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The Color of Water

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Check link for latest rating. ( 132,370 ratings, 7,943 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Color of Water by James McBride is a powerful memoir that weaves together the author's quest to uncover his mother's past and understand his own identity. The book shifts between James's early years growing up in a large, racially mixed family and his mother Ruth's own Jewish immigrant background and transformation. Through this narrative, McBride explores themes of race, identity, and family, offering a profound reflection on his unique heritage.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$2799
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this compelling memoir, which masterfully explores themes of identity, family, and the search for belonging. Through a heartfelt narrative, the author intricately weaves his mother's unique background and his own journey of self-discovery. This book may appeal to you if you're interested in rich, poignant storytelling that delves into racial and cultural complexities.

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The Color of Water

James McBride has written a powerful portrait of growing up, a meditation on race and identity and a poignant, beautifully crafted hymn from a son to a mother.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

As a boy in Brooklyn, James McBride knew his mother was different. But when he asked her about it, she'd simply say, 'I'm light-skinned.' Later, he wondered if he was different too and asked his mother if he was black or white. 'You're a human being,' she snapped. 'Educate yourself or you'll be a nobody!' And when James asked what colour God was, she said, 'God is the color of water'.

As an adult, McBride finally persuaded his mother to tell her story – the story of a rabbi's daughter, born in Poland and raised in the South, who fled to Harlem, married a black man, founded a Baptist church, and put twelve children through college.

The Color of Water is James McBride's tribute to his remarkable, eccentric, determined mother and an eloquent exploration of what family means.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Color of Water by James McBride has been praised for its triumphant portrayal of personal and cultural identity. It is described as graceful, funny, and unflinchingly honest, offering a moving story that resonates with readers across various backgrounds. The book is celebrated as a tribute to the resilient spirit of a mother and viewed as an unforgettable memoir that highlights faith, survival, and triumph over adversity.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780733623158

Publisher: Hachette Australia

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 01 March 2008

Country: Australia

Imprint: Hachette Australia

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 25.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 300g

Pages: 336

Collections

Biography & Memoir Education & Reference James McBride Non-Fiction

About the Author

James McBride is an accomplished musician and author of the New York Times bestseller, THE COLOR OF WATER. His second book, MIRACLE AT ST ANNA, was optioned for film in 2007 by Black Butterfly Productions with noted American filmmaker Spike Lee directing and co-producing. His next novel, SONG YET SUNG, will be published in 2008. McBride has written for the Washington Post, People, the Boston Globe, Essence, Rolling Stone and the New York Times. He is a graduate of Oberlin College. He was awarded a masters in journalism from New York's Columbia University at the age of twenty-two. McBride holds several honorary doctorates and is a Distinguished Writer in Residence at New York University. McBride lives in Pennsylvania and New York. Previous titles: Song Yet Sung (TPB Mar 08); Miracle at St Anna; The Color of Water

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