I like how our book club mixes it up- fiction then non-fiction, great literature then total fluff candy. This was non-fiction and not fluffy at all. Wes Moore, the author, was a Rhodes Scholar who, while he was in South Africa sponsored by the scholarship, heard about another Wes Moore going to prison for murder. It's a book about two boys/men with the same name, similar family struggles in their youth and the two paths they traveled. The larger question is, "What made the difference?" This was a super compelling story, very easy to read quickly and short in page count. Working in an urban, minority school, I ask myself this larger question all the time. The high schools my middle school feed into have only 50-60% graduation rates (depending on which stat you find valid) and there are still some gangs in the area that pull in students. The Moore in prison didn't join a gang; he was a drug dealer; I think he would argue both are equally dangerous. The book sounds really depressing, but it isn't because you know one of the characters is going to get out and be safe and successful. As for the answer, "What made the difference?" The author could only answer for himself that is was his mother and the tough choices and sacrifices she made (military school) and some very powerful mentors. Strong parents or in their absence mentors, not rocket science, but a powerful reminder from this memoir.
Milo was ready for his close-up at our Batman costume photo session. Can you pick the cutest pose? I can't.
We spent Halloween with our good friends again this year. Both Daddies were out of town, so we Mommies took our witch, princess and superhero out for the night.
Milo and Sophie ready to go.
Trick or Treat! Milo was so brave this year! We had read a library book about trick or treating where a boy was scared of the goblins and devils, but, "they were just kids!" As we were walking along, whenever he saw someone spooky he would shot at them, "Mommy that's just a kid!" It was adorable.
When we got back, Milo could not wait to wiggle off his costume and examine his haul. He got way more candy this year than last since he had more energy to go to most doors. We took two strollers, and everyone took turns riding along the way, but there were very few doors where Milo didn't jump out to run up to the door. Now it's all over but the crying, for more candy that is! He wants to eat the whole bag all day. Mostly it's for potty treats, but he's working that system pretty well. He'll pee 5 times an hour for more candy. Poor guy, he was just starting to wear underwear all day, when he got another terrible ear infection. The strong antibiotic gives him diarrhea, and he's back in diapers. Seven more days to go of that medicine, and then we can get back on track with the training. Hope you all had a great Halloween last week!
