James McBride – American author, journalist, and musician, winner of the National Book Award for The Good Lord Bird and author of the memoir The Color of Water. His work fuses storytelling, music, and social commentary, tackling race, faith, and identity. Raised in a large family of both African-American and Jewish heritage, he draws on this blend to shape his art.
🎷 A professional saxophonist, he has performed with jazz bands. 📖 His memoir The Color of Water became a global bestseller and is taught in schools. 🏆 Won the 2013 National Book Award for The Good Lord Bird. 🎬 The novel was adapted into a TV series starring Ethan Hawke. 🎓 Studied journalism at Columbia University. ✍️ Worked as a reporter for leading American publications. 🎶 Plays in the author band Rock Bottom Remainders with other famous writers. 🌍 His writing often explores cultural intersections and the complexity of American identity. 📚 Also writes children’s books and essays. 🕊️ Faith and spirituality are recurring themes in his work. 😄 Once joked that writing novels is easier than raising six kids.