The Color of Water is a memoir written about and by James’ McBride. Throughout the book James’ switches the point of view between him and his mother, Ruth. By this the reader learns about both Ruth’s and James’ life as well as the progression of the United States. Though Ruth and James’ were separated by countless years, the audience can compare their lives through similar struggles as well as similar victories. For some, growing up in the 1930’s was much different than the 1960’s, but others it was quite the same. While reading, the audience can compare Ruth and James by adventuring through the many struggles they both faced. As a white Jewish woman, Ruth often endured discrimination in her home town of Suffolk, Virginia. She attended a