The Color of Water : A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother
(Author) James McBrideAs a boy in Brooklyn’s Red Hook projects, James McBride knew his mother was different. But when he asked 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 colour 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.
James McBride
James McBride is a bestselling author and musician known for his unique blend of memoir and fiction that explores themes of race, identity, and family. His most notable work, "The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother," is a memoir that delves into his complex family history and the challenges of growing up biracial in America.
McBride's writing style is characterized by his honest and heartfelt storytelling, often infused with humor and empathy. His works have made a significant impact on the literary world, earning him critical acclaim and numerous awards, including the National Book Award for Nonfiction.
In addition to his writing, McBride is also an accomplished musician, having worked as a saxophonist and composer for artists such as Anita Baker and Grover Washington Jr. Overall, James McBride's contributions to literature have helped illuminate the complexities of race and identity, making him a powerful voice in contemporary American literature.
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