Book description
From the bestselling author of Deacon King Kong and the National Book Award-winning The Good Lord Bird The modern classic that spent more than two years on The New York Times bestseller list and that Oprah.com calls one of the best memoirs of a generation. Who is Ruth McBride Jordan? A self-declared "light-skinned" woman evasive about her ethnicity, yet steadfast in her love for her twelve black children. James McBride, journalist, musician, and son, explores his mother's past, as well as his own upbringing and heritage, in a poignant and powerful debut, The Color Of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother.The son of a black minister and a woman who would not admit she was white, James McBride grew up in "orchestrated chaos" with his eleven siblings in the poor, all-black projects of Red Hook, Brooklyn. "Mommy," a fiercely protective woman with "dark eyes full of pep and fire," herded her brood to Manhattan's free cultural events, sent them off on buses to the best (and mainly Jewish) schools, demanded good grades, and commanded respect. As a young man, McBride saw his mother as a source of embarrassment, worry, and confusion--and reached thirty before he began to discover the truth about her early life and long-buried pain.In The Color of Water, McBride retraces his mother's footsteps and, through her searing and spirited voice, recreates her remarkable story. The daughter of a failed itinerant Orthodox rabbi, she was born Rachel Shilsky (actually Ruchel Dwara Zylska) in Poland on April 1, 1921. Fleeing pogroms, her family emigrated to America and ultimately settled in Suffolk, Virginia, a small town where anti-Semitism and racial tensions ran high. With candor and immediacy, Ruth describes her parents' loveless marriage; her fragile, handicapped mother; her cruel, sexually-abusive father; and the rest of the family and life she abandoned.At seventeen, after fleeing Virginia and settling in New York City, Ruth married a black minister and founded the all- black New Brown Memorial Baptist Church in her Red Hook living room. "God is the color of water," Ruth McBride taught her children, firmly convinced that life's blessings and life's values transcend race. Twice widowed, and continually confronting overwhelming adversity and racism, Ruth's determination, drive and discipline saw her dozen children through college--and most through graduate school. At age 65, she herself received a degree in social work from Temple University.Interspersed throughout his mother's compelling narrative, McBride shares candid recollections of his own experiences as a mixed-race child of poverty, his flirtations with drugs and violence, and his eventual self- realization and professional success. The Color of Water touches readers of all colors as a vivid portrait of growing up, a haunting meditation on race and identity, and a lyrical valentine to a mother from her son.
Versace-Cat
I'm amazed at how immersive the experience is β it's like being inside the story. The app is perfect for language learners. The playback speed control is a game-changer.
Heavenly Connection
πΌ Making every minute count β this app's ease of use ensures I'm always making progress in my audiobook adventures. π±π Audiobook multitasking simplified β this app's ease of use is a true asset. ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a testament to the app's commitment to audio quality. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has transformed the audio quality. It's crystal clear now. This served its purpose as background listening while I worked. I probably missed some details but the narrator's voice was pleasant enough.
Double Eerie
ListenBook has turned my audio content into an immersive, personalized, and unforgettable experience. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a great way to connect over stories.
Show Off
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun and interactive way to connect. I love the ability to import books from my computer. Itβs so easy.
Crash Test
Thanks to this app, I can enjoy the world of literature without missing a beat in my fast-paced life. Accessing my favorite audiobooks has never been easier β this app's user-centric design and comprehensive features make it an absolute gem. π±π§
Slow Trot
Thanks to ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks without the need for constant synchronization. This app's compatibility with various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks hassle-free. With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my workouts and downtime more engaging and insightful. ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook experience. I can't imagine going back! Easy access to chapters and silky-smooth playback. Love it!
Cool Iris
Audiobook pleasure simplified β this app's functionality is a reader's delight. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a fun way to experiment with the audiobook experience. Download options are abundant, from WiFi to iTunes. It's all about convenience with this app. ListenBook is more than just an app β it's a doorway to a world of knowledge and imagination. Flawless support for various audio formats. Very happy with it.
Sky Herald
I used to struggle to find time for books β now, I listen while doing chores! Finally, an app that understands the power of CUE playlists. Perfect for organizing.
Switch
ListenBook's dedication to delivering high-quality sound and user-friendly features has won me over. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and precise controls make it a joy to use every day. π₯ Streamlined functionality that's music to my ears β audiobook enjoyment has reached a new level of convenience. π΅π User-friendly brilliance! This app's functionality enhances my audiobook experience. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice adds a layer of personalization that I never knew I needed.
Houston Rocket
Thanks to ListenBook, I've rediscovered the joy of exploring my favorite content on multiple devices. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
Troubled Pie
Seamless integration with all my devices and flawless synchronization β top-notch. I'm blown away by the attention to detail in every aspect of this app. The app is constantly updated with new features. The developers really care.
Flashpoint
I've never been so entertained while doing household chores β this app is a lifesaver! ListenBook has made managing my audiobook collection a breeze. Library organization is top-notch. No need for file conversion is a game-changer. Love using ListenBook on my iPhone. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
LuminaLore
This app is a treasure trove of knowledge, entertainment, and imagination. π± Carrying my library in my pocket β this app makes every moment a reading opportunity! ππ ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback features add versatility to my audiobook listening experience. An acceptable audiobook that met basic expectations. No complaints about quality but nothing remarkable either. Would listen to this narrator again but wouldn't seek them out.
Devil Bread
Effortless and enriching β that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its functionality, from seamless downloads to binaural audio processing, has truly raised the bar. π±π The app's performance is remarkable β it's fast, stable, and designed to cater to audiobook enthusiasts. It's a pleasure to use. Automated artwork and metadata extraction make my audiobook library look neat and professional. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
MysticMingle
This app's convenience has transformed my screen time into meaningful reading sessions. Effortlessly switching between stories β this app's ease of use is impressive. I love the ability to change the background color. Itβs a nice touch.
RetroMirage
This app has introduced me to genres I never thought I'd enjoy β it's eye-opening. ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a boon for those who enjoy deep dives into lengthy narratives. ListenBook's extensive format support makes it the ultimate audiobook app for any audiobook lover. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval add a professional touch to my carefully curated audiobook collection. The app is so user-friendly. Even my grandma can use it!
Voluntary
I can't get enough of this app's convenience and the endless possibilities it offers. I'm amazed by ListenBook's dedication to quality β it's evident in every feature. Library organization is simplified with ListenBook. It's easy to keep my audiobooks neat and tidy.
Sweetness
π± Carrying stories in my pocket β this app's convenience is a game-changer! πποΈ Navigating audiobooks effortlessly β this app's functionality is commendable. From novels to speeches, this app's versatility in playing different formats has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary listening sessions. π±π ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers! This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark featureβit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Mud Eye
πΆπ The harmony between simplicity and functionality in this app is truly impressive. Audiobooks have never sounded this good! π΅π§ Binaural audio processing reduces fatigue during long listening sessions. A fantastic feature! The app's compatibility with CarPlay has made my road trips so much more enjoyable. Iβve been using ListenBook for months, and itβs been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesnβt drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
Trash Master
My long walks have turned into exciting adventures with this app. πΆββοΈπ§ Strolling through captivating narratives while I take my daily walks β pure bliss! ποΈπ Finally, an app that caters to audiobook enthusiasts like me. The diverse format support and user-friendly design are a game-changer. π±π I don't have strong feelings about this one either way. The narration was competent but forgettable. The story itself was more engaging than the performance.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience