The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother

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Summary: It was horrible
Review: I didn't like it, I couldn't understand the meaning of the story and it went all over the place. Between him and his mother tallking, i couldn't distiguish between the two. My revenge to Mr. Salvatore

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Summary: Too good to finish reading and forget it...
Review: I actually found myself savouring this book, and by the time I finished reading it, I just wished it had more chapters... Now I keep wondering about Ruth and her children, and wish I could meet her in person and talk to her. This story is just incredibly touching. I know the words sound somewhat "corny", but the feelings are oh so true. I loved this book.

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Summary: A gripping tale of a boys life with his mother
Review: This book was the best I've read. It was an interesting tale of a family growing up in the Red Hook projects of Brooklyn. It deals with the trials of a boy becoming a man, surrounded by blacks and his mother being the only light-skinned person he knows of. Which raised questions by the children, such as why are you lighter than all the other moms which would be abruptly answered with a "I'm light-skinned. This questions which went on un answered later led to the question of the color of god and Ruth woulkd say " God is the color of water." Later on in the book the issue of the black panthers comes up and in one instence James fears for his mother's life.....When James becomes an adult he finally obtains enough courage to confront his mother and push her to confide in him her life story. Which is one of the trials and tribulations of life, which may consequently help and apply to James' future.

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Summary: thanks for bringing new meaning to the word colorblind
Review: This book touches on so many aspects of life...family, love of God, and eracing walls of color. I passed it along to two people on my train who enjoyed it so much that they purchased it themselves. I bought over twenty copies to give as gifts. Thank you James McBride for this moving and beautiful tribute to your mother.

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Summary: I thought the book was excellent
Review: I thought the book was sensitive and very thought provoking.

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Summary: very moving book
Review: somebody told me to read this, and i'm glad i took her advice . . . the parallel stories of son and mother come together beautifully, and in reading them, i found myself getting to know both son and mother . . . i strongly recommend this to others . . . you will not be disappointed.

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Summary: Engossing; A Wonderful story
Review: This book was chosen by my book club to be discussed next month. I bought the book yesterday, started to read it at 8:30 p.m. and finished it at 12:30 a.m. I found it utterly engrossing. I have not felt so moved and touched by a book in many, many reads. I found myself crying, and laughing out loud. Many times I could not believe I was reading a true story. A Jewish mama with 12 black children - truth is certainly more wonderful than fiction! I felt I knew this family by the time I had finished this book and would love to meet any one of them and pry them for details about their incredible upbringing. This book made me tremble in awe over the power of love and family. The issues that the book deals with are so universal and so complex - I can't wait till our book club meets - we will have a wonderful evening. Thank you so much, James Mcbride and Ruth for writing this book. By the way this is the first time I have ever written a review for the Internet which I guess is just another indication of how much this book moved me.

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Summary: Great book for a social work class
Review: I had to read this book. It is mandatory in Mrs King's class. We, students, must compared the community where Ruth grew up in the South, the community she entered upon arriving in New York, and the community experienced by her son James. It was an extraordinary reading in a troubled flight to Azores. God bless Ruth for her courage, hope and forgiveness.

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Summary: A compelling, fascinating book
Review: This book goes on my list of all-time favorite books and I have read quite a few. Some of the negative comments from previous reviewers were downright petty and often malicious. Because the mother left her Jewish religion and became a Christian means the book is anti-semitic. I don't think so. This was just one woman's story and the son who so lovingly portrayed her. And well that he should expound on his siblings accomplishments. It is because of the mother's determination and the emphasis she put on education that her children were able to achieve so greatly. This book was passed around to family and friends and we all await the screen portrayal. Love it!!

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Summary: This was a well written book about the hardships of racism
Review: This was an excellent book viewing the cruelty of the black and white societies. I loved how the author was completely honest about racial issues. I got so involved with the characters and how they faced the consequences of being black or white and living in the same community. I would recommend this book to everyone, no matter how old, young, black, white, or Asian. This was an excellent book.