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 .