For Sale: Wanda Coleman. Love-Ins with Nietzsche. Fresno: Wake Up Heavy, 2000.

Description

Wanda Coleman (1946–2013) was a groundbreaking American poet, essayist, and fiction writer, often referred to as the “unofficial poet laureate of Los Angeles.” Her work is celebrated for its raw honesty, sharp critique of societal norms, and vivid depictions of life in Los Angeles, particularly from the perspective of Black and working-class communities.

Coleman’s work continues to resonate for its fearless exploration of inequality, cultural identity, and the complexities of the human condition. She remains an essential figure in both Los Angeles literary history and the broader canon of American literature.

Love-Ins with Nietzsche is memoir-style narrative delving into Coleman’s personal experiences and reflections, intertwining her life narratives with philosophical musings, particularly drawing upon the ideas of Friedrich Nietzsche. The chapbook was notable enough to receive a nomination for the Pushcart Prize, highlighting its significance in contemporary literature.  In Love-Ins… Coleman continues her exploration of complex themes such as identity, race, and existentialism, all hallmarks of her broader body of work. The chapbook offers readers an intimate glimpse into her contemplative world, blending memoir with philosophical inquiry.