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.