Nonfiction
Kiese Laymon

The best and most important read in YEARS. In “Heavy,” Kiese Laymon details the complexities of our addictions—to being hurt and hurting others—in ways that simultaneously honor the past while looking ahead. In writing this memoir, Laymon flexes the ability to examine his multi-layered life and the structures of his identity: as a professor, as a son, as a Black man, as a compassionate human being. His voice never hesitates while writing with the kindness that urges us all to do better and to be better. It urges us “To love the people we purport to love.” Written in second-person voice, this book is ultimately about healing.

(After reading this book: check out Laymon’s blog for his mother’s response to the work!)
-Drew