A review by heidibranch5
Discovering Wes Moore by Wes Moore

3.0

This book is a memoir of one man then contrasted with the life of another man by the same name and from the same city (Baltimore). This is the abbreviated YA version -- only 150 pages. Great concept but I didn't like the execution. Basically he quickly describes key moments in his own life, leaving huge gaps. Then he spends one chapter summing up the other Wes Moore's life. The final chapter is him drawing what conclusions he can about life choices. He addresses this to young adults, and it could feel a little preachy to some. Some kids need to be hit over the head with the moral, but others would rather draw their own conclusions.

I intend to pull out some passages for my classes next year for writing prompts and class discussion. The book does raise thought-provoking questions about how our choices and environments affect our ultimate outcome.
I would like to read the original book The Other Wes Moore as it appears to alternate between the two men's stories and go more in depth.