The Color of Family

by Jerry McGill

A tragedy upends a family’s delicate balance in an emotional novel about secrets, guilt, friendship, race, and reconciliation by Jerry McGill, author of Bed A Love Story . Who wants to believe their family could ever be broken? Devon and James Payne are brothers and rivals since childhood. But they share an affinity for sports that brings glory to their Connecticut town and promise for the future. Then they’re in a car accident. Devon is paralyzed for life, while James goes on to live the dream. For the Paynes, the tremulous repercussions of that evening never settled. Over the course of a decade, Devon decides to visit his seven siblings now scattered across the globe. Each has moved on, yet each struggles to cope with the traumatic event that irrevocably connects them. Devon confronts not only his own demons and family secrets but also the guilt and heartbreaking betrayals that followed in the wake of the tragedy. He also discovers the power of forgiveness―and that coming to terms with the past is the only way to live free in the present.

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary, Family, Literary Fiction, Race, Audiobook, Family Drama

251 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2023

About the author

Jerry McGill is a writer and artist. He received a BA in English literature from Fordham University in the Bronx and a master’s degree in education from Pacific University in Oregon. He lives in Portland, Oregon.

Reviews

[BookOfCinz · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW! LOVE….Where is the rest of it?

I absolutely loved this book, and I get it, it was very short, it had entirely too many characters, the plot was all over the place, and you finished with a lot of unanswered questions but for some reason- the reason being the writing- I could not get enough of it. Truly an amazing read.

In The Colo of Family we meet the Payne family, they are considered to be Black Excellence. Rich, beautiful, athletic, academically inclined and they are all destined for greatness. Devon and James Payne are brothers but have always been rivals- not just regular brotherly rivals, they genuinely do not like each other and would not have been friends or caught in the same place- but because they are related they endure. Both of them have a love for sports and they excel at it, they are considered Connecticut’s golden boys- destined to go pro and put the town on the map- that is until one night an accident leaves Devon paralyzed for life- crushing all his hopes and dreams.

While Devon is in rehab, trying to gain mobility, only a few of his siblings actually stays in contact with him- he doesn’t hear from his mother or his brother. James is his mother’s golden child- to be fair, she actually cannot stand Devon. The family barely recovers after the tragic accident and decades later-Devon is still bitter about how they treated him- especially his brother who ends up getting married to the girl he was dating before the accident.

Years later, James needs a replacement kidney and Devon may be the perfect match. Everyone pleads with Devon to get tested but he decides not to- which shatters the family having persons choosing sides.

Listen, this book is not for everyone but it was definitely for me. Be prepared to finish book and think, “where is the rest of it?” This book needed at least 150 more pages because if I am being unbiased there were entirely too many open-ended plot points. Even with all of that, I truly enjoyed reading this book!

[adryreads ✽ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3🌟

A friend recommended this book in a list of books to read for Black History Month so I added it to my TBR.

As a black woman, I felt compelled to finish the book but for some reason I felt a little uneasy reading it. Not only because of the story the author is trying to tell but because the book is hard to read. Also there’s so, so many characters and it’s hard to keep track of.

I feel the book has potential and I can relate to it as a black woman and I don’t like leaving books unfinished, however this book isn’t for me. I’m gonna rate it a 3.

[Caroll-Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

I recieved this book as an arc from netgalley and I was so excited to start it. But sadly this book just wasn‘t for me. It felt more like a rough draft of a book than the finished book. The topic is so interesting and it had so much potential but sadly it wasn‘t executed as well as I‘d like it to be.

Description:

Who wants to believe their family could ever be broken?
Devon and James Payne are brothers and rivals since childhood. But they share an affinity for sports that brings glory to their Connecticut town and promise for the future. Then they’re in a car accident. Devon is paralyzed for life, while James goes on to live the dream.
For the Paynes, the tremulous repercussions of that evening never settled. Over the course of a decade, Devon decides to visit his seven siblings now scattered across the globe. Each has moved on, yet each struggles to cope with the traumatic event that irrevocably connects them. Devon confronts not only his own demons and family secrets but also the guilt and heartbreaking betrayals that followed in the wake of the tragedy. He also discovers the power of forgiveness―and that coming to terms with the past is the only way to live free in the present.

