lesson - get friends in high places to get what you want. And I'm not being sardonic. That may very well be the path to success and a life that matters, but how do you do it? If you want a play by play of Wes' charmed life, filled with unnecessarily detailed histories of each of his friends and acquaintances, buy a copy. If you're looking for a way to make your life matter, the first step is to get another book.

lizzyrb's review against another edition

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3.0

I read it because I wanted more of his story. And he delivers- sort of. I didn’t feel super connected to or inspired by the people he profiles, and I was still left wondering what Wes Moore is about. I feel like this is meant for corporate leadership book clubs

herownbeat's review against another edition

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5.0

How will you define your life?

An inspiring book by Wes Moore about creating your own definition of success and living a life that matters. An easy read that made me reflect on future endeavors and how I can continue to assist my community.