Identity: As stated in Webster's dictionary it is "the collective aspect of the set of characteristics by which a thing is defectively recognizable or known." In James McBride's book, "The Color of Water", he expands on this definition with his own experiences in search for his own true identity. With his mother, Ruth Shisky, being a white Orthodox Jew and father, Andrew McBride, a black Christian, McBride recalls his childhood struggle and confusion that was …showed first 75 words of 802 total…

…showed last 75 words of 802 total…became doctors, lawyers, professors... McBride no longer is offended by the stares, remarks, and glances he receives when in public with his mother or family. He feels fortunate to know and have such a diverse heritage. "Now, as a grown man, I feel privileged to have come from two worlds. My view of the world is not merely that of a black man but that of a black man with something of a Jewish soul." (103)