[Bev · Rating 2 out of 5]

So much exposition that it read like the author's story outline rather than a finished product. The story attempts to follow the members of a large family but major events eg character death are given very little fleshing-out and are treated almost as an afterthought, while whole chapters are given over to events that are totally irrelevant to the narrative. Eg Alexis meeting Horatio Curry, or Michel's new career as a rapper - both of which have a chapter devoted to them but are never mentioned again. There is no attempt to explore character's motives and even the "central" character's arc is only outlined. "He did this, then he did this, then he saw this happen, and this happened to him." I was tempted to give up but kept going, hoping it would get better. Sadly it did not.

[Mary Holstein · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm of two minds about this book. On the one hand it had many good points--started out strong with good character development, well written dialogue, and some interesting plot lines. On the other hand, part way through the first half the author lost his way with the story. Too many important plot points are glossed over or not addressed while secondary characters are introduced but not developed in any degree that would strengthen the story. Instead they serve as distractions to the main plot. Two characters in particular, Camille and James, should have had major roles but instead fell off the radar for most of the rest of the book.

In the well written parts it's clear that this author has talent. I think he created some characters in the beginning and then didn't know what to do with them as the story progressed. This book was good in some parts and it could have been a great book with some editorial changes. I plan to read his other novel and hope he continues to write.

I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway and appreciate the opportunity to discover this author.

[Kyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Following the different members of the Payne family throughout the years was an interesting look at how things can affect family members differently. Seeing how one incident and its consequences change the Payne's lives and the dynamics within their family was sad, but easy to understand the feelings and actions of the characters.
The way each chapter focuses on different members of the family was nice, but I wish the details of each family member were used to tie in each of their stories a little bit more.

[Tonya Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was good. To me, I felt I listened to a couple of short stories. It was hard trying to tie some of the story together because of the number of characters.

[Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Color of Family tells the story of what happens when life and its traumatic events cause us to become bitter and to lose sight of the gift that it is simply to be alive. The Paynes are a highly regarded family of Black excellence and among all of the children of the family, James, is his mother's pride and joy. This is unspoken, of course, but one of those things that is simply understood in the family dynamic.

When Devon is born he is ushered into the shadow of his brother, James, which breeds a lifelong type of resentment and dynamic of competition. On one fateful day, Devon over drinks and gets into a car accident where he becomes paralyzed for life and James survives. James goes on to live out his dreams of becoming an athlete and Devon has to adjust to a new set of unfortunate circumstances.

When James needs a kidney replacement down the line, Devon has to decide as the only viable donor, whether or not he will show up for his brother. His decision surprised me. It was easier to comprehend the weight of his decision once I understood how James marrying his high school crush deepened the hurt experienced after the accident.

This novel is a powerful reminder of the ways family dynamics can breed resentment, disconnection, and trauma that is lifelong if gone unaddressed. I found myself feeling deeply empathic towards each character in the story- even the characters that some might feel don't deserve compassion. The ending of the story truly brought the narrative full circle and in the end I believe Devon does find the peace he was searching for while surrendering to the facts of life.

Thank you so much to the author and publisher for the e-arc copy!

[Jae Philon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have so much to say about this book. First off I have to say that this story was all over the place and it was just so many questions that were unanswered. I loved the idea that the author wanted to write in the perspective of different members of the family but then he added some random white characters perspective as an outsider that was just completely unnecessary. I also enjoyed the point of the story that a family portrait can tell a story of a family that “seems” so happy and close.

We realize just how sensitive, raw, and complicated the family dynamic can really be. What we see on the surface is completely different within. This story showed the raw ugly truth of a family that faces some challenges and how the power of forgiveness can alter ones life.

[Gemini · Rating 4 out of 5]

So Much Potential

It felt like there was a really good story in here. The telling of it didn’t always flow so well. Getting the story from so many perspectives was confusing at times. I think I would’ve enjoyed a more linear timeline. Despite the disjointed feeling, the story itself was so interesting. I wanted to know where Devon would end up. His path was so interesting. James’ character was odd. I found it hard to connect with him. I was especially interested in their mom and her background. I would’ve appreciated getting a deeper understanding of her character. Despite some struggles with the delivery, I think this was a dynamic family saga.

