Rating: 
Summary: The book tended to be redundant.
Review: Many of my friends and colleagues raved about this book so I saved it for my summer reading. I found it to be vague and at the same time redundant. The story was nothing new it was like reading an excerpt from Piri Thomas' book DOWN THESE MEAN STREETS,where he too questioned his ethnicity. Ruth seemed to be constantly running and not dealing with her own reality,and in turn she confused her children.
Rating: 
Summary: A must-read!
Review: Loved the book...but I have a question. James talks about his big sister Jack. However, she is not mentioned in the end when he lists his siblings and their accomplishments. Does anybody know why?
Rating:
Summary: A very moving and wonderful book!
Review: The COLOR OF WATER was an amazing book. Everyone should read it! A quote that stands out to me is " My parent were non materialistic. They believe that money without knowledge was worthless..." You can have all the money in the world and it wouldn't do you any good without a good education. This book was an enjoyment to read. Don't look at it as a black and white book, but of a boy who cares for his mother. It was wonderful. James McBride did a great job.
Rating: 
Summary: A well written and well told story that I couldn't put down
Review: The Color of Water is a story that I would tell anyone to read. It lets people see that there is no difference between races and everyone is the same on the inside, just might be a different shade on the outside. The book teaches you a lot about life in the 1940's and how "Blacks" were treated back then compared to the way they should be treated now. Also, I thought that James McBride is an excellent writer with a lot of heart.
Rating:
Summary: A "must read" for anyone who grew up in the segregated South
Review: As a 50 year old, white male, this book changed the way I view my fellow citizens. This book compels the 'baby boomer' reader to face the often painful, ever-present realities of life on the margin of the segregate society of the fifties. More than a good book; a true revelation. RSC
Rating:
Summary: I've never recommended a book this much...
Review: Like I said, I've never recommended a book as much as this one, and those to whom it was recommended by me, have all loved it! A story that is so remarkable that it couldn't possibly be fiction. This book should be read and enjoyed by all, for all can gain by this amazing woman, her family, her trials, hurdels, and accomplishments! READ THIS BOOK!!!
Rating:
Summary: Two lives, two perspectives-tied together
Review: It is about time that a book is written to express the lives and worlds of bi-racial children. The book is wonderfully crafted to make the reader laugh, cry and yet understand some of the complexities that a bi-racial child may and/or are faced with. Ruth is triumphant in expressing a hardship that we overlook as "brought upon ourselves" it is successfully complimented by James relating to his own battles of understanding who he is--a courageous black man who questions his own identity. I highly recommend this book, not only to bi-racial children but to individual's who know where they come from. Hopefully, this book will allow understanding and compassion in this complex world of segregation and prejudice.
Rating:
Summary: Not sure what all the hype is about.
Review: We recently read this book in our book club. Given all the positive press I've read about this book, I thought I'd be the naysayer in the group with my luke warm reaction. I was surprised to see that we all felt pretty much the same way. We felt the story was one we have heard before. Ruth's story was intersting, but the book left many unanwered questions.
Rating:
Summary: Glad I read this one.
Review: I enjoyed this book. It was the first book I remember understanding what was "not" written. I liked the alternating chapters. The ending when mom looks back at the building in the rain was very well written and read like a movie. Brought tears to my eyes and a tender throat as I closed the book after finishing it. This is a story you are glad there was the courage to share.
Rating:
Summary: Thought Provoking
Review: I was very impressed by this book. As a college student I have little free time for reading as a hobby. However, I am glad I made time for this one. This book causes one to ponder their life and that of those who raised them. McBride illustrates through himself and his mother how each individual chooses their culture and who they become. Upon completion of this book, I found myself pondering the choices I have made and realized even more than ever that life is what we make of it; it is never made for us. We are given the basics, we must work with what we are given. Perhaps most important of all is the issue of color. The title may seem inappropriate at first, however, a closer look into the issues reveals that this is aptly named. McBride wonderfully illustrates how color was an issue and how his mother tried to teach him that there are no colors when it comes to any individual. All that matters is the individual.
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