James Mcbride describes the run-down and dangerous Red Hook neighborhood of Brooklyn, a place his mother loves, where she continues to visit her best friend?

You require a description of Red Hook, or the visits Ruth has with her best-friend?

The visits Ruth has with bet best friend. yes

Though out the begging of the book, James mentions that his mother avoids all conversation about her family, her past, and her race. Explain why Ruth life remain a mytery to all of her children for so many years?