Chasing Utopia: A Hybrid
About this ebook
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.
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About the author
Nikki Giovanni (1943–2024), poet, activist, mother, grandmother, and educator, grew up in Tennessee and Ohio and graduated with honors from Fisk University in Nashville. The author of over thirty books, she was also the recipient of seven NAACP Image Awards, the Langston Hughes Medal for Outstanding Poetry, the Frost Medal, as well as thirty-one honorary degrees and an Emmy Award. She garnered her most unusual honor in 2007 when a South American bat species—Micronycteris giovanniae—was named in celebration of her. A devoted teacher and honorary member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., she spent thirty-five years as University Distinguished Professor of English at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia.
