Product Overview
Ordering Books for The Color of Water by James McBride
No order minimum; you can order just one copy if that's all you need! :-) Order your class set of books for The Color of Water now, and take advantage of our bulk order discounts!
About the Book The Color of Water
The Color of Water is a memoir structured around dual narratives. James McBride tells his own story alongside his mother Ruth’s, providing a compelling look at their intertwined lives. The book starts with James recounting his childhood and the struggles he faced growing up in a mixed-race family. At the same time, Ruth’s voice emerges to reveal her own past, one marked by hardship and resilience.
Ruth was born as Rachel Deborah Shilsky, the daughter of a Jewish rabbi in Poland. Her family immigrated to the United States and settled in Suffolk, Virginia. Ruth's early life was far from easy; she endured an abusive father, a loveless environment, and the burden of being an outsider in a predominantly white Christian community. Her story is one of survival and transformation, as she eventually leaves her family behind and reinvents herself in New York City.
James, one of Ruth’s twelve children, struggles with his mixed-race identity amidst a backdrop of social upheaval and racial tension. His narrative captures the confusion and challenges he faces, from dealing with bullying to questioning his place in the world. Despite these obstacles, James finds solace and strength in his family’s unity, his mother's unwavering determination, and his own eventual self-discovery.
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