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The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2010

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Book Brief

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Wes Moore

The Other Wes Moore

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2010
Book Details
Pages

250

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

Baltimore, Maryland • 2000s

Theme
Publication Year

2010

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

990L

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Super Short Summary

The Other Wes Moore by Wes Moore chronicles the lives of two young Black men who share the same name and had a similar start in Baltimore, Maryland. Both grew up without their fathers, faced financial difficulties, and struggled in school. The author became a Rhodes Scholar and a best-selling author, while the other Wes Moore turned to drug dealing and was eventually imprisoned for life.

Informative

Contemplative

Challenging

Inspirational

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.2

60,974 ratings

71%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Reviews of Wes Moore's The Other Wes Moore commend its compelling exploration of destiny shaped by choices and environment. Praised for its narrative style and social insight, it sometimes faces criticism for a perceived lack of depth in addressing systemic issues. Nevertheless, it is widely regarded as a thought-provoking and impactful read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Other Wes Moore?

A reader who would enjoy The Other Wes Moore by Wes Moore is likely interested in compelling true stories that explore themes of fate, identity, and social justice. This reader appreciates works like Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates and The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander. They seek to understand complex societal issues through personal narratives.

4.2

60,974 ratings

71%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

Wes Moore (Author)

The author and Rhodes Scholar who explores the divergent paths of his life and that of another man sharing his name, illustrating the impact of opportunities and privilege.

The author's supportive mother, who, after her husband's death, moves her family to New York City to provide a stable environment and a quality education for her children.

A man with a starkly different life from the author, navigating a challenging upbringing, influenced by his environment, and struggling to find his path amidst adversity.

The older brother of the other Wes Moore, serving as a complex figure who both attempts guidance but remains entrenched in the very life he wishes his brother could avoid.

Book Details
Pages

250

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

Baltimore, Maryland • 2000s

Theme
Publication Year

2010

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

990L

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