[Emma Weikum · Rating 4 out of 5]

(pop sugar prompt: A book about an athlete/sport)

the characters in this one are very interesting

[Dani Quickley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book reads more like a series of short stories about people who just happen to be related and who happen to communicate with each other occasionally. (Yet, the phrase a novel is part of the title.) Colorful is a great way to describe them.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book!! It was something different for me to read but i was interested from beginning to end on every single character. Seriously you guys need to read this!

[Jujubereadin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm addicted to mess. That's the only reason I followed through with this book. I kept checking to make sure this wasn't an advance copy or something. Super surprised this was the real final version.

Anyways, the mess in question: Devon and James are siblings who hate each other. James sets Devon up to ruin his life. After ruining Devon's life, he steals his girl. When Devon gets a chance to take his revenge, he does. The rest of the family reacts. That's the story in a nutshell.

Unfortunately, I didn't like the writing style or the way he chose to tell this particular story. McGill had no interest in making sure the reader was familiar with any of these characters. This family is huge (about 9 members or so) and he spent the first 20 pages giving us the fastest rundown of each of their lives. The rest of the book was spent bouncing around different POVs (some of them weren't even family members, which was a choice). We just didn't know these people enough to care. Should have focused on Devon and James! Their dynamic had potential, especially James POV after he ruined Devon's life.

[Eve B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one but I wish there was more.

[Naterrika Reid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although slightly depressing, I enjoyed this read. Trigger warning for those still healing from childhood trauma 😭

[Sheila Owens · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe

First of all, let me say that the words of this book did create the pictures in my mind - I saw Devon’s friend as she sailed out of the window and committed suicide. But, most of the book did not seem to have a point, nothing driving the characters, until close to the end, and then it just fizzled out. Why did Gina turn the police away? It just wasn’t clear.

[Monica Lee · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to love it, but sadly, I didn’t. It was so hard to read. Not because I couldn’t relate to or understand the characters but because it was a ‘telling’ story. A book with very little descriptions or imagery. It’s hard for me to focus when I can’t imagine things for myself. I also couldn’t tell who was talking to who most of the time because the author didn’t label the speakers of the dialogues. And there were so many characters to keep track of.

I think the story has potential, but the structure could have been better.

2.5 ⭐️

[Mickey Rena · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m gonna need some help

I’m not sure how to feel about this book. I’m gonna have to find someone to discuss it with or something because I’m not really sure I understand it. I have so many questions and not sure where I should begin.

It took a while for me to get into the book and once I was into it, the storyline seemed to keep jumping or maybe I was just getting lost. I became really invested in Devon’s story only to feel like I didn’t get enough of it. So many things happening, seemingly all at once, I just don’t know what to make of this book.

Maybe it’s just not for me.

[LilyRose · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Color of Family by Jerry McGill is a moving and dynamic family saga. After a tragedy a family’s life is upended, parents and siblings become scattered and scarred by the experience. Brothers Devon and James Payne are rivals since childhood with both set on course to becoming professional athletes. An accident causes these hopes and dreams to disappear for Devon who is left paralysed and for James a future of success awaits. The trauma of the accident has a profound and different impact on each member of the family and the chapters explore the root of the family’s struggle, pain, jealousy, love and hate. The novel explores themes of forgiveness, acceptance and freedom within the structure of the family and society. The novel is fast paced and written with simple but powerful prose. I wish the story had explored moments further before moving ahead as I feel the reader would have felt more connected with the family if their lives before the accident and directly afterwards expanded on its tragic impact in the community. A strong and stirring read for fans of literary fiction and family saga’s 3.5 stars ✨.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for a review copy of this book in exchange for honest feedback.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly, I don't know what this book was trying to say, other than forgive your fucked-up family. When I read its synopsis on NetGalley, I thought, oh wow this is gonna be a super Black family generational drama. Only, it wasn't. Much. I had to DNF at 44% because it was getting way to derailed from what I was promised. By the 44% mark, we still don't have Devon visiting all his siblings. Instead, we have him getting kicked out of a rehabilitation facility because he was involved in a drug selling business. The only Latinx character is a drug dealer. Yup, that's right. On top of that, most of the Black male characters are serial cheaters and/or abusive partners. Anyway, this story would've been great if the author not introduce a complicated family and then not follow through going over all the members lives. What we get is a 190 pages of introduction and no exploration. The voice of the author was terrific and it hooked me in immediately. But it couldn't hook me to the end, unfortunately.

