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

Pros: A human story where race is just part of the equation.

Cons: None

The Bottom Line: A quick read which will leave you wanting an update on the extraordinary lives of some ordinary people.

Review: As I stood on the Manhattan subway platform, I watched as a tall, dreadlocked black man prepared to play his steel drum for the throngs of tourists and commuters at the 34th Street Station. Not more than twenty feet away a young Hassidic man dressed in...

Pros: Great book on being a multicultural family. Honest tribute to a white mom.

Cons: I would have enjoyed hearing more of the McBride family stories.

The Bottom Line: This is a fascinating nonfiction book about a mixed race (black/Jewish) family built during the 1940s. It will make you laugh, cry, and think.

Review: The schools in this area were integrated the year before I entered first grade. I remember faintly that some community members were very upset about integration, but I never understood why skin color set people apart.

Of course, I did see the...

Pros: Moving on intellectual and emotional level

Cons: You can't put it down

The Bottom Line: James McBride's book is a deeply fulfilling read, suitable for every age from adolescents on up. My teenage daughter loved the book as much as I did.

Review: Before I read "The Color of Water," by James McBride, I saw his appearance on 20/20, discussing his quest to discover the background of his mysterious, marvelous mother. McBride said he didn't even know his mother's maiden name, much less about her...

Pros: It will fill your heart with joy.

Cons: none

The Bottom Line: I believe if you read this book, it will ease any pain you have towards life, and realize you are not alone.

Review: "The Color of Water" discusses the life of James McBride and his mother, Ruth McBride Jordan. It shows how much racism was alive during the 20th century, and how a white mother raised twelve black children with love, respect, and God. James never met ...

Pros: Contrasting views, interesting stories

Cons: "Vulgar" language at times

The Bottom Line: This is a book not to be missed!

Review: James' question to his mom brings up a major theme to this book: "What Color is God?" Ruth replies that God is the color of water, that God has no color. This answer shows that Ruth, a white woman who has married two black men in her life, doesn't...

Pros: wonderfully written, makes you appriciate what you have

Cons: hops between his memories to hers

Review: In "The COlor of Water", a man with a white mother and a black father explores his childhood and delves into his mothers past. Not only is this a story about his life, but it is a tribute to his mother, who basically raised 12 children on her...

Pros: Great style, moving story

Cons: I can't think of any!

Review: I found this book sitting on the "recommended" shelf of my college bookstore in 1997 and I was intrigued by the title. I too am mixed race (Asian/white) and do not often run across books about the subject. Instinctively I bought the book and...

Pros: Well written

Cons: Wanted to know more about author's siblings

Review: James McBride describes growing up as one of twelve children of a white mother and black father. He talks about his mother's contributions to his life and coming to terms with his confusion over his own identity. Interwoven is Ruth’s story, born Rachel...

Pros: Just a great read.

Cons: None

Review: "The Color of Water," by James McBride is the true story of a black man who finds out about his mother's Jewish past. His mother is the daughter of a Rabbi. At a young age, she runs away from her home in Virginia and somehow ends up in Harlem,...

Pros: A Book and lesson for everyone

Cons: none

Review: I heard about this book on the Rosie O'Donnell show when she had the author on he show. I was immediately intrigued by the book. I read each page with great rapture.- this is an INCREDIBLE story. It is the author's story of his mother and all her...