The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother by James McBride

My long-time friend Jack Sweeder has been writing his memoirs and poetry steadily since he retired. He is a big believer in the power of memoir-writing. I've enjoyed reading his stories of growing up Catholic in Philadelphia. We don't have as many phone conversations as we did when we were both involved in instructional technology, but when we do, we TALK. And recently we had a great conversation where he INSISTED that I read this book. "You will thank me!"

Well, I had a bit of a slow start. There was so much to deal with in this person's life that was so depressing, I had to force myself to stick with it. But it was so unique, so personal, and so different than any world I have known, that I persevered. And it wasn't long before this woman's amazing courage and grit won me over. It's a fascinating story, and yes, I thank you, Jack! The window into the world of urban struggle among the poor is written clearly and without sentimentality. The various racial issues of a white woman in a black world are enlightening to read about...I also loved the triumph of her faith in all situations. She gave it all for her kids...and they prospered.

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain

This delightful little book was a thoroughly enjoyable read. It was sitting in one of the little libraries on the corner of our street here in Bismarck, and I decided to enjoy it again. I believe I read it in junior high? Not sure...of course I've seen the movie, black and white, if I recall correctly. Mark Twain captures the thinking and craziness of kids on the brink of adolescence. For example, the way they flirt and then ignore each other, play mind games, and engage in great leaps of imagination and superstition are all perfectly captured. I also enjoyed remembering that the adult world is completely unintelligible to adolescents. The long summer days and how they filled them was fun to read.

Plus, it was interesting to be introduced to characters who make another appearance in Huckleberry Finn. I'm ready to revisit that one, too. The description of Injun Joe is shocking in its racism, but is probably indicative of its time and context.