The Other Wes Moore: Literary Analysis

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The Other Wes Moore, written by Wes Moore, was published in 2010 by Random House Incorporated, in New York. Wes Moore writes a narrative following his life versus another man’s life, who just so happens to have the same name as him. Both are African American young men; both had the potential to amount to the same successes in life. However, their lives take them onto two completely different paths, which is what Moore explores throughout the entire book. The Other Wes Moore was named a New York Times bestseller. The book is 239 pages long, taking the reader on an emotional roller coaster throughout the entire narrative. It shows the good, the bad, and everything in between for both Wes’. Moore, who is the author and main character of the book, …show more content…
As a guidance counselor in a school, you will encounter students that have experienced violence, drugs, abuse, sexual activity, etc. It is very interesting to see all of the similarities that the two boys had in common compared to how they both ended up in life. The original Wes Moore ends up becoming very successful with a good job, education, and even a title of honor. While the other Wes Moore ends up spending the entire rest of his life in prison. It really shows the importance that a school can have on a student. If the original Wes Moore had attended public school for his entire education he may not have ended up being as successful as he was. Valley Forge taught him proper learning strategies, self-management skills, and social skills, which are all important mindsets and behaviors for an adolescent to learn. If he had not had Captain Hill to mentor and guide him throughout his years at Valley Forge, he may not have been as well behaved as he turned out. He was headed down the wrong path, but with push from his mother and school, he ended up well off in the end. The other Wes Moore, really didn’t have anyone that was pushing for him, besides Tony who was a bad influence himself. The book didn’t really mention anyone in his school that really tried to get through to him. If one guidance counselor had taken him under his wing, maybe he would not have ended up getting involved in drugs and stealing and would not be spending the rest of his life in prison. People can really make large impacts on one another’s lives, especially guidance