Red, White, and Whole Amma works in the Hematology lab at the hospital. She spins the blood and counts the cells in the Complete Blood Count. She counts the red cells, that carry oxygen, the platelets, that stop bleeding, and the white cells, the warriors protecting us from invaders. At least if they’re doing what they’re supposed to do. Cells and plasma together are called whole blood, which is what flows inside us. Red, white, and whole, the precious river in our arteries, our veins, our hearts.
This is another central metaphor in the book which is brought to life so beautifully in the cover. Red, white, and whole -- reflecting the components of blood, the different meanings of red and white in American culture, and the colors of the American flag.
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