Despite the harsh weather conditions, journalist and author James McBride spoke to a soggy crowd of about 75 people last night about his best-selling book and his views on race and college.

McBride said that in writing The Color of Water, which chronicles the life of his mother, a white woman who single-handedly raised 12 black children in the Boston projects, he discovered several things about his own personality.

"Once I came to peace with who I am as a human being, I was not as interested in my history anymore," he said.

Although he identifies himself mostly with the black community in which he was raised, race was always an issue of identity that he avoided and ignored, McBride said.

"I didn't really know I was multiracial — I didn't know what that meant," he said.

Hugh Mulzac (senior-journalism) said he came to hear McBride speak for a second time about what he believes are very true, relevant ideas.

"As a multiracial person, I can relate to what he says," Mulzac said.

McBride also discussed college life in general, reminiscing about his days at Oberlin College as a journalism student.

"Most of you, as most college students, are lonely as hell and just trying to get through the day," he said.

Students should be able to recognize when they are having problems and to ask for help when they need it, McBride said. "If you feel like you can't make it, you're not the only one," he said.

He also said that it is okay to fail and that undergraduates should not be afraid to change their minds.

"You belong here at Penn State. Don't kill yourself worrying about what's not important," he said.

In terms of the racial tensions on campus, McBride challenged students to rise above racism.

"You have to, as adults, pick your battles when these things come up — you can't legislate love," he said.

He encouraged students to ignore comments from friends within their own racial groups and to branch out to others. "Deal with the ridicule and find joy for yourself," he said.

McBride also read several passages from his book that has sold more than 1 million copies and is now taught at schools and on college campuses around the world.

"If you had told me when I was growing up that my wacky family would be the subject of collegiate study I wouldn't have believed it," he said.

After several years of being a journalist, McBride decided to take on the 14-year project of writing his mother's story. "I realized the most interesting story I had ever come across was my mother," he said.

Sara Melendez (senior-marketing) said she will most likely read the book after listening to McBride speak.

"He was very straightforward," she said. "I think his sincere and uncompromising views have been a catalyst for his success as a writer."