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Born a Colored Girl
From the author of Pappy Moses' Peanut Plantation and A Slave's Song - Two slaves, a mother and daughter, separated during the Civil War never to see each other again. From her mother's diary, Etta Jean will learn to love the mother she never knew. And from the same diary, a mother will finally give of herself.
- GenresFictionHistorical
191 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 2, 2017
276 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
January 27, 2019
This is a touching book that inspired me to look at life differently.I wi
This was a touching book that inspired me to want the best for me and my grandaughters. I will buy this book to read them some highlights to let the know how they can be.wealthy and a hard worker. The best is yet to come. This book is amazing
This was a touching book that inspired me to want the best for me and my grandaughters. I will buy this book to read them some highlights to let the know how they can be.wealthy and a hard worker. The best is yet to come. This book is amazing
March 23, 2020
This was such a great book and it was so different from any historical fiction that I have read. The story is unique, positive and the message I took from it was about not losing hope, rising above circumstances and being a person of integrity always.
April 16, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. A unique story line that held my attention from the very first page.
February 3, 2019
Feel Good Book
My first book from this author. Well written storyline. Couldn’t put the book down, I finished it overnight. New Fan!
My first book from this author. Well written storyline. Couldn’t put the book down, I finished it overnight. New Fan!
January 21, 2023
Good story
. I really enjoyed this book. I love the way it went back and forth from mother to daughter through a book. I was really hoping that she would meet her children.
. I really enjoyed this book. I love the way it went back and forth from mother to daughter through a book. I was really hoping that she would meet her children.
May 10, 2020
This was a really good book. It brought about a slew of different emotions and feelings about how “black folks”were treated. It’s always bittersweet to read/hear/learn about those things. The way Elizabeth was set and determined not to be labeled as Just a Colored Girl and to find her children was very inspiring. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
February 14, 2019
Absolutely riveting!
Growing up in the 1940s as a white child I lived in the world of prejudice and could never understand the why of it but could see how white people talked about and treated blacks. It never seemed right to me and when I left home I met many black people and came to admire them. Their culture, their overwhelming sense of family which I never saw much of in the white world. I also saw the effect slavery had on their negative attitudes towards white people, but also saw and experienced their acceptance of whites far more than the other way around. To me they have good hearts and this book was poignant indeed.
Growing up in the 1940s as a white child I lived in the world of prejudice and could never understand the why of it but could see how white people talked about and treated blacks. It never seemed right to me and when I left home I met many black people and came to admire them. Their culture, their overwhelming sense of family which I never saw much of in the white world. I also saw the effect slavery had on their negative attitudes towards white people, but also saw and experienced their acceptance of whites far more than the other way around. To me they have good hearts and this book was poignant indeed.
December 19, 2019
Mundane is the best word I could think of to describe this book.
Unfortunately, I skimmed through most of this book. It was not the page turner I’m so used to from this author. A lot of the content seemed unbelievable to me.
It’s not too many slaves who would come upon fortune like she did, especially in the civil war era. Whites wouldn’t been to happy with all her wealth. They would have killed her and destroyed everything she worked for; just like they did to Black Wall Street.
Unfortunately, I skimmed through most of this book. It was not the page turner I’m so used to from this author. A lot of the content seemed unbelievable to me.
It’s not too many slaves who would come upon fortune like she did, especially in the civil war era. Whites wouldn’t been to happy with all her wealth. They would have killed her and destroyed everything she worked for; just like they did to Black Wall Street.
June 1, 2019
A sweet ending.
Although this is probably classed a novel, I would call it a fairy tale! ( That I outgrew years ago). There is no part of it, I believe, that could have ever happened. Admit it had a sweet ending.
Although this is probably classed a novel, I would call it a fairy tale! ( That I outgrew years ago). There is no part of it, I believe, that could have ever happened. Admit it had a sweet ending.
October 12, 2021
A Fairy tale
This book is woefully unrealistic.
A black woman, right after the Civil War, amasses great wealth due to her incredible business acumen. She is also an excellent judge of character and only surrounds herself with noble and intelligent people.
