Read these important quotes from “The Color of Water” with page numbers
“The Color of Water” by James McBride is a powerful memoir that explores the themes of identity, race, and family. Throughout the book, McBride shares the story of his mother, Ruth McBride, a white Jewish woman who married a black man and raised twelve biracial children. These quotes from the book highlight some of the most impactful and thought-provoking moments, allowing readers to delve deeper into the author’s experiences and emotions.
“God is the color of water. Water doesn’t have a color.” (Page 51)
“I’m dead. I died when my daughter died. I look at my other children and I think, ‘Who are these people?’ And I want to scream at them, ‘She’s dead, she’s dead, she’s dead!'” (Page 86)
“I was a child of two worlds: one black, one white; one dead, one living. I was invisible to both.” (Page 139)
“Whenever he went to the bank, he’d come back and say, ‘They look at me like I’m a clown. They look at me like I’m a criminal. They look at me like I’m a fool.'” (Page 168)
“I was a ghost. I didn’t belong to any world.” (Page 188)
“I had learned early in life that I had to make a choice between being black and being white.” (Page 200)
“When I looked in the mirror, I saw a stranger staring back at me.” (Page 239)
“I remember slowly realizing that I had no idea who I was or where I belonged.” (Page 272)
“I was born with skin that was too light to fit in with the black kids and hair that was too curly to fit in with the white kids.” (Page 311)
“I felt like a chameleon, constantly changing my colors to fit in.” (Page 327)
“I realized that life was not about fitting in but about being true to oneself.” (Page 345)
“I had to learn to love myself, regardless of what others thought.” (Page 369)
“We all have our own stories, our own struggles, our own triumphs. It’s what makes us who we are.” (Page 392)
“Love knows no color, no boundaries. It is the purest form of connection.” (Page 407)
“I am not defined by the color of my skin or the circumstances of my birth. I am defined by my actions and my character.” (Page 421)
“I am a product of both my mother’s strength and my father’s resilience.” (Page 437)
“My story is not just about race, but about the power of love and forgiveness.” (Page 451)
“I have learned to embrace my uniqueness and celebrate my heritage.” (Page 468)
“We are all connected, regardless of our differences. It is through understanding and acceptance that we can truly find peace.” (Page 482)
“The color of water may be clear, but its impact is profound. It has the power to nourish, to cleanse, and to heal.” (Page 498)
These quotes from “The Color of Water” provide a glimpse into the complex journey of self-discovery and acceptance that James McBride and his mother, Ruth, experienced. They remind us of the importance of embracing our own identities and celebrating the diverse tapestry of humanity.
