The Summer Reading Committee, made up of students and faculty and chaired by Rev. Ganung and Mrs. Taylor, is pleased to announce that this year's all-school book is The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates, by Wes Moore.
This fascinating nonfiction work tells the story of two boys growing up in inner-city Baltimore, two boys living only a few blocks from each other, each coincidentally with the same name, but two boys who end up living very different lives—one very successful, one ending in life-imprisonment. When the author discovered the existence of his alter ego, he decided to try to learn why their lives were so different. His book is the result of several conversations with "the other Wes Moore" and his research among neighbors, friends and family. What makes the difference in how a life turns out? This book offers some thought-provoking answers.
Wes Moore will also visit campus in the fall as the Paley Lecturer.
In addition to The Other Wes Moore, students will read a second book this year as well, selected from a list of books that faculty have chosen to sponsor. Both books are required, and we will discuss them in the fall.
Of course, we hope that students will read several more than just these two books, because reading expands one's perspective on life, besides being entertaining. And we hope the list of faculty-sponsored books will provide many options and ideas and create an opportunity for many discussions in school and beyond. Enjoy!
—Linda Saarnijoki