In The Color of Water by James McBride, what is especially unique about James' experience growing up?

writes
his autobiography in , and in it he chronicles his search for his mother's
heritage. James is one of twelve children, and his father dies before James is born; he later
has a stepfather who died. All of this makes Jame's upbringing a little different than most;
however, it is his mother and her unique background which makes James's growing-up years so
distinctive. 

First of all, James's mother is obviously a white woman, but
she lives as though she is a black woman. This creates a sense of...