The Color of Water: An Unforgettable Tribute to a White Mother by a Black Man – Review

The Color of Water: A Black Man’s Tribute to His White Mother is an inspiring, heart-wrenching, and thought-provoking nonfiction book that has touched the hearts of many readers around the world. Written by James McBride, this moving narrative tells the story of his mother, Ruth McBride Jordan and her journey from poverty and racism in both the South and North America to being a successful businesswoman and educator. McBride also details his own coming of age as he discovers his mixed heritage and learns about his mother’s incredible life. With its compelling subject matter and powerful writing, The Color of Water is sure to leave you moved and inspired.

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

Guides100 Logo
The Color of Water: A Black Man’s Tribute to His White Mother is an inspiring and heartwarming tribute to a unique mother-son relationship. James McBride, the son of a black minister and a white Jewish woman, recounts his story of growing up in the diverse culture of New York City in the 1950s and 1960s. Through his journey, he discovers more about his mother’s mysterious past and the struggles she faced.

Key Features:

  1. A uniquely personal story: James McBride’s memoir provides an intimate look into his own family history.
  2. Diverse perspectives: The book explores themes of race, religion, identity, family, and community.
  3. Honest reflections: McBride reflects on difficult topics such as prejudice, poverty, and loss with candor and sensitivity.
  4. Vibrant characters: Through vivid descriptions, readers come to know and love the many memorable characters that populate this compelling narrative.

This remarkable true story resonates with readers from all backgrounds. With insight and compassion, The Color of Water captures both the beauty and tragedy of life. It is a must-read for anyone who has ever sought to understand their place in this world.

Product Details

Product The Color of Water: A Black Man’s Tribute to His White Mother
Author James McBride
Publisher Riverhead Books; Reprint edition (May 1, 2006)
Genre Biography & Autobiography/Personal Memoirs
Format Paperback/Hardcover
Language English
ISBN-10 159448192X
ISBN-13 978-1594481925

The Color of Water: A Black Man’s Tribute to His White Mother Pros and Cons

1. Pros:
The Color of Water: A Black Man’s Tribute to His White Mother is a heartfelt and inspiring memoir written by James McBride. It tells the story of his mother, Ruth, and her struggles as a Jewish immigrant living in America. The book provides an insightful look into race relations and their effect on one family. Readers will gain insight into how faith, love, and acceptance can transcend any barrier. Additionally, The Color of Water is an excellent resource for those interested in learning more about the African American experience.

2. Cons:
Unfortunately, The Color of Water: A Black Man’s Tribute to His White Mother is not without its drawbacks. Some readers may find it difficult to relate to the characters due to the difference in culture between them and the author. Additionally, some may find it overly sentimental at times. Finally, the book may be too long for some readers who are looking for a quick read.

Who are They for

The Color of Water: A Black Man’s Tribute to His White Mother is a moving and gripping memoir from author James McBride. This inspiring and thought-provoking novel tells the story of his mother, Ruth McBride Jordan, who was born into a poor, working class family in Virginia. Through her strong faith and determination, she was able to overcome the racism and injustice that surrounded her childhood to build a better life for herself and her children.

This book is an honest portrayal of Ruth’s struggles as both a white woman in a black man’s world and as a mother trying to provide her children with stability. It is also an exploration of what it means to be “black” or “white” in America and how race can define one’s identity. By examining his family’s past, McBride is able to discover his own identity as a mixed-race man.

The Color of Water is an important work that deals with challenging issues such as race, gender, and identity. It is a powerful testament to the strength of human spirit and the resilience of love. It has been praised by critics for its honesty and insight into the African American experience in America. If you are looking for an intriguing read that will make you think about your own life, this book is definitely worth checking out!

My Experience for The Color of Water: A Black Man’s Tribute to His White Mother

Lloyd Kaufman

I always thought that my mother was a little different. She never said much about her past, and she would go sort of quiet when I asked her questions. When I finally got around to reading The Color of Water: A Black Man’s Tribute to His White Mother, I found out why.

It turns out my mom wasn’t just any old woman; she was an extraordinary one! I learned so much about her fascinating journey of identity and faith through this book, which made me appreciate her even more. It was amazing to read about how she overcame adversity again and again, and ultimately created a life for herself and her family that was full of love and acceptance.

The way The Color of Water weaves together the stories of both my mom’s and the author’s lives is beautiful. It’s like two stories in one, with each one complementing the other. It’s truly inspiring to read about the common ground they shared despite their differences in race and faith.

If you’re looking for an insightful exploration of identity and acceptance, then The Color of Water: A Black Man’s Tribute to His White Mother is a must-read. Its unique combination of memoirs, interviews, and reflections will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading it.

 

What I don’t Like

1. Lacks objectivity – The Color of Water is an intimate memoir and tribute to the author’s mother, so it may lack objectivity in its presentation of her life.

2. May be too personal – Since this book is a deeply personal story of one woman’s life, some readers may not find it as engaging as other books.

3. Language can be difficult – Some readers may find the language used in The Color of Water to be overly complex or difficult to understand.

4. Lacks research – As a memoir, this book does not contain much research into the topics discussed, making it less suitable for those who are looking for a more scholarly approach to the issues addressed.

5. Not suitable for all audiences – Due to its mature themes and language, The Color of Water may not be suitable for younger readers or those who are easily offended by certain topics.

How to Find Strength in Adversity with The Color of Water: A Black Man’s Tribute to His White Mother

The Color of Water: A Black Man’s Tribute to His White Mother is an inspiring story about how one man overcame racism and adversity to find strength and hope. Author James McBride has created a powerful memoir that speaks to anyone who has ever faced difficult challenges in life. It is a testament to the power of resilience, faith, and the importance of family.

McBride’s story follows his journey from childhood poverty to successful adulthood as a writer, musician, and professor. Along the way, he discovers the true identity of his white mother, Ruth McBride Jordan. Despite having two different races at home, she taught her children valuable lessons about acceptance, courage, and perseverance.

Through this book, readers can learn how to find strength in adversity by developing an unshakeable faith in themselves. McBride encourages us not to give up when faced with obstacles but rather use them as an opportunity for growth. He also demonstrates the importance of building strong relationships with family and friends who can be trusted sources of support during tough times.

No matter what our background or skin color may be, The Color of Water: A Black Man’s Tribute to His White Mother serves as a reminder that we all have the potential to succeed if we remain resilient and determined in the face of adversity. So don’t give up on your dreams; instead, learn how to find strength in adversity like James McBride did.

Questions about The Color of Water: A Black Man’s Tribute to His White Mother

 

What is The Color of Water?

The Color of Water: A Black Man’s Tribute to His White Mother is a memoir written by James McBride. It tells the story of his mother, Ruth McBride Jordan, and her experiences as a black woman married to a white man in the 1940s and 1950s.

What does The Color of Water explore?

The Color of Water explores themes such as religion, race, identity, family, and love. It examines how these themes shape one’s life, as well as how they can be both sources of strength and difficulty.

What makes The Color of Water unique?

The Color of Water stands out because it is told from two perspectives—James McBride’s memories of his mother and her own story. This dual perspective allows readers to gain insight into the complexities of race, religion, and family dynamics.

Lloyd Kaufman

Hi, my name is Lloyd and I'm a book enthusiast. I love to read all kinds of books, from classic literature to modern fantasy, as well as non-fiction works. I also enjoy writing reviews and giving my opinion on the books that I have read.

Leave a Comment