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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
Author: James McBride
This is a book that will "make you proud to be a member of the human race," says Mirabella, and countless readers have already discovered its power. Written in remembrance of his Polish-born, Southern-raised Jewish mother, who married a black man and raised twelve children, all of whom completed college, "The Color of Water" ...  more »
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ISBN-13: 9781573225786
ISBN-10: 1573225789
Publication Date: 2/1/1997
Pages: 336
Rating:
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
 556

4 stars, based on 556 ratings
Publisher: Riverhead Trade
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover, Audio Cassette, Audio CD
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

crackabook avatar reviewed The Color of Water : A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on
Helpful Score: 14
An interesting read in the manner of how the author writes every other chapter in the voice of his mother. She is an non complicated person who against many odds manages to raise 12 children to responsible adulthood. Easy to read, a nice summer book.
Veronika avatar reviewed The Color of Water : A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 103 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 13
I loved this book. It was very emotional. The author experienced so much conflict about his racial identity. He did not learn about his mother's past until he started researching the book. The story is amazing.
reviewed The Color of Water : A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 27 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 13
This is a book that should be required reading for every high school kid in this country. Where did this woman get the strength (both physical and spiritual) to overcome the adversity that she was faced with every day of her life. It's all about the power of education and faith.
JackieH avatar reviewed The Color of Water : A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 36 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 13
This memoir of a man trying to find his identity as a mixed race man, really hit home because my friend's son is mixed race and it reminded me of him. It simply tells of his life and how he tried to identify with both of his races and the struggle to fit in. The book told the story from his mother's point of view and also from his.
reviewed The Color of Water : A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 163 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 11
Terrific book... I couldn't put it down... I read it through throughout the day... yes, one day that is how good it is... Like reading two stories at once... reading about the mother when she finally shares her past with her son as well as reading about the son all the things he overcame to find who he really is... dg
Read All 129 Book Reviews of "The Color of Water A Black Mans Tribute to His White Mother"

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reviewed The Color of Water : A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 5 more book reviews
I posted this book and hope someone will want to read this gem. My book club loved it and the story is educational and should be a classic.
reviewed The Color of Water : A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 92 more book reviews
A moving and unforgettable memoir.
reviewed The Color of Water : A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 22 more book reviews
a complex account of racial issues
reviewed The Color of Water : A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on
Well written and totally relatable.
reviewed The Color of Water : A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 22 more book reviews
Wonderful book. Everyone should read it!
novelswapper avatar reviewed The Color of Water : A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 16 more book reviews
I love James McBride's mother. A woman facing every possible social adversity of her time, raising an enormous family and defying any who will stand in her way.
reviewed The Color of Water : A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 144 more book reviews
One of the great books of the last 10 years.
reviewed The Color of Water : A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 27 more book reviews
Very interesting and inspiring.
reviewed The Color of Water : A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 9 more book reviews
This was an interesting juxtaposition of McBride's memories of his youth and his mother's memories of her youth. She was an extraordinary mother -- raised 12 children, all of whom became college graduates, many going on to get professional or doctoral degrees. She was an immigrant, raised by her Jewish rabbi father and mother. She adopted the African-American culture and lifestyle of Harlem without question in the 1940s (? not sure of the decade.)

I didn't give it five stars because, while inspiring and interesting, it did not rise to that level, in my opinion.
nrcox avatar reviewed The Color of Water : A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on
Very good, heart warming book. Gives great insights into overcoming racial diversity, and supports having strong family ties. Be sure to take your time to read this very educational book!


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