Chasing Utopia: A Hybrid

The poetry of Nikki Giovanni has spurred social justice movements
and inspired songs, turned hearts and informed generations about the reality of
life—especially Black life--in America. One of the foremost African-American
writers and activists of her generation, she has been hailed as a healer and a
sage, a powerful voice on issues of race, equality, violence, and
discrimination.

With Chasing
Utopia, Giovanni demands that the prosaic—flowers, food, birdsong,
winter—be seen as poetic, and reaffirms once again why she is as energetic,
"remarkable" (Gwendolyn Brooks), "wonderful" (Marian Wright
Edelman),"outspoken, prolific, energetic" (New York Times), and
relevant as ever.

 “This slim volume delights on
every page. There are stories, imaginings, whimsy, and startling images which
prove the poet’s power and her command of language . . . Anyone with a love of
language will be delighted with this book and the continuing publication of
America’s treasured poet.”—San
Francisco Book Review

Nikki Giovanni's poetry has spurred movements and inspired songs, turned hearts and informed generations. She's been hailed as a healer and as a national treasure. But Giovanni's heart resides in the everyday, where family and lovers gather, friends commune, and those no longer with us are remembered. And at every gathering there is food—food as sustenance, food as aphrodisiac, food as memory. A pot of beans is flavored with her mother's sighs—this sigh part cardamom, that one the essence of clove; a lover requests a banquet as an affirmation of ongoing passion; homage is paid to the most time-honored appetizer: soup.

With Chasing Utopia, Giovanni demands that the prosaic—flowers, birdsong, win-ter—be seen as poetic, and reaffirms once again why she is as energetic, "remarkable" (Gwendolyn Brooks), "wonderful" (Marian Wright Edelman),"outspoken, prolific, energetic" (New York Times), and relevant as ever.

“This slim volume delights on every page. There are stories, imaginings, whimsy, and startling images which prove the poet’s power and her command of language . . . Anyone with a love of language will be delighted with this book and the continuing publication of America’s treasured poet.” - San Francisco Book Review

“That image of the poet as an astute, intuitive friend could be used to characterize Giovanni’s entire oeuvre . . . she is always concerned with the business of living, whether she’s celebrating simple pleasures, observing the difficulties of love, or denouncing hate . . . the whole collection is enlivened by Giovanni’s distinctive vibrant spirit.” - Knoxville News-Sentinel

“Giovanni has long been a force for literary exuberance and social responsibility. In her latest accessible, teasing, and poignant collection, she offers straightforward, plain-speaking, sneakily resonant poems . . . she celebrates the opportunity to ‘be a truth giver / contribute / something beautiful and useful to the world.’” - Booklist

“Giovanni remains an architect of life observations. . . . The world is a richer place for her three-decade body of work.” - Miami Herald

“Praise for Quilting the Black-Eyed Pea: “An embracing, uplifting, and sustaining voice.” - Booklist

Praise for Acolytes: “The work of Nikki Giovanni has been as evolutionary as it has been revolutionary. One of the finest poets of our time. . . Her work still resonates.” - Ebony

Praise for The Collected Poetry of Nikki Giovanni: “Wise and mischievous, Giovanni is a must-read at every stage of her happily, still growing oeuvre.” - Booklist

“Nikki Giovanni’s work has always been remarkable for energy, venturesomeness, direct honesty, and courage.” - Gwendolyn Brooks