"The Color of Water" is an interesting depiction of American Life in the 20th century. During much of this time, Americans don't have much, but everyone has enough. The author alternates chapters on his mothers life as a child, and his own life as a child. His white mother was born in Europe, emmigrated to the U.S. and was raised in the Jewish faith. She later fell in love with a black man (forbidden to her family) and eventually embraced Christianity. She raised 12 black & mixed race children, but at times was so overwhelmed that the children raised themselves. The author describes many of the challenges & struggles the family endured. Some of the challenges are physical, but many are spiritual; most we can associate with on some level. I loved seeing the details of their lives unfold on paper. I like this book. It is easier to read than many of the serious books that I have read. There are a few laugh-out-loud passages from the authors own childhood. The one big piece of advice he hold dear from his mother is "feed your mind; get an education".

I am planning to offer this as a bookring.

If you would like to join, please send your interest, location & preferences.

Usual RULES:
1. When you receive the book, PM the next person on the list; ask for their mailing address.
2. Write a journal entry when you recieve the book and when you send it to the next person.
3. Don't keep the book for longer than one month. If you won't be able to read it in time, ask to be skipped.
4. Enjoy the book!


PARTICIPANTS (order subject to change):
my neighbor (RI, USA) *
kirstykat (UK: EU) *
kayjay33 (BC: Canada, USA) *

* YOUR NAME HERE *
andthings (UK/Intl) <=== HERE Feb 21, 2009 [TBR: May 6, 2009]
MarcThomas (France/Intl) [asked to be moved down list Dec 21, 2008]

back to DK1010 (RI,USA)

The book is being read by my neighbor.

My neighbor enjoyed the book, though not quite as much as I.
We discussed this book in my book club this month. Most people liked it. It is interesting that each member recalled different events from the narration. I enjoyed some of the interactions between mom & children. This really is a multi-faceted story, and less sad than most "must reads".

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

The ring begins!!
I hope everyone enjoys this memoir dedicated to the author's mother, and her mother, and mothers everywhere.

Gratefully received today from DK1010.
Will start reading this evening so I can post on as soon as possible.

This is an amazing book and I feel thrilled and priveledged to have had the opportunity to read it. There are some really strong women out there and they do not get anywhere near the recognition they deserve for the struggles that they have overcome. James McBride really wrote from the heart and imparted so much of his mother's love and wisdom and character. It is really touching.

It is very rare that I would give a book a '10' but this one most definately deserved it.

Will post on to MarcThomas tomorrow - hopefully it will get there in time for the New Year.

Thank you again DK1010 for setting up this bookring.

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

On it's way to KayJay33 as MarcThomas has too many books on the go at the moment.
Enjoy this beautiful, beautiful book!

I have wanted to read this book for a long time, and have searched used book stores for it in vain. I am so happy to have it in my hands at last. I can't believe that so few people wanted to read it. Perhaps you need to post another notice about it DK1010.

An interesting book but it didn't grip me as much as I thought it would. The families involved were harsh and unkind to each other much of the time, especially the Jewish father of Ruth. She was very courageous in that she married a black man when this was still tabu, but her husband was even braver because he could have been killed for doing so.
Thank you DK1010 for letting me be part of this ring.

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

The book is off to The UK for the next reader of this Bookray. I didn't like the book as much as I thought I would but it certainly gave me a different slant on life.

Book arrived safely today. I have one I'm reading now but this will go next on my tbr pile so should be moving again soon. Thanks kayjay33 for sending it out.