She encounters some prejudice along the way but nothing like what Black people, and women as well, have encountered in recent memory, let alone right after the Civil War.
She writes a diary which has been given to her only surviving daughter. (at least that is what you are told in the beginning of the book. And yet, her daughter is told by a private detective of a possible surviving brother…Why is the detective still looking for surviving children when it has already been established that Etta Jean is the only surviving child. Never answered, but I digress)
Her daughter, Etta Jean, turns out to be every bit as brilliant as her mother.
There was no plot that I could see. Just a rendition of monetary successes by the mother. Even the quest to find her children is just barely touched upon.
A hint of potential romance, an adoption… but no real plot or reason to finish the book.
Not that a Black Woman couldn’t achieve and be all of this. Obviously, there are many Black women today who have, but in the 1860’s, would she ever been allowed to have such a success? Would the prejudice she experienced been limited to being shunned and stared at in the first-class rail car and the heartbreak of not being allowed to have a romance between a mixed race couple?
Doubt it.
This book is woefully unrealistic.
A black woman, right after the Civil War, amasses great wealth due to her incredible business acumen. She is also an excellent judge of character and only surrounds herself with noble and intelligent people.
She encounters some prejudice along the way but nothing like what Black people, and women as well, have encountered in recent memory, let alone right after the Civil War.
She writes a diary which has been given to her only surviving daughter. (at least that is what you are told in the beginning of the book. And yet, her daughter is told by a private detective of a possible surviving brother…Why is the detective still looking for surviving children when it has already been established that Etta Jean is the only surviving child. Never answered, but I digress)
Her daughter, Etta Jean, turns out to be every bit as brilliant as her mother.
There was no plot that I could see. Just a rendition of monetary successes by the mother. Even the quest to find her children is just barely touched upon.
A hint of potential romance, an adoption… but no real plot or reason to finish the book.
Not that a Black Woman couldn’t achieve and be all of this. Obviously, there are many Black women today who have, but in the 1860’s, would she ever been allowed to have such a success? Would the prejudice she experienced been limited to being shunned and stared at in the first-class rail car and the heartbreak of not being allowed to have a romance between a mixed race couple?
Doubt it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2018
BORN A COLOTED GIRL
A story of Elizabeth Walker who was born a slave. Her family: husband, sons, and a daughter were sold away to separate plantation owners. Once Elizabeth was granted her freedom from Master Jeffrey, she traveled up north where she took in laundry, cooked, and was the town's midwife. A one woman entrepreneur which was rare at that time. Elizabeth then moved via wagon train with Duncan, a foreign gentleman, and continued to ply her trade and was paid handsomely.
These are letters written from a mom to her daughter, Etta James Newman. Through these words Etta was left with a rich financial outlook, a family heritage as well as lasting words from a mother she never knew.
A story of Elizabeth Walker who was born a slave. Her family: husband, sons, and a daughter were sold away to separate plantation owners. Once Elizabeth was granted her freedom from Master Jeffrey, she traveled up north where she took in laundry, cooked, and was the town's midwife. A one woman entrepreneur which was rare at that time. Elizabeth then moved via wagon train with Duncan, a foreign gentleman, and continued to ply her trade and was paid handsomely.
These are letters written from a mom to her daughter, Etta James Newman. Through these words Etta was left with a rich financial outlook, a family heritage as well as lasting words from a mother she never knew.
January 12, 2026
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I must admit I really enjoyed it. The book is about Elizabeth-a slave who gets separated from her children and of course not by choice. Then you have Etta James, Elizabeth's daughter, who is navigating through life and doesn't know her mother as she was a baby when they were separated. Elizabeth is becomes free and is on a journey to find her children. In the process she makes a name for herself. Eventually she becomes ill, just around the time that her daughter is located. She writes her story to share with her daughter as she knows she will never meet her. This story addresses anger, separation, struggle, the not knowing and forgiveness. #GiveItARead
June 14, 2019
Dont ever give up on your dream.