Thank you, NetGalley and Little A, for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Goth Gone Grey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dry, slow read

As Bed Stuy was an enjoyable read, I was excited for this book. It feels different, and not in a good way. The author references a Salinger book in the acknowledgement; if it's meant to be in that style I wouldn't know.

I found this to be a wonderful selection of beautiful turns of phrase, like this:

"Trust, my dear, is like a fine piece of silver. It erodes over time and loses its luster. What was once precious and unique begins to rust and all at once becomes plain and tawdry, a thing to be ashamed of. Losing the ability to trust takes its toll on you. It is the heart rusting. If I wish you one thing in life, it is that you may never lose the ability to trust.”

Unfortunately, the framework of the tale is a dissociated, emotionless tome bouncing between characters with most as filler around Devon and Gina's tale. As you start to get into one character's plight, it ends at a break point with no further discussion of them. This leaves the reader reluctant to become emotionally invested in any characters.

[Megan Gorecki | wellreadmegs · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was tough to rate for me.

Certain parts of this book really flowed and captured my attention and then other sections of the book I struggled to see where these side characters fit into the main plot. I would have loved for the ending not to be so abrupt maybe offer a little hope.

This book was definitely a downer - realistic of real life sometimes but a downer. I feel like the main plot of the book ended up not really being the main plot of the book. However, the general themes of this book were forgiveness, family, and redemption.

[Ra'Shira Baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love/Hate

I really tried to enjoy this book but it's like it jumped around to different siblings and left us hanging after delving into their stories. We were abruptly pulled out.. it's like the main story should have stayed about Devon and James honestly. This maybe an unpopular option but James and Gina were DEAD wrong.. James has some type of evil in him or maybe a disorder idk. Now I'm not saying all Devon did is right but he had every right to be as angry as he was. I wish the story was set up into a series where you get to know each family member and the path they chose. I wouldn't have felt like I read an incomplete story, well multiple stories if it was a series.

[Linda Hodgson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having read Bed Stuy I was looking forward to reading this.
However I just didn’t feel as though the characters were drawn sufficiently for me to really enjoy the book.
I read it through hoping that something would “click” and it never did. I don’t expect to empathise or identify with characters, it’s good to “meet” different people through reading.
I don’t know if the long chapters hindered me because I read before sleep and perhaps that stopped me from building a better understanding of the plot.
There were moments of great descriptive passages which motivated me to keep going.
All that said I saw it as a film or a mini series.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Little A for the copy of The Color Of Family. I have been anxiously awaiting a new book by Jerry McGill since I read Bed Stuy because I am in love with his writing and his skillful use of language. This book was no exception, and even though the story was not as involving to me, I still sped through it, reveling in the writing. Devon is a really interesting character, and I felt a little lost when the focus moved away from him because his journey was so compelling.

[Megan Clare · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to love this, the blurb was captivating and seemed right up my street, but I just couldn’t. I tried reading it and struggled so converted to audio format which tends to held with books I’m struggling to process but even that didn’t help.

The characters were lovely, but the development of them felt rushed. So did the plot, things bounced back and forth but not in a way that felt cohesive. It seemed to me that this was a draft of a book, not a finished piece which was such a shame.

[D'Angelo Reid · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intelligent and compelling read filled with regret, shame, bitterness, and anger. This read puts you in the POV of highly flawed and, at times, difficult to like characters but you never lose sight of their humanity.

I wish things would have wrapped up more satisfactorily in the end but, as in real life, that's just how it is sometimes.

Favourite quote: "The charm of the family portrait is that it has a magnificent ability to convey perfection. There is nothing quite like it."

[Simon Hembra · Rating 3 out of 5]

A intriguing concept but leaves you empty

This is a story that is wide in scope, but disappointing to the reader. The intention to include so many characters and experiences means that each of them becomes lost in the collage and so there is no one to root for our care about.

I cannot recommend for those who like a good story.

[Mel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had tons of potential, but ultimately fell short for me. There were too many characters for the length of the book and it was a little hard to follow at times. I really liked a lot of the story, but it seemed unfinished. I’m going to try another book by this author because there was enough that I liked to make me interested about what else he has to say.