I loved this collection, which runs the gamut of thoughts on politics, justice, early family life and upbringing, personal history, everyday small moments to her life as a professor at and pride for Virginia Tech. I marveled over many of the pieces here, as Giovanni’s emotional and philosophical depth shone through the words and images. I’ve loved her poetry for a long time, but the offerings in this book revealed more of her inner world as an older woman who had seen and experienced so much. She found joy and beauty in small pleasures, relationships, honest work, and words. I love how she signs many of her letters “Poetically, Nikki.” What a force of passion and wisdom she was. A great gift for the poetry collector!
The New Book by Nikki Giovanni, (List Price: $26, William Morrow, 9780063447523, September 2025)
Reviewed by Sarah Goldstein, Old Town Books in Alexandria, Virginia