The Color of Love: A Mother's Choice in the Jim Crow South

I usually have a book that I am reading. Some are good but I will forget the name of the book after a while. I will remember this story always. One of the best books I have ever read. The story touched my heart.

Reading this book was painful for me. Don't get me wrong- it's a wonderfully told story of love in spite of circumstance- but it hit VERY close to home. My interracial parents were married in the eastern part of NC in the same timeframe as this book and endured a lot of racism, including death threats when my mother became pregnant with me. To have to deal with alcoholism, family betrayal, racism and manage grow up without becoming insane is a testament to Gene Cheek's inner strength. I'd like to meet him someday. As far as the book goes- I would highly recommend this to anyone, but especially to people who need to realize that love IS color-blind. You can't stop it, change it, or make it go away. Trying to destroy it because you don't like or understand it just tears everyone apart- epsecially the innocent- and leaves scars that never truly heal.

I loved Gene Cheek's book so much, I gave it to my father as a Father's day gift. My dad, a huge literature fan and voracious reader, LOVED the book. Cheek's story will move anyone who has a heart - even if that heart is only the size of a peach pit. Anyone who finds fault with this story, is missing the big picture. This man is wonderful!

I was priviledged to hear Mr. Cheek speak in Winston-Salem recently. His message was more meaningful because I had read the book several times. The story is moving and inspires us all to practice forgiveness and tolerance. The tone of the book, written from a 12 year old boy's perspective is sometimes humorous, and at all times honest. I highly recommend the book to anyone who enjoys nonfiction and has ever been hurt by racism or alcoholism.

I recommend this book to anyone who has ever suffered due to circumstances beyond their control. This true story will reach into your heart and bring tears to your eyes. It is the heart-wrenching struggle of a young boy being forced to learn first hand the cruelty of alcoholism and prejudice. Gene relates his story with a frankness and sincerity so real that you almost hear his voice as you read. It is the story of the love-hate relationship that exists between an alcoholic father, his wife and son. At a time when his mother needs love and support, it comes from a forbidden source. Gene's life is changed forever because of the hate and prejudice that surrounds the relationship between his mother and a black man. If you have never witnessed prejudice, this book will make it real. If you have never seen the destruction that alcoholism can bring to a family, you will feel the pain through the eyes of a young boy. You will "experience" Gene's desperation as he is forced to grow up at the tender age of 12 in the Jim Crow South!