James McBride novel is "Princeton Reads" selection
By: Marjorie Censer
All of Princeton will be reading "The Color of Water: A Black Man’s Tribute to His White Mother" in March, as the Princeton Public Library announced the book as the new "Princeton Reads" selection Monday.
Written by James McBride who will visit Princeton on March 16 the memoir tells his story of growing up in an interracial family. Mr. McBride’s white mother, a rabbi’s daughter, helped his black father establish an all-black Baptist church in her home and raised 12 children.
The book represents the return of the popular "Princeton Reads" program which began in 2003, but went on hiatus when the library moved to a temporary location in the Princeton Shopping Center and its downtown site was rebuilt.
Susan Roth, the library’s reader services coordinator, said a small group representing the library, Princeton High School and The Arts Council of Princeton chose "The Color of Water" before the library moved, but could not implement it then. However, she said, the program now intersects with the 10th anniversary of the book’s publication, and a 10th anniversary edition will be printed in February.
The celebration of the book will culminate with Mr. McBride’s appearance at the library at 7:30 p.m. on March 16 after he spends the afternoon meeting with students and teachers at Princeton High School.
The month-long focus on "The Color of Water" will also include book discussion sessions and special programs presented in partnership with other community groups. The library will purchase hundreds of copies of the book to make it available to residents.
Ms. Roth said that many have already read Mr. McBride’s memoir.
"When I mention it to people, they all say, ‘Wow, what a great book,’" Ms. Roth said, adding that she is reading the book for the third time. Each time she has read it, she said, she has discovered something new.
In 2003, "Princeton Reads" featured "Native Speaker" by Princeton University professor Chang-rae Lee. Ms. Roth said roughly 2,000 people participated, and there were approximately 20 discussion groups.
She praised the "Princeton Reads" program which she said she hopes will occur semi-annually as a means of bonding among area residents.
"It’s a great way to connect to people throughout the community," Ms. Roth said.
The program encourages all members of the community to read the same book. The idea of a community-wide reading program originated in Seattle and quickly spread "The Color of Water" was chosen by One Book, One Philadelphia in 2004.
"Princeton Reads" is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Princeton Public Library and Princeton High School, with support from the Nassau Inn. The library seeks to involve other Princeton community groups including church congregations and book clubs and is asking them to sponsor programs related to "The Color of Water." The library can provide a discussion leader, copies of the book and discussion guides, if needed.
For more information, visit www.princetonlibrary.org or call Susan Roth at (609) 924-9529, ext. 257.