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Little Black Girl Lost #4
Little Black Girl Lost 4: The Diary of Josephine Baptiste
Revealing the roots of Johnnie Wise's family tree, the author takes readers to Nigeria where a beautiful sixteen-year-old girl, preparing to marry a much older man, escapes with her young lover on the night before the arranged marriage is to take place on a Dutch slave ship bound for America where she becomes Josephine Baptiste.
245 pages, Paperback
First published March 28, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
December 21, 2011
Little girl lost part 4 is an excellent book.
This book is a prequel. It starts us off at the beginning of Johnny Wise's family roots in America via Africa. Ibo is to Johnny Wise what Kunta Kinta was to Alex Halley in that Ibo is Johnny's direct linking African ancestor. A Dutch slaver in West Africa who ironically enough worked with Ibo's father selling Africans was the one to steal her. I found it interesting that Keith gave her the name Ibo when that is the name of a neighboring tribe/ethnic group of the Yoruba (Ibo's tribe) found in modern day Nigeria.
On to the summery:
One night Ibo decides to run away with the love of her life, Amir to avoid an arrange marriage to the brother who is King of her beloved. If captured, Ibo and Amir faced certain death so the two planned to run to the coast of West Africa so they would avoid execution and be able to start over. Unfortunately, after running for two days straight, the two take a rest and before they could consummate their love, a group of Dutch slavers walk upon them.
*I was kinda of mad about this part because I really wanted to read about Amir laying down his Napoleon Bentley style tongue game on Ibo*
*SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS*
Amir puts up a very good fight but the two are captured and taken along with the rest of the slaves/Africans to the new world. The captain had asked Ibo's Father to allow him to purchase Ibo many times but her father refused. Understand Ibo was a bad chic. She had beauty for days and could turn most men in to whimpering fools who would forget their own names after looking into her eyes. The captain wanted Ibo for himself but decided to take her to the new world untouched so he could fetch a higher price for her.
Something went down( I won't give it away) that lead to the captain to become indebted to Ibo. As a result, the two became very close and the captain develops romantic feeling for Ibo of which, he does not act on. During those three long dreadful months traveling across the Atlantic, Ibo sucks up knowledge from the Captain like a Sponge. He teaches her about Shakespeare and other important European authors. It is through those authors that Ibo begins to understand human nature. The lessons she learns from reading and discussing Shakespeare will serve her well during her new life in the Americas.
* END OF SPOLIERS END OF SPOILERS*
I stop right here in order to avoid giving to much away. Was the book good? Hell yea, you know Keith writes in away that you can't put down the book. As I was reading the book, I felt like I was watching a movie. This is part four and Keith confirmed in the book that there will be a part 5 of this book. I can't wait for that.
BTW, if you want another book based on American Slavery which reads like a movie try Kindred (Bluestreak Black Women Writers)by Octavia Butler(RIP). Be for warned that this book will have you feeling as if you are living in the fields and big house with the slaves. Literally, you will feel as if you have time traveled. When you put Kindred down, you will need a few seconds to "get it together".
enjoy
This book is a prequel. It starts us off at the beginning of Johnny Wise's family roots in America via Africa. Ibo is to Johnny Wise what Kunta Kinta was to Alex Halley in that Ibo is Johnny's direct linking African ancestor. A Dutch slaver in West Africa who ironically enough worked with Ibo's father selling Africans was the one to steal her. I found it interesting that Keith gave her the name Ibo when that is the name of a neighboring tribe/ethnic group of the Yoruba (Ibo's tribe) found in modern day Nigeria.
On to the summery:
One night Ibo decides to run away with the love of her life, Amir to avoid an arrange marriage to the brother who is King of her beloved. If captured, Ibo and Amir faced certain death so the two planned to run to the coast of West Africa so they would avoid execution and be able to start over. Unfortunately, after running for two days straight, the two take a rest and before they could consummate their love, a group of Dutch slavers walk upon them.