This book was very has a lot of slave history and the civil war.It enlighten me in so many ways.I had mixed feeling while reading it.It was truly a page turner.It has parts that touched my heart. This women was taken away from her children during the slave trade.She was bound and determine to find them .It was during her hunt that she used her business know how to become a self made millionaire. Which was hard for a black woman during those days.This book is for anyone that following a dream and it seems hopeless. This book will give you hope.
This book was very has a lot of slave history and the civil war.It enlighten me in so many ways.I had mixed feeling while reading it.It was truly a page turner.It has parts that touched my heart. This women was taken away from her children during the slave trade.She was bound and determine to find them .It was during her hunt that she used her business know how to become a self made millionaire. Which was hard for a black woman during those days.This book is for anyone that following a dream and it seems hopeless. This book will give you hope.
August 8, 2019
This is a well written book that that teaches how to make life the best it can be even in trying circumstances. It. Shows the connection of a mother and daughter even though the mother has gone over to the other side. Worth reading. An excellent book.
I chose this book because of one that I read by the same author. The book showed that with self control, patience and opportunity one can be successful and make the best out of adversity. This is a book that anyone can read in particular people of color. It can teach humility, patience and introspection .
I chose this book because of one that I read by the same author. The book showed that with self control, patience and opportunity one can be successful and make the best out of adversity. This is a book that anyone can read in particular people of color. It can teach humility, patience and introspection .
March 27, 2019
So wonderful, this book brought tears to my eyes and joy to my heart!
A wonderful book that gives you insight into a world most can only imagine. Slavery, such a horrible word, but it has been a fact of life for so many since biblical times. The author tells the story in two time periods that have overlapped the lives of a mother and daughter. It could be the life of Madam C J Walker or any black entrepreneur who lived before the Civil War. A Book worth reading!
A wonderful book that gives you insight into a world most can only imagine. Slavery, such a horrible word, but it has been a fact of life for so many since biblical times. The author tells the story in two time periods that have overlapped the lives of a mother and daughter. It could be the life of Madam C J Walker or any black entrepreneur who lived before the Civil War. A Book worth reading!
October 14, 2018
Born a Colored Girl
This is truly a intriguing story about women born in slavery and how they survived. Also how children were sold separately if the master had a previous ought against the slave who were being sold. This story also share how one b!ack woman became rich because of her smarts.
This is truly a intriguing story about women born in slavery and how they survived. Also how children were sold separately if the master had a previous ought against the slave who were being sold. This story also share how one b!ack woman became rich because of her smarts.
December 5, 2018
A black women
I’ve always read from the time I could read. I’ve read what most would call white romantic stories to black hood love stories. I enjoy reading and recently I decided I want to read more about what the past was like and I must say this book is a page turner and I will have my daughter read and it’s not to incite racism it’s more to get an understanding. Thank you
I’ve always read from the time I could read. I’ve read what most would call white romantic stories to black hood love stories. I enjoy reading and recently I decided I want to read more about what the past was like and I must say this book is a page turner and I will have my daughter read and it’s not to incite racism it’s more to get an understanding. Thank you
March 14, 2019
Good Book Indeed!
I truly enjoyed this book. Denver has always took me by surprise with its rich black American history, at one time Madam CJ Walker lived there, although not many black Americans live there. I truly enjoyed this book and place it on a highly recommend to read list.
I truly enjoyed this book. Denver has always took me by surprise with its rich black American history, at one time Madam CJ Walker lived there, although not many black Americans live there. I truly enjoyed this book and place it on a highly recommend to read list.
September 24, 2019
Amazing
This was an amazing heartfelt story that every person should read news matter what color or ethnicity. So many families lost children spouse mother father to the error of slavery. Powerful message of reunion . The portrayal of a mother's love in the midst of adversity simple wonderful
This was an amazing heartfelt story that every person should read news matter what color or ethnicity. So many families lost children spouse mother father to the error of slavery. Powerful message of reunion . The portrayal of a mother's love in the midst of adversity simple wonderful
February 27, 2021
The best I have read in 2021 can't wait for the next one.
This is a must read for every young color girl who is in search of their family roots. To know that nothing can stop you but you our family roots have done the hardest part now it's up to us to carry on. I will be recommending this book to everyone .
