Angie Powers’s Reviews > The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates > Status Update

Today's reading did a really nice job illustrating what it feels like to be the family member of somebody wanted for murder. After a police officer was killed and Wes was arrested for this death, "a collective sigh of relief seeped through Baltimore’s brisk winter air [but at] home, [his mother] wept" (73%). Even if Wes IS guilty, this brought out his humanity.

I was surprised that Wes wasn't that concerned about becoming a teen father until the author illustrated his relationship with his own father. The third time in his life he saw his father, the father was passed out on a couch. Wes poked him to wake him up and his father's reaction was, "Who are you?" Ouch. No wonder he isn't scared of becoming a father; he doesn't know what being a father means.

I am frustrated with Wes Moore right now! The teen Wes Moore just got picked up by the cops for tagging a corner. He was scared and regretful in the cop car--but then the cop let him go with a warning. The chapter then ends with, "A week later, Kid Kupid [his alter ego] was on the loose again" (42%). UGH!

What I'm noticing about the author's style is his use of juxtaposition. Each section begins with an interaction between the two Weses in prison in "present day." Then, each chapter tells a story from each Wes's past in order to show how they are similar--both miss their fathers and have strong mothers--and their differences--one Wes's brother is "in the game" (selling drugs).

This is my 2nd time reading this, and what's capturing my attention is the point of view. Of course, it's first person since it's a memoir of sorts--but what's most interesting is how he weaves the child perspective in with his adult perspective. For example, when his fam moves to the Bronx, the child is drawn to the court because he's a talented player but the adult narrator explains the neighborhood dynamics.