*I was kinda of mad about this part because I really wanted to read about Amir laying down his Napoleon Bentley style tongue game on Ibo*
*SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS*
Amir puts up a very good fight but the two are captured and taken along with the rest of the slaves/Africans to the new world. The captain had asked Ibo's Father to allow him to purchase Ibo many times but her father refused. Understand Ibo was a bad chic. She had beauty for days and could turn most men in to whimpering fools who would forget their own names after looking into her eyes. The captain wanted Ibo for himself but decided to take her to the new world untouched so he could fetch a higher price for her.
Something went down( I won't give it away) that lead to the captain to become indebted to Ibo. As a result, the two became very close and the captain develops romantic feeling for Ibo of which, he does not act on. During those three long dreadful months traveling across the Atlantic, Ibo sucks up knowledge from the Captain like a Sponge. He teaches her about Shakespeare and other important European authors. It is through those authors that Ibo begins to understand human nature. The lessons she learns from reading and discussing Shakespeare will serve her well during her new life in the Americas.
* END OF SPOLIERS END OF SPOILERS*
I stop right here in order to avoid giving to much away. Was the book good? Hell yea, you know Keith writes in away that you can't put down the book. As I was reading the book, I felt like I was watching a movie. This is part four and Keith confirmed in the book that there will be a part 5 of this book. I can't wait for that.
BTW, if you want another book based on American Slavery which reads like a movie try Kindred (Bluestreak Black Women Writers)by Octavia Butler(RIP). Be for warned that this book will have you feeling as if you are living in the fields and big house with the slaves. Literally, you will feel as if you have time traveled. When you put Kindred down, you will need a few seconds to "get it together".
enjoy
October 21, 2017
Great Read!!
After all that Ibo Antikah Mustafa (Cadence Renee Bouvier) went though to keep her virginity and to get her love the prince Amir Bashir Jibril back and his freedom for that to happen to him so sad. This book gives you the background on Johnnie Wise.
After all that Ibo Antikah Mustafa (Cadence Renee Bouvier) went though to keep her virginity and to get her love the prince Amir Bashir Jibril back and his freedom for that to happen to him so sad. This book gives you the background on Johnnie Wise.
August 6, 2012
This was a short story that read more like a prelude to a bigger story. I flew through the first 3 books of the series and loved every word of it. This story is one of Johnnie White's grandmother, Ebo or Lauren (her slave name). It's the story of how she came to America and how her unusual circumstances worked in or favor. I expect a lot more from Lauren in the next book because this story gives a glimpse in to her potential as her heart darkens and hardens against her situations.
October 27, 2012
Excellent book. Quick read! I'm just staring the series and if the other books are anything like this one, I won't be disappointed. This was a historical account of the ancestors of Josephine Baptiste. The ending was definitely an unexpected surprise on two counts: a Wonderful surprise, followed by devastatement. This book will take you through a myriad of emotions and will not disappoint.
July 22, 2012
I read this book (#4) of the series FIRST! I am glad I did this and worked my way to present. It really brought clarity to the story. Where we come from often helps to understand why we are where we are today, especially if a cycle is not broken.
March 6, 2011
I love this series! This book was crazy and the twists were a surprise! I liked learning about Johnnie's ancestors and can't wait to read the next book!
Read
January 3, 2022Good quick read! Started reading and before I knew it history with a storyline had developed. The book is full of historical nuggets that had escaped my mind or I never knew in the first place. So many opposing sides – house and field, gay and straight, educated and not are just a few that come to mind. The writing was raw but knowledgeable. My first time hearing the term plantation stud. A disturbing quote that I remember is Captain Rutgers telling Lauren that she was entering a world where her life had no value…
April 30, 2019
I had to give it a 4 because it started out a little slow and honestly I was lost. When the subtitle said the Diary...I wasn't expecting the format of the book to be as it is. However, this book is really good. I appreciate that it goes back to the African roots so that we can see how this family lineage started in america. I'm still unsure as to why it is called the Diary of Josephine Baptiste but, I am starting book 5 today to see how this pulls together.
