Questions About The Color of Water

by James McBride (Goodreads Author)

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Answered Questions (8)

How did the author feel while writing this?

Bernadette I think the author was proud of his mother, and felt full-filled to learn of his true heritage and what his mother survived and sacrificed for her fam…moreI think the author was proud of his mother, and felt full-filled to learn of his true heritage and what his mother survived and sacrificed for her family. (less)

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What is the language content and sexual content of this book? I run a book club for older ladies who don't care for that content. Thank you!

Samantha P. The book does contain a few instances of minor cursing and one or two references to sexual harassment; however, the book is an amazing story that radi…moreThe book does contain a few instances of minor cursing and one or two references to sexual harassment; however, the book is an amazing story that radiates perseverance as one Jewish woman immigrates to the U.S. and overcomes her abusive family, extreme poverty, racism, anti-semitism, and the struggles associated with raising twelve children who ultimately graduate college. I think this would be an amazing book for a book club especially for older women because the entire story shows how one woman was able to overcome so much hardship to ultimately raise a high-achieving family and better her under-privledged community.(less)

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I read this book many years ago, possibly in high school. Would this book be appropriate fro 8th graders? Thank you

MaryAlice Considering what children grow up learning about today, it is probably okay for an 8th grader. There is some cursing, drug use, sexual assault, but it…moreConsidering what children grow up learning about today, it is probably okay for an 8th grader. There is some cursing, drug use, sexual assault, but it also is a look into an older time in history. (less)

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is this a clean book without much language or violence or disturbing events?

MaryAlice There is some foul language. Violence is not describe directly, such as when telling about KKK killings or rapes. If you are disturbed by knowledge ab…moreThere is some foul language. Violence is not describe directly, such as when telling about KKK killings or rapes. If you are disturbed by knowledge about the holocaust, you might be disturbed to learn why the mother's grandparents fled Poland. It was in no way graphic.(less)

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The book is told from alternating points of view. Ruth, James McBride's mother, tells of growing up in a Jewish family in Suffolk, Virginia while James tells of growing up in Queens with his eleven siblings under Ruth's stern hand. The "James" portions of the audiobook are read by Andre Braugher. Who reads the "Ruth" portions of the book?

Susan The Ruth portions are read by Lainie Kazan.

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Unanswered Questions (1)

I thought the book was fascinating, portraying a challenging family life of extreme poverty, times that were racially agressive, complications alongside devotion within the family, and you wonder how they even got through the day with a life that was so complex? I guess the key is the mother's steadfast focus on education as the key to breaking out of the everlasting crisis. And ultimately, she acheived her goals.

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