This is a must read for every young color girl who is in search of their family roots. To know that nothing can stop you but you our family roots have done the hardest part now it's up to us to carry on. I will be recommending this book to everyone .
October 21, 2022
excellent read
This book was so full of love, lost and found. It’s amazing how the heart doesn’t see color but so many people miss out on true love because they fear what flesh may perceive of them. I’m in awe how the characters evolved throughout the story. I want to read more of this authors books.
This book was so full of love, lost and found. It’s amazing how the heart doesn’t see color but so many people miss out on true love because they fear what flesh may perceive of them. I’m in awe how the characters evolved throughout the story. I want to read more of this authors books.
November 4, 2023
Born A Colored Girl
I truly enjoyed reading this book. As always Black women are phenomenal. To suffer the terrible death of her husband defending his wife and then see her children taken from her is something no person should have to endure, but it gave her strength and perseverance to move forward and achieve and become a successful Black Woman
I truly enjoyed reading this book. As always Black women are phenomenal. To suffer the terrible death of her husband defending his wife and then see her children taken from her is something no person should have to endure, but it gave her strength and perseverance to move forward and achieve and become a successful Black Woman
April 6, 2024
Born A Colored Girl
Excellent book regarding the resilience of one woman destined to change the lives of all that she came in contact, what a sad yet powerful story about the ravages of the Civil war and the changes that takes place in the lives of future generations............
We all have stories to tell...
Excellent book regarding the resilience of one woman destined to change the lives of all that she came in contact, what a sad yet powerful story about the ravages of the Civil war and the changes that takes place in the lives of future generations............
We all have stories to tell...
July 6, 2018
This was a great book. It caught my attention from the beginning. Just read!!!
I recommend this book to everyone. The characters were wonderful and I felt close to them. The best book I've read in a very long time
I recommend this book to everyone. The characters were wonderful and I felt close to them. The best book I've read in a very long time
July 8, 2018
3.5/4.0
First read by this author This was an interesting read. Big contrast to slave stories I've read in the past. This mother, then daughter, were lucky to have all the opportunities that were bestowed upon them. Good fictional story
First read by this author This was an interesting read. Big contrast to slave stories I've read in the past. This mother, then daughter, were lucky to have all the opportunities that were bestowed upon them. Good fictional story
August 3, 2018
Very good book
I loved everything about this story. So many stories about slave life tells of such pain but this one was the portrayal of a strong black business woman who valued family.
I loved everything about this story. So many stories about slave life tells of such pain but this one was the portrayal of a strong black business woman who valued family.
November 12, 2018
Great Story
This book tells.the story from mother & daughter, . I appreciated the overall positive tone despite the times. Easy to follow and an emotional whirlwind, I would definitely recommend
This book tells.the story from mother & daughter, . I appreciated the overall positive tone despite the times. Easy to follow and an emotional whirlwind, I would definitely recommend
November 22, 2018
Opened page 1…...
and read it all. What a very wonderful book. It has such character it leaves you wanting more. When a book can make a person cry tears of sorrow for the characters and tears of joy..... That's a real good book.
and read it all. What a very wonderful book. It has such character it leaves you wanting more. When a book can make a person cry tears of sorrow for the characters and tears of joy..... That's a real good book.
December 6, 2018
Another EXCELLENT read😊
This is the second book I have read by this author and I am intrigued how he tells the stories of slavery and it stirs good and bad emotions. These are teaching moments for others around you! Make a book club selection, see what your girlfriends think 🤔...
This is the second book I have read by this author and I am intrigued how he tells the stories of slavery and it stirs good and bad emotions. These are teaching moments for others around you! Make a book club selection, see what your girlfriends think 🤔...
January 2, 2019
Know who you are and whose you are
This book was awesome to know someone is to love them. It's amazing that no matter how much money you have if you are black you are still treated bad this was in the 1800 and it is still the same in 2019
This book was awesome to know someone is to love them. It's amazing that no matter how much money you have if you are black you are still treated bad this was in the 1800 and it is still the same in 2019
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews