Each month Abington Library will feature a favorite book from a faculty, staff member, or student. They will give a brief synopsis of their chosen book.
Abe Chambers is a Counselor in the Student Success Center at ASU-Beebe.
I did not have the easiest time choosing a book and author. So, I decided to find a book that had a huge impact on me. The book that stands out most to me (of the books I’ve read) is “The Color of Water: A Black Man’s Tribute to His White Mother,” by James McBride.
There is something about personal sacrifice for the betterment of others. This book is about author, James McBride and his mother. She had 12 children and sacrificed for them all so they could live meaningful lives. Rachel, the mother of McBride was born an orthodox Jew in Poland. When she decided to marry her children’s father, her parents became very angry with her. Rachel put a great emphasis on education. She preached to James and his siblings constantly about bettering themselves and getting as far, far away from Brooklyn and Harlem as they could. It wasn’t until James was an adult and after times of prying, did his mother finally reveal to him her story and upbringing. James also dealt with his own identity issues. He would ask his mother if he was white or black. Her response was, “You’re a human being.”
James McBride’s journey is heartfelt, moving, and inspiring. This book is a challenge to me to look past culture and color lines. I acknowledge that we are all different. And as James McBride, I strive to seek, explore, and find those valuable truths in the human heart. I would encourage anyone to pick up a copy and read this book.
