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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
The Color of Water summary
James McBride
Brief summary
The Color of Water is a memoir by James McBride that tells the story of his mother, a white Jewish woman who married a black man in the 1940s. It explores issues of race, identity, and family, and offers a powerful and moving reflection on the complexities of love and acceptance.
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The Color of Water
Summary of key ideas
Encountering Dual Identities
In The Color of Water by James McBride, the central motif is the depiction of dual identities, portrayed through the intertwining narratives of the author and his mother, Ruth. Growing up in an African American neighborhood, the biracial McBride grapples with his ethnic identity. Ruth, a Polish Jew, has a unique perspective to offer, reflecting on her transition from a European immigrant to a Black family's matriarch in America.
McBride's narrative starts with portraying his challenging childhood, where he battles ethnic confusion and the loss of his stepfather. Meanwhile, Ruth's narrative takes us back to her roots—the Polish town of her orthodox Jewish father. Despite living within the confines of religious rigidity, she becomes enamoured by a Black man, leading to her ostracism from the community.
The Underbelly of American Society
The book then delves deeper into Ruth's life, highlighting her integral qualities of courage and resilience. Disowned and alone in America, Ruth forges her path amidst harsh realities. She endures poverty, sexual abuse, and racial discrimination, symbolizing the underbelly of American society in the mid-20th century.
Parallelly, McBride explores his teenage years of delinquency and aimlessness. Nevertheless, his strong-willed mother's unwavering support plays a crucial role in his turnaround. Encouraged by Ruth, McBride discovers his passion for music and journalism, eventually obtaining his education at Oberlin College and Columbia University.
The Color of Love and Sacrifice
The next segment of The Color of Water portrays Ruth's transformation from a young girl expelled from her community to the mother of 12 successful African American children. Her sacrifices and life decisions provide her children with opportunities she never had. Ruth's story serves as a testament to a mother's unparalleled love and sacrifice.
During this phase, McBride's journey also evolves, paralleling his mother's transformation. He reflects on his experiences to understand his identity better, and his mother’s Jewish roots and her dedication to her Christian faith help guide him. Ruth's perspective, "God is the color of water," underlines her belief in universal love, transcending the confines of race and religion.
Emergence of Victory and Love
In the concluding section, McBride highlights the fulfillment of Ruth's dream—her children's success. Every child goes on to lead prosperous lives in various fields, like medicine, law, and the arts. Ruth's lifetime of struggle is triumphantly vindicated.
In the end, The Color of Water emerges as a moving homage to the author's mother. It encapsulates a journey through racial tensions, cultural identity, the power of education, and the selfless love of a mother. The heartrending life-story of Ruth and her indomitable spirit successfully underlines the book's central proclamation: love triumphs over all diversities.
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What is The Color of Water about?
The Color of Water is a memoir by James McBride that explores themes of race, identity, and family. McBride, a biracial man, tells the story of his mother, a white Jewish woman who married a black man in the 1940s. Through alternating chapters, McBride shares both his own experiences growing up in a racially divided society and his mother's upbringing in an Orthodox Jewish household. The book delves into the complexities of race and the importance of love and acceptance in a diverse world.
Who should read The Color of Water?
- Those seeking a compelling memoir that explores themes of identity, race, and family
- Readers interested in personal stories of resilience and overcoming adversity
- Individuals looking for a thought-provoking and inspiring read
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