Customer Reviews

Musings of a Mocha Sista

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
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I AFFIRM/I am who I am/and love who I am

When I opened "Musings of a Mocha Sista" to scan a few poems, I happened to open the book up at "I Affirm." Though the author wrote the poem for "her systagyrls," much of it is relative to self-love within both men and women.

Although I am more of a fiction reader, but love to hear poetry as a spoken word, I thoroughly enjoyed reading "Musings of a Mocha Sista." It is rare that a poet stretches his or her wings, and the author does that with elegance through her poetry, short stories, and essays.

This book is certainly a Bible for loving self and embracing spirituality. The author sums up something that the American Black community needs to live and learn by: love each other/support each other/cause we's be/on da black side chile.

Hats off to a very talented writer! I especially enjoyed the poetry compiled under "Spiritual Break."

Some other notables include: "I'ma Natural Gyrl - made this "chemical" girl ready to convert; "Thank God For She" - a beautiful dedication to a mother; "I Wanna Go Back Part 1 & 2" - brought back memories; "Comfort Zone" - this poem should be every woman's anthem, just cool with being who you are inside and out!

From the eye catching cover to the last page Musings of A Mocha Sista is a simply scrumpious read. Prepare yourself for a smorgasbord of heartfelt writings. Through Mocha, Ms. Osbey captures the true essence of a madrid of emotions. After finishing Musings I was full of hope and possibilty. Last but not least, Mocha's Storyboard is wonderful with a capital W. I felt each character as I read their part. It's one thing to read, but a totally different thing to understand. Thank you Pam for such an enlightening journey.

T.C. Matthews
Co-Founder
Prolific Writers Network

Black women are strong and beautiful and live with the stress and drama of life everyday. Musings Of A Mocha Sista by Pam Osbey is a compilation of positive stories and poetry that make me proud to be a Black woman. One of my favorite poems is "Sista Love," this poem details how instead of downing each other. As women we should lift each other and be there for one another.

In the poem "Rejoice" Ms Osbey writes of letting God into your life and letting the glory of His Word rain down upon you. This poem is deeply spiritual and serves as a beacon of light in dark times. This poem is most definitely appropriate now as we as a country try to recover from recent terrorist attacks.

Pam Osbey is a force to be reckoned with in the literary world and I am very much looking forward to reading more of her work. On the RAW scale Musings Of A Mocha Sista is a 4.

Reviewed by Simone A. Hawks

I have had the chance to meet Pam Osbey...better yet, I have heard her bless the microphone with her spoken word. And each and every time it seems like her energy reaches out and grasps a hold of the minds of her audience without mercy, taking you to the world she's painting through her words; fluid, sensual, powerful, sexy...yet relevant, these are words that come to my mind when I think of/hear her work. Now, with her book, Musings of a Mocha Sister, it all comes together. Ever more powerful, hitting home more than ever, this is a book of poetry that almost everyone will relate to and appreciate. Standouts are: Deepa, I Affirm, The Tango, Breathe...need I go on? Check it out for yourself, you won't be dissapointed. The realism in her work reflects her personality in life, a fusion of truth, fun, and sensitivity. Way to go, Pam! Can't wait for what else you have in store.

I picked up a copy from the author, who I met, on a train in Chicago one day. I saw the beautiful cover and wanted to read the book because it looked great. Inside you'll find nice poetry and prose. It's a great book that will definitely lets the reader experience her afrocentric nature in all aspects! She has a great way of letting her readers feel natural and comfortable in their own skin.

I had a chance to download the original version of this book last year and loved it. I have also seen Mocha perform and she is a phenomenal sistah with many talents. I was glad when I saw that her book was available in tradeback form this year! Not only is the book for women, the book is for people who are romantic, spiritual, positive, and love life! This mocha sista keeps it real by talking about relationships, loving your self, and so much more. She has poetry for those who love poetry, and then she has short stories and essays. My favorite poem is "Tango" a relationship poem that keeps it real and true. She uplifts the sisters with "I Affirm" and "I'm a Natural Gyrl!" I can't wait until I see more from Ms. Osbey. You will definitely feel the love and spirit here.

The words and rhythms that Ms. Osbey lets the readers experience a world of romance, love, and spiritualism as you read the "Musings". One of my favorite poems is "Breathe": you definitely feel the deep love because it is so beautifully written with words that take you to another time and place. You can definitely hear her lyricism in all of her work, especially the poetry. If you like positive poetry and prose that is soothing, then you will definitely love the "Musings." What's even better is hearing this sistah perform her unique brand of poetry and prose. I have seen her perform locally here in Chicago at several poetry venues... and she's a talented sistah, who's definitely gonna rise and I look forward to seeing more work from her.

Pam Osbey adds a wonderful mix of poetry, prose and essay to her debut compilation, Musings of A Mocha Sista. As an accomplished poet and performer, one can definitely hear the lyricism in Osbey's poetry and feel the passion and enlightenment that is evoked through her work. Osbey's poetry touches several facets of life, such as ethnicity, love, relationships, and spirituality. As some of my favorites: "I'ma Natural Gyrl" is an anthem of many sistahs who prefer to be free and true to their hair, "Sacrifice" will put you in the spirit to glorify His name, "Breathe" takes you deeply into the passion of love that intertwines and connects lovers, and "Beautiful One" tells all sisters to stand up and be PROUD for being who you are. ALL of Osbey's poetry will bring a light of reflection and inspiration to readers.

Aside from poetry, Osbey gives us prose that is satisfying, while also offering us a small taste of her upcoming novel, Saleria's Song. After being delighted by her poetry and prose, Osbey presents a couple of her essays that discuss body image, satisfying your soul and being single, all of which are written in Osbey's clear cut, yet conversational style.

I think everyone will find something in MUSINGS that will attract them to this compilation, and I would definitely recommend it to others.

Reviewed by Shonie