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Book Reviews of 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
The Color of Water A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother
Author: James McBride
ISBN: 118464
Publication Date: 2/2006
Pages: 328
Rating:
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 7
3.9 stars, based on 7 ratings
Publisher: The Berkley Publishing Company
Book Type: Paperback
Reviews: Write a Review

129 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

 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.
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 + 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.
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 + 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
reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 28 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 9
This is one of the few books I have kept for my personal library. It is a story about a man's Jewish mother. He is black and she is a white Jew. He frequently asks her in the book "What color am I?" To which she responds the color of water. This story shows the human nature of wanting to be loved and accepted.
zzemom avatar reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 9 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 8
THIS IS AN AWESOME BOOK! Not your typical mom with not your typical children. What a wonderful family - wish I could sit down and talk with them...
reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 6 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
The chapters in this book go back and forth between the viewpoint of the author and that of his mother. I love the format! It's a great read!
reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 15 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
Fabulous!! I couldn't put this book down - I stayed up most of the night and read the entire book!!!
reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 29 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
This book is an amazing tale of a white jewish woman, 12 mixed color children, and their battle in life. Great read!
reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 13 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
this book steals my heart every single time i read it. james mcbride has done such an excellent job describing the true meaning of family.
Munro avatar reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 95 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
Order this book ... and please don't be put off by its pallid subtitle, A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother, which doesn't begin to do justice to the utterly unique and moving story contained within. The Color of Water tells the remarkable story of Ruth McBride Jordan, the two good men she married, and the 12 good children she raised. Jordan, born Rachel Shilsky, a Polish Jew, immigrated to America soon after birth; as an adult she moved to New York City, leaving her family and faith behind in Virginia. Jordan met and married a black man, making her isolation even more profound. The book is a success story, a testament to one woman's true heart, solid values, and indomitable will. Ruth Jordan battled not only racism but also poverty to raise her children and, despite being sorely tested, never wavered. In telling her story--along with her son's--The Color of Water addresses racial identity with compassion, insight, and realism. It is, in a word, inspiring, and you will finish it with unalloyed admiration for a flawed but remarkable individual. And, perhaps, a little more faith in us all. Over 2 years on THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER LIST
Hewette avatar reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 67 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
Family history, and screts, and religion, and race all meshed into a heartfelt story. A complelling tale that take you on the journey as the son learns more and more about his past.
babyjulie avatar reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 336 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
This book is so worth reading it's beyond words. I loved it. I read it many years ago and remember it to this day. McBride's mother is a mother we should all try to be more like. If more mothers were like her the world would most definitely be a better place. The love McBride has for his mother and all that she's done is something children can aspire to reach also.
I recommend this all the time still and it's a book I'll always keep. I can't wait until my daughter is old enough for me to share this with her.
reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on
Helpful Score: 2
Easy read about an impressive white woman who was brought up Jewish, married interracially, and converted to Christianity. Written by one of her 12 children.
Dartha avatar reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 102 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I almost want to say "a must read". Well worth the time.
reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 11 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I really enjoyed this book. It's two people's life stories told in alternate chapters. One is a women who came to the US as an immigrant before WWII and the other is her son (the author) who grew up in the 60's and 70's. Ruth (the mother) had a very hard life growing up in the south. She eventually leaves home to go to NYC and falls in love with a black man. They got married at a time when inter racial marriage wasn't accepted. Her son James tells his own story about growing up during the social upheaval of the 60's and 70's It really brings home how much things have changed.
guppy47 avatar reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 15 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I reAD THIS BOOK AND FOUND IT TO BE BOTH ENTERTAINING AND a VERY HEARTFELT BOOK BY jAMES MCBRIDE. i would highly recommend it as a good read.
reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on
Helpful Score: 2
one book that will never leave my home... comes off the shelf often just to reread.
reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 102 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This book was excellent! The way the story was told from both points of view. Just the circumstances this family endured - WOW! Highly recommend!
reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This book is well written. I enjoyed reading it. A remarkable family story.
reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on
Helpful Score: 1
I highly recommend this book to everyone of any color or race. It is not just a book about race, its also about family, faith, poverty and struggling to overcome. This is an amazing book which tells two stories, that of the authors mother and his own. Its a touching story about a bi-racial family who succeeded and achieved the American dream despite everything as well as an extraordinary story about a remarkable womans life and the struggles and hardships she endures and overcomes. It flows seamlessly back and forth between the author and his mother, between time periods and generations until, before you know it, it's over. I hated to reach the end.
reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 11 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
A young boy is questioning his mothers different skin color than his. Finally her story comes out. James McBride is a tribute to his mother's
remarkable, eccentric, determined mother.

Interesting and captivating story
reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 26 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Wonderful story of hardship and survival. The son records the life of his mother as Jewish white woman married to a black man. Her family disowns her, her husband dies young and she ends up raising 12 children on her own, in a world that doesn't truly accept her or the mixed children. All who go on to college, become professional successful people. Along with the mothers story is the son's story as well, he is coming of age not certain where he belongs. EXCELLENT read!
reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on
Helpful Score: 1
wonderful book! It is a book which people of all backgrounds should read.
reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 5 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Moving, intense, memorable.
BNJunkie avatar reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 28 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
A great read. Got rave reviews from my book club.
reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 50 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
As a white mom raising an adopted black boy, I really appreciated this moving book.
fastfingers avatar reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 73 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This book makes you think about what really matters in your life. Great read!!!! Great book to share with others.
sweetiepetey avatar reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on
Helpful Score: 1
This was such an interesting peak into James McBrides family. It really makes you think about the secret and not so secret choices that many people carry with them and how they shape not only the person but generations.
reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on
Helpful Score: 1
I really LOVED this book! I read the written version. Even though I read the story several years ago, details of his story stay with me. Story is told with humor. I wouldnt mind reading it again.
doatylucky avatar reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 23 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Wow, this book was great. It's really got not so much to do with color as with relationships one has with one's past, present, and future, as well as one's family. This guys mom teaches him about history and getting past people's ignorance and about forgiving your parents and how important it is to know where you come from no matter what. She was amazing. She probably just felt exhausted raising 12 children but this is a great read for anyone trying to figure out their relationship with their parent and/or their past. It's amazing.
reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 8 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This is one of my favorite books ever. This true story of how the author's mother fought her way out of an abusive home and reclaimed her identity in black NY is amazing. Her children's successes are a tribute to her strength.
reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 80 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
James McBride tells his story - a story about his life and that of his Mother - written in clear and not easy to put down words. James is black, as are his 11 brothers and sisters - his Mother is white. This is a true American Dream come true - and for all of the hope it gives, it is not saccharine. Highly recommended.
JTG avatar reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 280 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Great book! McBride really captures the poignancy of his complicated family.
surfwidow avatar reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 36 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I loved it! What an interesting woman the author's mother is!
reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 75 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
A great memoir about James McBride and his secretive mother. The narration alternates between the two with each chapter.
reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 22 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This is one of the best books I've read. Read it in two sittings - couldn't put it down. A wonderful and inspiring true story.
reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 41 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
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 is a classic of the memoir genre, a testament to love, and a truly American story.
catzmom avatar reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on
Helpful Score: 1
I enjoyed this book....gained some insight into aspects/ issues of interracial issues of days gone by. The writing style was a little confusing at times; not readily apparent which character was talking at the start of some chapters, as it goes back & forth between a few. Overall a good read and reading experience.
reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 223 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
A very interesting book looking at color through multiracail eyes
reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 26 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Interesting book.
reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 140 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This was a very interesting book and I feel like I learned alot about prejudices against others. I would recommend this book.
reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on
Helpful Score: 1
An amazing wonderful book about a mother's love for her family.
reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 104 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
what an inspiring Book, Just wonderful
reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on
Helpful Score: 1
This was a great book. Our book club reviewed the book and we had a wonderful discussion.
It was a very uplifting book and a beautiful tribute to a mother. I would highly recommend this book.
reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on
Helpful Score: 1
Interesting book about the love of family and the complexities of race
johnaugus avatar reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on
Helpful Score: 1
"The Color of Water" tells the amazing story of Ruth McBride Jordan's life from two perspectives: her own and that of her son James, as he grew up with her, in alternating chapters. It's an easy and quick read, but a moving and complex story-- bittersweet, inspiring, and beautifully told. Something for everyone.
reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on
Helpful Score: 1
An excellent, inspiring book. It gave me a "look into" a mother's heart and gave me an opportunity to view a different culture from my own.
dkmissy avatar reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I read this book in my multicultural lit class my senior year, and i loved it. its an easy read and its even better because is a true story, of a mans love for his mother.
reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 5 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This is a fascinating account of the author's life, woven in with his mother's childhood. It just goes to show how much good can come out of extreme poverty and adversity.
reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 8 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Remarkable memoir of a mixed race man raised by a Jewish woman in an African American neighborhood in richmond, Virginia.
reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 27 more book reviews
Very interesting and inspiring.
anothersheart avatar reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 36 more book reviews
I enjoyed this thoughtful and well-written novel and the impact on racial literature should be spectacular. The view from both the narrator and mother is inspiring. Would highly recommend.
My rating system is as follows:

5 stars - Excellent, Worth Every Penny, Made It Into My Personal Library!
4 stars - Great book, but not a classic.
3 stars - Good overall, generally well written.
2 stars - Would not recommend based on personal criteria.
1 star - Difficult to read, hard to finish, or didn't finish. Wouldn't recommend purchasing or reading.
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.
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 + 4 more book reviews
Read this for a book club. Glad I did this was an amazing story.
familygogreen avatar reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 26 more book reviews
This book was a moving and amazing read. I read it in less than 2 days including cooking an entire thanksgiving meal lol... :) I loved it and it was very emotional and enlightening.
reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 12 more book reviews
This is one of my favorite memoirs. Well written, interesting and inspiring.
alexantonellos avatar reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on
Absolutely Wonderful! I loved this book!
reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 7 more book reviews
Helps one understand just a little bit about race in America.
georgesdaisygirl avatar reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on
I randomly picked this book up one day and began reading it....I found myself reading while standing in one place so long that I was lost in the author's story. His life is SO different then my own yet I felt a strong family connection to his. I couldn't put his story down and felt at the end of it that I knew him. I felt as though I belonged to his family and I loved his mother. I sent him an email letting him know how his life story affected me...and he replied! James McBride said he would pass on the love I sent to his mother, she would be glad to hear about it!
Wonderful Read!!
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 + 8 more book reviews
Great book - great writing - interesting story especially in these times. Amazing woman to raise such amazing kids.
reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 168 more book reviews
I absolutely loved this book. The writing style was superb, and the story was wonderful--inspiring, emotional, delightful, touching, all the more for being true.

The format was excellent also....he alternated revealing his mother's sad and cold upbringing with tales of his own growing up under her stern and watchful care as one of 12 children! I loved that he calls her "Mommy" throughout the book, even as a grown man. I loved the recurring description of "Mommy's madwalk"--her bow-legged barrelling down a street hell-bent on addressing a slight.

By the end of the book, which I couldn't put down and read in virtually one sitting, I'd come to love both the author and his mother.

