Play Book Tag discussion

James grew up in a small house with his 11 siblings and mother. His stepfather, the only father he knew as his own passed when he was a baby, lived in his own home and visited on weekends because he couldn't handle the chaos. When his stepfather passed as well while he was in early high school, he and his mother both unraveled a bit. Eventually the James pulled himself together to fulfill the family expectation of college graduation joining his doctor, lawyer and teacher siblings in the professional world as a journalist and musician. Throughout James struggled with the question of his own identify, was he white or black? Was his mother white or her self-proclaimed light skinned? What was his heritage?

Told between his own voice and his mother's voice, James finally convinces her to share some of her history growing up with an abusive father in an Orthodox Jewish family in the South before committing her Jewish death by marrying a black man long before that was acceptable and joining a Christian church. His mother was always a bit of anomaly following her own path. James slowly understands his family history and grows more comfortable in his identity and self.

The story is fascinating and well told. The family and especially his mother were truly exceptional and it was fun to hear the love for his mother and family that comes through in every sentence. I also enjoyed picking out pieces of his own life that are found in his novels especially Deacon King Kong.

Bravo. A lovely review. Thanks. And you told just enough to get others interested. He is one of my favorite writers and he knew what he was writing about in Deacon because he grew up in the projects. Great review. peace, janz

Wonderful review, Jen. I remember reading the book years ago when it was first published and liking it very much. He has such an interesting family and perspective. He is an author whom I'd like to meet.

Speaking of Favorites, this is was a favorite of Oprah’s. It might also have been on Barack Obama’s favorite list one year.

Thanks all! I was glad for the push to finally read this one. McBride is such a fantastic writer. @Holly, I would love to meet him in person too!

This was my third book by McBride (or was it second?) and it was well written. He is an excellent writer, and I've given 2 of his books 5 stars, although some of them I haven't cared as much for due to genre.

I'm hoping that this may be the month in which I finally finish this book.