Don't Look at me Like that

In "The COlor of Water", a man with a white mother and a black father explores his childhood and delves into his mothers past. Not only is this a story about his life, but it is a tribute to his mother, who basically raised 12 children on her own.

James McBride's father died when James was very young and his mother was left with 8 kids to raise. SHe met another man and had 4 more children. Both men were black and she was white. They lived in a an all black neighborhood. James speaks of how this worried him. In those days and still even today, the American people are so ready to jump on each just because of ones race. I can only imagine the fear that this child had for his mother.

Growing up many of us don't realize how hard our parents work to keep food on the table, clothes on our back, and a roof over our head. I wish I was blessed enough to be able to write out a book like this for my parents. James was very blessed. He had a mother willing to work many long hours to give her family what they needed and she always insisted on getting their education. She put all 12 kids through college and they were very successful.

My favorite parts of the book is when he asks about the difference in colors between the children and thier mother. When he asked, she would simply say, "You're a human being." SHe would leave it at that. In another part of the book he asks her, What color is God?" "God is the color of water," she replied.

If you have a heart you will empathize with this families journey through life. Though life is tough, this family shows that we can all make it. I believe we should all strive to be a little bit more like this woman.