I finished McBride's The Color of Water this morning on the train to Greenwich. My mom recommended it to me a few years ago, and I finally pulled it off the bookshelf. It only took me a few train rides to read, and I always found myself frustrated when we pulled up to my stop & I had to stop reading. It was a beautiful, simple & powerful story about a woman's incredible desire for the happiness of her children and the ability to overcome all. It was a profound testament to the tremendous influence a mother can have, and the power of oneself to overcome adversity- in whatever form(s) it may come. The Color of Water displayed racism in many forms, and reaffirmed my belief that we are not black, brown, straight, gay, upside down, white, yellow or green; we are all God's children, the color of water. I really loved this book. I have an affection for it. It wasn't complicated... just a simple story, really. I just feel like I'm a better person because I read it. I think that means it's a good book. I recommend it (thanks, Mom).Per Amazon: 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... The Color of Water addresses racial identity with compassion, insight, and realism. It is, in a word, inspiring... you will finish it with unalloyed admiration for a flawed but remarkable individual. And, perhaps, a little more faith in us all.
Next on my list: Freakonomics. I know I'm a few years late on this one (I've had it on my bookshelf for a few... years), but I'm going to have a busy/stressful week and need something "light" but interesting (I'm done with Everyone Worth Knowing-esque "light" books).
3 comments:
That book sounds really great- I will have to add it to my library queue!
I wish all mankind understood the truths in this book. When we define others superficially, it so limits our ability to know and love them for what they really are. It also absolutely hinders our growth as we try to become more as He is. I just read a book in the past two days which has been on my shelves for 15 or more years. Sometimes we just can't get to everything we'd like to in a timely matter - but so what - they always wait patiently for us. I love books!
This book sounds really good...thanks for the recommendation. I am always looking for a good book to read. I think I will give this one a try. Thanks!
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