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 voices in African American literature and a celebrated activist 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 in this collection of deeply personal essays, 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

"If there was a need for poetry that galvanized and inspired, there was also a demand for poetry that comforted and unified — and Ms. Giovanni provided on both counts." — The Washington Post

This collection of poetry and prose finds wisdom in the most unexpected places:

• Reflective Memoir: From her grandmother’s kitchen to a surprising quest for the world’s best beer, Giovanni shares the intimate stories and recipes that shaped her.
• New Poetry: A series of new poems that tackle everything from social justice to the art of cooking, all with Giovanni’s signature wit and fire.
• A Voice for Generations: Reaffirming her place as a vital American voice, Giovanni explores Black life, love, and the enduring power of family.
• Literary Nonfiction: A master class in storytelling where thoughtful prose and lyrical verse combine to create a truly unique reading experience.

From one of America’s most celebrated poets, Nikki Giovanni, comes this poignant collection of poetry that celebrates the simple pleasures of everyday life and the bonds we share with those closest to us.

The poetry of Nikki Giovanni 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, 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

“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