Customer Reviews

Passion, Pride, and Politickin': Homegrown Poetry and Essays

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This past weekend at the 2nd BWRC in Dallas, TX, I heard Ms. Jamal Sharif recite one of her poems from Passion, Pride and Politikin': Homegrown Poetry and Essays, and was impressed by her "in your face", "tell it like it is" manner. Her message was clear, and I was feeling every word she so eloquently delivered. Afterwards, I had the pleasure of meeting this talented young woman and was impressed by her poise and character. That being the case, I purchased Passion, Pride and Politikin': Homegrown Poetry and Essays and read the entire book during my bus ride to and from work a couple of days ago. This sister's gift for expression is to be highly commended. Keepin' it real throughout, Ms. Sharif took me on a trip back to my neighborhood, back to my girlhood, back to relationships that failed because of me and in spite of me. She made me recall games played joyfully as a child, made me ponder the state of our children and the world they're growing up in right now, made me remember friends I've lost through violence and drugs. Her commentary on love-for others and for self-is insightful and will make you think, as well as, incite hours of serious self-examination. For one so young, she has a wisdom beyond her years and I have a great deal of admiration for her and her work.

Take time out of your day to travel with this intelligent and gracious sister. Passion, Pride and Politikin': Homegrown Poetry and Essays is a must read for poetry lovers and truth seekers alike.

Powerful words flow from the pen of this emerging poet. Her book covers the gamut of issues facing today's generation and she does it with style, frankness and humor. You won't be disappointed if you purchase this debut collection of poetry and essays

A professor of mine raved about this book and read a few pages of it to a group of girls at a summer mentoring program I facilitate. It was so great that I had to buy my own copy! I absolutely loved it from beginning to end. The poetry was real and I could identify with every page. We even did a great book review for it at Shenique Magazine ([...]), a magazine for teen girls.

Don't sleep on this one or you will regret it. The author is bringing it to you fresh from the Wood, Inglewood, California. If you didn't grow up as an African America Girl in Los Angeles, but you want some idea of the influences, read this piece of work! This author takes you on a journey, visual and verbal through her poetry and essays that is so real, you will be entranced and unable to put the book down. Leave no page unturned as you feel the Passion, Pride, and Politickin of Ms. Shariff, an incredible writer, with a mind STILL developing with fresh new thoughts.

I am scared of you Ms. Shariff aka Supa Sister. I'm out!

This book had me laughing out loud because of the frankness expressed in these poems and essays. It is very refreshing to see written many things I have thought about: romance, politics and the Hip-Hop community. Ms. Jamal and her collection of "in yo face" words make you stand up and take notice.

Ms. Jamal touches on your fears, accomplishments and fantasies. On page 10, she introduces Ghetto Poem, my interpretation of this poem is about how close we all are to being homeless. Looking at someone else's backyard could easily be my own one day. As scary as some of Jamal's work is, it is our reality, and the world we live in. I challenge you to take the plunge and delve into Passion, Pride, and Politickin. It's a wonderful experience.

Reviewed by Missy

Okay people, there's a new Sharif in town -- Jamal Sharif. Anyone caught flipping through the pages of her book "Passion, Pride and Politickin': Homegrown Poetry and Essays," will be sentenced to her 'n-yo-face brand of poetic justice. Ms. Sharif's "Public Service Announcement" about the "Consequences of Pussy Politics," or her insightfulness of "Why Good, Black Women End Up Alone: As Response to Joy Jones," will arrest your metaphoric senses. These are just a few of the titles from her book with powerful messages regarding self-love, self-pride, cultural diversity, and the Black experience seen through the eyes of a Black woman not afraid to speak her mind.

As Ms. Sharif so profoundly states in her Preface: "In every person's life, and especially every woman's, there comes a time when one must have the courage to define herself, herself." Each poem and essay in "Passion, Pride and Politickin'" candidly defines the real Jamal Sharif and the world she lives in. From cover-to-cover, Ms. Sharif holds no punches and makes no apologies for her outspokenness. If you're looking for a reference book of life's lessons, with a touch of inspirational healing messages, then "Passion, Pride and Politickin'" is definitely a must read book for those sentenced to a life lacking confidence and facing one's fears.

I'd like to hire Ms. Sharif to write my life story. Perhaps, she already did!...

Jamal Sharif paints pictures with her poetry that keep you grounded and lift you into a higher mental state all in the same sequence. I enjoyed the essays immensely as well as the poetry. If you don't have this book I'd suggest you do it now!