April 11, 2021
I loved this book in the Little Black Girl Lost series. This was the prequel to Johnnie Side's story. As with any and everything, there is always the beginning, the present, and an ending. And oh yes, definitely a cliffhanger.
March 4, 2018
Book was so good that I couldn't put it down.
January 20, 2021
I was mesmerized by the whole series
November 7, 2021
What a twist of events!!!
January 26, 2022
I loved this book. The whole series was great
August 23, 2022
Hot!!!! Waiting to carry on to book 5!
May 8, 2024
👀 An action-packed fast paced read, full of conflict and unexpected turns. I have two more books to go to finish the series. Thats really saying something because I'm a stand-alone girl, usually.
September 28, 2024
😢 that ending was foul
March 8, 2009
Three Fold
With the discovery of Josephine Baptiste's, diary author Keith Lee Johnson jumpstarts the voyage into Johnnie Wise's past and introduces readers to her great, great grandmother, Ibo. Originally from Nigeria, on the night before she was to wed, Ibo and her true love, Amir, ran away with plans on living happily ever after. Before the two can venture far enough away from their families, they're captured into slavery and are torn apart. Will this demoralizing journey plague the life that they've planned? Or is there hope for them?
A true fan of the LITTLE BLACK GIRL LOST series, whereas I was thrilled to see that we'd get to see how it all began, I felt like the story wasn't truly authentic and for that very reason I struggled while reading. Admittedly it did slow me down, but it didn't nor would it be able to detour me.
3.5 stars
OOSA Book of the Month
With the discovery of Josephine Baptiste's, diary author Keith Lee Johnson jumpstarts the voyage into Johnnie Wise's past and introduces readers to her great, great grandmother, Ibo. Originally from Nigeria, on the night before she was to wed, Ibo and her true love, Amir, ran away with plans on living happily ever after. Before the two can venture far enough away from their families, they're captured into slavery and are torn apart. Will this demoralizing journey plague the life that they've planned? Or is there hope for them?
A true fan of the LITTLE BLACK GIRL LOST series, whereas I was thrilled to see that we'd get to see how it all began, I felt like the story wasn't truly authentic and for that very reason I struggled while reading. Admittedly it did slow me down, but it didn't nor would it be able to detour me.
3.5 stars
OOSA Book of the Month
March 8, 2009
Decisions & Consequences
Almost seventeen years of age, young Ibo Atikah Mustafa is whisked away from her home of Africa, along with her fiance, on a slave ship bound for America. The young couple was fleeing Ibo's impending, arranged nuptials only to be captured. Will their love survive? Will they survive?
LITTLE BLACK GIRL LOST 4 is evocatively written, calling up image after image. Author Keith Lee Johnson probes the environment, the people, and the thinking of the time through the eyes and experiences of young Ibo as she quickly grows to maturity. As with all of Johnson's books, the fourth edition of the "Little Black Girl Lost" series is thought-provoking and engaging. LITTLE BLACK GIRL LOST 4 is a rewarding read and I look forward to part five.
Reviewed by: Toni
Almost seventeen years of age, young Ibo Atikah Mustafa is whisked away from her home of Africa, along with her fiance, on a slave ship bound for America. The young couple was fleeing Ibo's impending, arranged nuptials only to be captured. Will their love survive? Will they survive?
LITTLE BLACK GIRL LOST 4 is evocatively written, calling up image after image. Author Keith Lee Johnson probes the environment, the people, and the thinking of the time through the eyes and experiences of young Ibo as she quickly grows to maturity. As with all of Johnson's books, the fourth edition of the "Little Black Girl Lost" series is thought-provoking and engaging. LITTLE BLACK GIRL LOST 4 is a rewarding read and I look forward to part five.
