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Summary: McBrides search for self and identity makes for a good read.
Review: McBride brilliantly captures the identity crisis which aflicts African-Americans with white blood. I felt like an invisible observer witnessing his childhood and following him upon each step of his search for self. Tantamount to McBride's portrayal of life in a cramped, crowded New York City living situation is his portrayal of the suffering his Mother indured and kept secret for years. More than his Mother's past comes to light in this piece. The fruition of a human being was portrayed in this book. However, this gripping subject matter does not prevent dull and trivial moments which force the reader to put the book down for a while. All in all, though, it is a good read. James McBride is not the first African- American to capture this dilema which affects people of African decent with white blood. James Weldon Johnson dilineated this same dilema in his famous work The Autobiography of an Ex-Coloured Man written in the early Twentieth Century. I have just read Johnson's book and noted the striking similarity between Johnson's characters inability to realize that he is black and the real life parallel to James McBride's autobiography/tribute. This goes to show that the identity crisis which African-Americans with white blood experience is timeless. I think it is unfortunate that in this radical age of change we still remain fettered by racial discrimination which has been a blot on our nation since the Civil War. It is time for everybody to wake up and realize that despite skin tone and hair texture we are all alike inside.
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Summary: It will touch your heart and soul.
Review: The Color of Water is a truly amazing book. The intertwined histories of the author and his mother combine for a powerful story. It is one of triumph over prejudice and racism. Ruth McBride Jordan was the daughter of an Orthodox Jewish Rabbi who married a black man in 1942, founded a Baptist church and raised 12 children in the Projects of New York City. This inspiring woman taught her children the importance of God, education and that no one race is superior to another. When asked what color God is, she responded, "God is the color of water". I highly recommend this book as a "must read".
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Summary: A good story is eternal!
Review: McBride's book is a must for the reader who enjoys both realism and a good story. McBride's words and his account of growing up truly cut across color lines - speaking to the human condition. If you like the work of authors like Russell Baker and Studs Terkel, the Color of Water will also be a favorite! A quick read that lingers...
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Summary: Truly the best book I have ever read!
Review: The Color of Water, not only touched my heart by reading it, but I had the opportunity to write an oral report for my Honors English class and present it. The way it was written was unique, and flowed so well that I could not put it down. In my opinion this book should be read by everyone, no matter what race, religion, or in general, their backround. Personally, I am a white Jewish, female. I haven't experienced Ruth's struggles, but I understand the way she must feel. The Color of Water was an inspiration, put together by not only a gifted writer, but by a true human being.
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Summary: This book is a must read!
Review: This book was an incredibly touching and descriptive account of the author's experience as a young African American boy being raised by his white mother. This especially affected me, as I too am a causasian woman, who will someday be raising black children. I can only hope to be at least half as wonderful of a mother as James McBride's mother was. This book is inspirational for all readers.
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Summary: A good book
Review: Easy to read and very informational. Opens your mind to alternative ways of thinking.
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Summary: Amazing Insight Into The Life of a Woman Ahead of Her Time
Review: This touching portrayal shows how love and devotion can overcome social bigotry, how one woman was strong and resolute enough to rebuff society's expectations of her and to pursue her personal goals and dreams, by creating a tight-knit family network and fighting against all odds to create a loving home for her (12) children and encourage them to achieve and aspire to higher levels, which they all did. A fantastic tribute to a woman who did not let herself be dictacted to by the stringent social rules of her time. A great read (unputdownable) for all.
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Summary: an insightful no holds-barred search for one's selfl
Review: This wonderful work made me laugh,cry,reflect on my life,and was just a pure enjoyment. I loved the writing style of the author. he showed the good as well as the not so good choices made by himself and his family. if only everyone could be true to opening up themselves and own up to their decisions that they make. Most of all overcome the harsh realities that life deals you, and thru faith, love and inner-strength prevail.
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Summary: Overcoming All Obstacles
Review: I enjoyed this book immensely. I only hope that I can inspire my own children as much this mother did hers. The difference is that I am not a Jewish woman who has lost two husbands who is trying to raise 12 African-American children. What an amazing story! Kudos to McBride for taking the time to write the book.
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Summary: well written, excellent story - a quick read too!
Review: I really enjoyed this book. I saw a videotape of James McBride when he spoke about his book at a lecture at my college. He gave some insights about himself and his family (that are not in the book) which made the people in his book more real to me. If you get a chance to hear him speak, it's worth your time. A very likable man. The chapters switch back and forth from James' story to his mother's story. It's important to know this because it's easy to get confused while reading. I've highly recommended this book to my friends.
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