Hidden Gems You Might Not Know About: BOOK
Moran Employee Name:
Julia Kleinschmidt
Author:
James McBride
Book Title:
The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother
Simple Plot Description:James McBride shares his mother's remarkable story. Ruth, the daughter of a rabbi, at age 17 marries a good and loving black minister. They have 6 children, and then Ruth is left a widow. She soon finds love again with a second black husband, and again, six children later, she becomes a widow for a second time. In this powerful memoir, McBride relates Ruth's fierce mothering and her unshakeable faith in education and its capacity to empower. She overcomes racism and adversity and manages to send all 12 of her children to college. All earn bachelors degrees, and most achieve graduate degrees-6 masters degrees, a PhD, and two M.D.s. The book's title relates to the children's struggle with race and their identity. When one of the children asks her about the color of God, she responds with, "He's the color of water. Now go study!"
How did you find out about this book?
I read a review and thought that it would be a fascinating read. It was!
Why is this book special to you and why do you recommend it?
I especially loved this book because of the power of the story. It dramatically reinforced values that I hold dear-respect for all colors and hues of humankind, education, responsible and loving parenting, and steadfast devotion to family.