<P> James weaves his own life story into his mother's story . Ruth's philosophies on race, religion, and work influence him greatly . Ruth always sent her children to the best schools, no matter the commute, to ensure they received the finest possible educations . She demanded respect and hard work from her children, and always treated them tenderly . She had an unwavering faith in God and strong moral convictions . To Ruth, issues of race and identity took secondary importance to moral beliefs . Ruth died at her home in Ewing, New Jersey on January 9, 2010 . </P> <Ul> <Li> James: the narrator, her son </Li> <Li> Ruth McBride Jordan: mother of 12 children and the second narrator </Li> <Li> Hudis Shilsky aka Mameh: Ruth's mother . Despite being crippled on the left side of her body, still managed to be a loyal wife and good mother . </Li> <Li> Fishel Shilsky aka Tateh: Ruth's father . Tateh was a terrible husband in many aspects such as fidelity and love . Fishel also happened to be a rabbi, who would get in bed with his daughters . He even mocked his own wife, Mameh, in public for being a cripple . </Li> <Li> Gladys "Dee - dee" Shilsky: Ruth's sister . It is revealed that Dee - dee was the only sibling of Ruth's that was born in America . Often, Ruth would say that she was jealous of her because she didn't have to deal with the negative stigma towards Jews like Ruth did . </Li> <Li> Sam Shilsky: Ruth's brother . He ran away from home at 15, no longer wanting to deal with Tateh . Ruth says that he died while fighting in the Second World War . </Li> </Ul> <Li> James: the narrator, her son </Li> <Li> Ruth McBride Jordan: mother of 12 children and the second narrator </Li>

Where does the color of water take place