Summary

James McBride grew up one of twelve siblings in the all-black housing projects of Red Hook, Brooklyn, the son of a black minister and a woman who would not admit she was white.  The object of McBride’s constant embarrassment and continuous fear for her safety, his mother was an inspiring figure.  McBride was an adult before he discovered the truth about his mother:  The daughter of a failed itinerant Orthodox rabbi in rural Virginia, she had run away to Harlem, married a black man, and founded an all-black Baptist church in her living room.  Around her narrative, McBride has written a portrait of growing up, a meditation on race and identity, and a poignant, beautifully crafted hymn from a son to his mother.

Recommended by: Jill Nelson

“Full of laughter, insight, pain, understanding, and great love, The Color of Water transcends race and touches the spirit.”

Author Biography

James McBride, a writer and musician, is a former staff writer for The Boston Globe, People magazine, and The Washington Post. A professional saxophonist and composer, he has received the American Music Theater Festival’s Stephen Sondheim Award for his work in musical theater composition.  He lives in South Nyack, NY.

Topics to Consider

The author writes of being ashamed of his mother.  Aren’t all children ashamed of their parent(s) at times?  How and why are the author’s feelings out-of-the-ordinary?

What does the author’s imaginary boy in the mirror really represent in childhood?  In adulthood?

All Ruth’s children seemed to run from their mother.  Why?  What was more of a factor, her race or her personality?

Ruth raised her children in black communities but sent them to predominantly white schools.  Why?  Do you agree with her actions?

Ruth’s stern upbringing seems to have quite an impact on the way she disciplines her children.  Should she have shared more of her background with her children?  Would it have affected their respect for her and her rules?

How would you explain Ruth’s zealousness for her new religion?

Ruth’s father was a cruel, abusive human being.  What influence does the relationship with a parent have on one’s choosing a spouse?

How would you explain Ruth’s attraction to black men?

Ruth’s low self-esteem seems to have isolated her in adulthood.  Why?

Ruth’s family disowned her for being in love with a black man.  Did it surprise you to find such intolerance between one minority group and another?  What circumstances might push the limits of tolerance if it involved your own children?

The author seemed to become more tolerant of his mother after talking to people she knew when she was an adolescent.  What did he learn that made a difference?  What can we learn about becoming more tolerant of others?

How has our society’s attitudes toward people of mixed heritage changed over generations?

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