***** Five stars. Six if only I could.
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 + 26 more book reviews
I thought this book was "awesome" !!! A very interesting look into this guys interacial life!!!! I would like to hear what happened to him after this book was published!!!
reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 6 more book reviews
This was an excellent book. It promotes education in communities where death and prision might be the only other options. This is a great book for group discussion. I highly recommend it.
reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 36 more book reviews
interesting sociological study
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I HIGHLY recommend this book!! Truly inspirational! I stumbled upon it in my daughter's college reading and I'm SO glad I read it. One of those books you can read over and over again!
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!
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!
TarynC avatar reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 213 more book reviews
What a big waste of time, I hate autobiographies where people can "sanitize" their pasts or in this case the past of their parents. "escaping prostitution"?? Did anyone force Mr. McBride's mom to give birth to 12 children in poverty? I am sure she could have practiced some birth control and given her children a better life. My grandmother who was the same age and in a similar situation limited it to one child and tried to do her best for that one child. Mr. McBride seems to have some racist views in my opinion - he can't really embrace his caucasian side, even though he admits that "some white people have it much worse than him". They sure do! For example his bragging about getting a full college scholarship after being a HS thug with terrible grades& terrible SAT scores really bothered me. Unfortunately no one gave that chance to my brothers or son since we were "privileged white people", NO, we had to attend school, get good grades and then pay through the nose and take out loans to afford college. There was no free ride for us based on our race. Mr. McBride has so much to be grateful for in my opinion and I am happy that he lifted himself up in life. This book was read for my book club and I am sorry I wasted my time on it.
reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 131 more book reviews
Wonderful story of a man who realizes what he really had in his mother and how much she did for him as a white woman living in a black world. Very touching. Excellent writing!
sari-lynn avatar reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 207 more book reviews
A truly delightful read - a book I've given as a gift to several friends. Read it!
reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 43 more book reviews
McBride's memories of his white mother, daughter of a rabbi married to a black man. The Color of Water is McBride's tribute to his remarkable, eccentric, determined mother of twelve and an eloquent exploration of what family really means.
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Great Book
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This was a wonderful book!
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This book is a black man's tribute to his white mother. I had to read it in college and thought it was good enough not to sell back with all of my other books :-)
reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 40 more book reviews
This book brings to the fore a lot of racial issues that are too often left in silence. The story is very powerful: Ruchel/Rachel/Ruth is an amazing woman who accomplished a lot in her life, even if only in persevering and raising so many children. I never really think of "Jewish" as a racial term, my interpretation has always been of the religious connotations. So it was eye opening to see these combined racial elements for me as a reader who thinks of the world of varying ethnicities but only one race (the human race). Nevertheless, in the world where this takes place (not so long ago really) she faces huge adversity and emerges a very human and yet humbling character.
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Complex and moving...."a black man's tribute to his white mother." What an incredible woman!
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Wonderful - best book I've read in a long time.
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A truly enjoyable book. It's great to see how a loving and gifted writer can have such insight into the life of his mother, her past, and what it brought to his life. Loving, funny, heartbreaking, easy to read.
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5 out of 5 for me. I was so touched by this book, and it was one of my favorites of all that I read that year, I gave it as Christmas gifts.
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I picked up this book not knowing what to expect. I laughed and was so moved I passed it on to anyone I could.
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This is an excellent book that I would recommend to anyone.
sealady avatar reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 657 more book reviews
James McBride knew his mother was different. When he asked about it she'd say "I'm light skinned". She finally tells her story-a rabbi's daughter born in Poland, raised in the south, married a black man, founded a Baptist church and put 12 kids through college.
tish avatar reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 384 more book reviews
one of the best books i have read. the author writes the most incredible
tribute to his mother,a jewish woman from the south who marries a black man from NY and has 12 children. this si a must read!!!
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A great book! I really enjoyed it and recommend it to anyone who enjoys understanding the complexities of growing up in a multicultural environment.
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What a wonderful, insightful look into a son's love for his mother. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
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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.
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A moving and unforgettable memoir.
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a complex account of racial issues
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A young black man confronts his mother about her past -- a rabbi's daughter born in Poland and raised in the South, who married a black man, and put 12 children through college. Based on the author's mother. Remarkable and unforgettable story.
Yoni avatar reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 327 more book reviews
Very interesting, enlightening.
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A must read! The story of James McBride and how his mother taught him that you are not black or white you are human!
reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 17 more book reviews
James McBride knew his mother was different. Complex and moving, suffused with issues of race, religion and identity interwoven in histories of family love.
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I really enjoyed reading The Color of Water... and loved the way McBride intertwined his life experiences with his mothers.
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Wonderful book! Incredible read!
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This is an interesting book. If you are interested in race and its impact on children, you will enjoy. It is well written, a fast read.
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Wonderful book, must read. Over 2 years on NY Times Bestseller list.
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Wonderful! Very touching story.
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Good book, funny and interesting
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Great book. Quick read.
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Fantastic book that examines racial/ethnic identity throughout the author's life. Thought-provoking and fascinating- a very quick read!
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Wonderful story
LoveNE avatar reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 40 more book reviews
An excellent memoir, well written. A peek into several different worlds. Jewish,African-American, and Whites. Definitely worth reading.
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Absolutely loved this book! It's an easy read (read it in a day and a half) and was just the perfect book to read at the beach. Love the way James McBride describes his proud mother and how she wouldn't let anything get her way of raising her chiledren to become fine, upstanding adults. I would definitely recommend this book.
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Good book. Took a while to get into it though.
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Very good memoir.
reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 36 more book reviews
#1 New York Times Best Seller!
reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 3 more book reviews
Not quite as interesting or insightful as I'd hoped, but enjoyable. A quick read.
NYbooks avatar reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 100 more book reviews
Heartfelt biography of a black man raised by his white mother in 1960s US. Classic.
reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on
So inspiring. A story of faith and perserverance...
BigGreenChair avatar reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 461 more book reviews
A black man's tribute to his white mother. 'A triumph' (NY Times Book Review) A boy in Brooklyn's projects grew up knowing his mother was different. When he asked her about it she'd say 'I'm light skinned.' Complex moving book (true story) about how as an adult he finally persuades his mother to 'tell her story'. Race and religion transcended in interwoven stories of family love, sheer force of a mothers will, and her unshakable insistence that only two things mattered: school and church.
reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 13 more book reviews
It goes to show your mother could be any color and if she is a good mother you will always love and respect her.
libraryjancolossal avatar reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 3 more book reviews
I read this years ago, and loved it. I recommend it often to people who want to know just what one dedicated mother can do against all odds. It will replace my lost copy.
reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 17 more book reviews
not in the best shape . book on required reading list , daughter used for a semester
reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 120 more book reviews
Inspirational reading.
reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 17 more book reviews
Amazing true story!
reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 27 more book reviews
It was an interesting book--somewhat enjoyable.
reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 118 more book reviews
I enjoyed this book. It's a great tribute, with great views from the earlier years.
reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 51 more book reviews
"This moving and unforgettable memoir needs to be read by people of all colors and faiths." - Publishers Weekly
cef424 avatar reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 67 more book reviews
Very interesting story...
reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 20 more book reviews
Memoir about a family in Brooklyn's Red Hook Projects.
reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 139 more book reviews
Haven't read.
LdyLopes avatar reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 109 more book reviews
I am reading this book right now and it is a very, very good book. It is easy to read, and interesting on top of that. It brings back the 60's and 70's just like I remember it. He is an open and honest and knows how to make his story great. I highly recommend this book and I am not even finished :-)
P.S. I got it from PaperBackSwap too !
reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on
Good book that was a required read in college. An interesting, well written story.
reviewed The Color of Water- A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother on + 106 more book reviews
NY Times Bestseller as well as selection of Book-of-the-Month Club and Quality Paperback Book Club

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