The Color of Water by James McBride

James McBride grew up having nothing of real materialistic value. What he did have was a family unit of 12 siblings driven by a powerful mother. James matured and grew up to be a “somebody”, a writer, a journalist. He wrote for some of the most renowned publications. He had articles in newspapers such as “The Boston Globe”, “Washington Post”, and “The New York Times”. The magazines he wrote for were “People”, “Us”, and “The Rolling Stones”. James has written several books like Miracles in St. Anna, The Process, and Song Yet Sung. James McBride is a well-known author in Mrs. Babb’s U.S. History class for writing his novel The Color of Water. The novel is a tribute to his powerful, driven, courageous mother. He writes about her life beginning in Poland, and she ends up moving to America with her family and marrying a black man. Her life seemed to get worse after moving because her family pushed her out. She was a poor white woman married to a black man, living in a black community. James also combines his life story with hers. He looks back at his childhood questions and experiences, and he blends a story of humble beginnings, race, religion, family, and the true meaning of the color of water.


None of Ruth’s children knew where their mother came from or her life story until they were all grown. She would not give out any details and never truly answered the many questions her children asked her. This confused her kids and they began asking questions about race. She still did not give them straight answers to the questions. Her children grew up not knowing where they belonged. They did not know their true identity until much later. After years of questioning and still no answers, Ruth finally wrote her life story to James. She started out by saying that she was “dead”. After coming to America she got involved with a black man who she eventually married. This was not acceptable to her white, Jewish family. They did not consider her alive anymore and she was forced to disconnect herself from them.


Ruth’s children were not just confused about her past and all the unanswered questions. They were also puzzled by her many contradictions. Her ideas were complicated for her kids to understand until they got to be a little older. James McBride’s view of humanity was built by his mother and her views, and by his views as he grew up to experience the world for himself. He found out that white people were not better as individuals, but they were given more opportunities to be better than blacks were given. James learned that blacks could be trusted more so than whites, but their standards were always lower than whites.


Each name change that James’ mother went through was a different chapter in her life. Ruchel Dwajra Zylska was her Jewish name she went by while living in Poland. When she came to America she changed it so it could be pronounced, and she would not stand out. Her new name was then Rachel Deborah Shilsky. After her two marriages to Dennis McBride and then to Hunter Jordan, she changed her name yet again. Her name was finally Ruth McBride Jordan. Every name change wiped away her previous identity. She could start fresh and move on without revisiting the past.


Ruth and Tateh ran their households in a tyrannical manner. They had different tactics in how to steer their children in the right direction. Tateh was not involved in his children’s lives and did not show an interest in them at all. He failed because he was harsh and evil spirited towards his children and they ultimately did not obey his rules. When Ruth married a black man, she was pushed away. She was never to be contacted with again. Tateh’s way of doing things was completely different than Ruth’s. She took care of 12 children and she was concerned and connected to each and every one of them. If they got into trouble she would be stern but never evil. She taught them lessons without them loosing respect for her. James even quit school and got into drugs but instead of just leaving him behind she actually helped him. Ruth sent him away to find himself and get back on track with his life. He turned out to be a “somebody” in life because she pushed him to get his education and to be the best that he could be.


By looking at his mother’s past, James can discover things he never knew about himself. All of his childhood questions are answered. He can have his views about race and he finally knows his true identity. Race is just a color. A persons’ identity is made up of their reputation, where they have been, and what they have done in life. Their identity is not characterized by the color of their skin. He finally discovers the answers that have haunted him for so long. The title, The Color of Water, shows that color means nothing compared to who a person is on the inside. The title has a simple but deep meaning when talking about race and religion together. Ruth says, “God is the color of water.” Water does not have a definite color. This means that God doesn’t discriminate and loves everyone, no matter what color they are.


James McBride and his family lived during the time of the Civil Rights Movement in America. They were all individually influenced by the events that occurred. They also looked up to historical figures of that time. James McBride looked up to Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. James and his siblings all developed pride in their race and stood up against anyone that tried to tear them down.


The Color of Water has a very deep meaning that reaches out to people of all races and religions. The combination of race, religion, and portraying the struggles of both Ruth and James throughout their lives made this book outstanding to read. We still struggle with these things everyday, and people need to have a better understanding of the past to make the future bright. I recommend this book to anyone who will actually sit down and take in all this book has to offer. It’s not one that you should skim through.

Kelsie H.