Reviewed by: Toni
April 15, 2012
I WASN'T TO IMPRESSED WITH THIS BOOK. IT WAS ANOTHER SLAVE BOOK TGO ME. I THINK MY MIND HAS HAD ENOUGH OF THIS SLAVE THING GOING ON. BUT I WAS SHOCKED TO SEE HOW IT ENDED, VERY SAD, I WAS SO HOPING THAT THEY WOULD HAVE GOTTEN MARRIED, AND SHE (IBO) WOULD HAVE HAD AMIR'S BABY, BUT THAT DIDN'T HAPPEN. AND YES IT WAS JUST A BOOK BECAUSE NO WAY WOULD HAVE THAT 16 YEAR OLD GIRL MAKE IT TO 2 COUNTRIES, AND A HUGE SLAVE SHIP AND 2 PLANTATIONS AND STILL COME OUT AS A VIRGIN. SO THAT WAS A LITTLE FAR FETCH IF YOU ASK ME.
December 11, 2016
4.5
Because I like background information, I found this to be a great read of Johnnie Wise's family history. To read the obstacles & challenges that were endured were quite interesting. It also seemed that much had not changed in the treatment of the women. Nonetheless, I thought this was a well written story that held my attention and has me looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Because I like background information, I found this to be a great read of Johnnie Wise's family history. To read the obstacles & challenges that were endured were quite interesting. It also seemed that much had not changed in the treatment of the women. Nonetheless, I thought this was a well written story that held my attention and has me looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
October 18, 2013
This book was tearful and inspiring at the same time. Readers could feel Ibo's pain from beginning to end. It teaches us that by believing in positive things, one can do anything and go anywhere. In this case, Ibo's love for Amir keeps her going through the odds. I was a disappointed that there was not a happy ending for Ibo. I would recommend this book to anyone who is discouraged with life.
September 8, 2013
6 languages, Mark 12 30-31 love God and neighbor, you have no soul no family no sense of self worth you have sold your soul to someone, house slaves vs maroons, person who relinquished control is in control, the hard circumstances endured increased the hardness of heart, black with money treated as whites, pleasures of the flesh and corruption, slothful—thinking the world owes you something.
July 30, 2018
Good but rather confusing
I’m not sure this should have been book 4 b/c I still don’t know how Josephine and Johnnie was related to Ibo. The book was good, in that it detailed the voyage of slaves to New Orleans. Sad in the end b/c true love would never grow because it was killed with vengeance
I’m not sure this should have been book 4 b/c I still don’t know how Josephine and Johnnie was related to Ibo. The book was good, in that it detailed the voyage of slaves to New Orleans. Sad in the end b/c true love would never grow because it was killed with vengeance
Read
July 13, 2010Good book and quick read. However, very graphic, violent descriptions of slave torture. Not my favorite, but I'd probably read more of his books.
Merged review:
Good book and quick read. However, very violent, graphic details of slave torture. I would probably read more of his books.
Merged review:
Good book and quick read. However, very violent, graphic details of slave torture. I would probably read more of his books.
April 13, 2016
It was a good book, flowed well but I only gave it three stars because of the turn of events near the end, which didn't seem very realistic to me. It seemed to make an abrupt turn into a different story all of a sudden. But it definitely held my interest and was entertaining.
April 18, 2016
With this story you will learn so much about slave times very informative. Never the less it has it's twists and turn like only Mr. Johnson knows how. A very good book I love the way Keith Lee Johnson writes!!!!!
December 30, 2009
This was a good book just not as well as his first 3 i hope he contiones with the books but hope his writing dont get worse but better like it was.
October 7, 2009
I looved this series, but I could not get into this book. I am sad to say but I just could not finish this book.
April 10, 2010
This goes back to give background information on the ancestors of Johnnie Wise. Loved it.
May 13, 2010
I Like Dis Book Becausee Shee Is Onlyy 16 nd shee is ready tew marry dis man who she thinkss is thee onee for her,.'!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews