Color of Water

Book Title: Color of Water

Author: James Mcbride

Length: 352 pages

Brief Description:

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.

Why I Recommend It:

This book left a mark on me not only because of the strong subject matter it deals with but more so because it stands as a remarkable testament of a son's love and appreciation for his mother. The Color of Water does not mince words or meaning and this is what gives it so much power. I struggled to put it down because I began to feel what the characters in the book were feeling and even though the feelngs were sometimes of pain and anger, the author has found a way to make the reader feel hopeful and proud of not only the characters in the book but of humanity itself. An incredible read.

Do I have a copy others can borrow:

No, but you can obtain this book from most major booksellers.