Where can I find quotes about finding one's identity in James McBride's The Color of Water?

The idea of learning how to find one's identity is quite
personal, as every person travels a different journey. James McBride in his book
The Color of Water searches for his identity both in heritage and
faith. His father was black and his mother is white; his father is a gentile, and his
mother spends most of her life hiding (and trying to forget) that she is Jewish. That is
not a typical journey of discovery.

Because identity is so
personal, the best way to find meaningful and applicable quotes for yourself is to read
and discover what resonates. There are a few general life-application things which might
be helpful.

In chapter 14, James is spending his days
loitering (and getting high) with a bunch of older black men, and one of them--known as
"Chicken Man"--tells James that he has to go make something of himself because the world
is not going to care enough to seek him out to discover his value. Though Chicken Man
does not follow his own advice, it makes James think about what unique gifts and talents
he has to offer the world; eventually he does move forward to showcase
those.

In chapter 25, James shares his concluding thoughts
about the journey of discovery he has been on, realizing he took the path of least
resistance (in this case, claiming only his black heritage and ignoring his white). He
also understands that what seemed to be a better world, in this case the white world,
also had problems and issues which made life difficult. He concludes by saying he did
not know who he was for so long because he chose not to
look.

Finally, chapter 6 is the chapter in which the title
"color of water" is explained. Ruth tells her inquisitive son that God does not pay
attention to color because he is not a color--because He is spirit, He is the color of
water. This is an important concept regarding identity in terms of faith and
race.

As you read, you will undoubtedly find more specific
quotes which are applicable to your life; however, these are good general concepts for a
discussion about identity.