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.
I remember in high school a teacher asked me how it was like to grow up biracial. Immature, innocent, naive- call it what you want, I simply told her "just like everyone else", not really knowing how to answer the question or why she would ask that. The same teacher gave me this book. This book put into perspective things I didn't understand and couldn't explain. I choose this piece of literature because i think it is a great read that everyone would enjoy!!
The Color of Water is a non fiction, memoir. Written by James McBride in 1995.
What an awesome choice. Maybe they should incorporate this book into school for all to explore and enjoy. I love history. No matter how good or bad it is something we can only improve upon and it makes us part of who we are today.
ReplyDeletethat was a very wise teacher! :) it's always good to be able to empathize with different kind of people and their stories. thanks for sharing!
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