Picture a fearless storyteller from Mississippi who weaves raw, soul-stirring tales about race, family, and Southern life—meet Kiese Laymon! Born in Jackson in 1974, Laymon’s unflinching honesty and genre-bending style have made him a vital voice in contemporary American literature. His works, from the time-traveling novel Long Division to the award-winning memoir Heavy, tackle tough truths with heart and humor, inviting readers to rethink the world around them.
With a knack for blending personal stories with sharp social commentary, Laymon doesn’t just write—he reckons. His books challenge readers to face America’s complexities head-on, earning him accolades like the MacArthur Fellowship and a devoted following. Ready to dive into his world? Let’s explore how this literary trailblazer came to be.
The Making of Kiese Laymon
Kiese Laymon grew up in Jackson, Mississippi, where his mother, a political science professor, instilled a love for reading and writing. Her influence was profound but complicated—she pushed him toward excellence in a world she knew would be harsh to a Black man, sometimes through tough discipline. Laymon’s early life was shaped by this dynamic, alongside the vibrant culture of the South. He attended Millsaps College, where he faced suspension for borrowing a library book without checking it out, and later earned a BA from Oberlin College and an MFA from Indiana University.
His path to writing wasn’t smooth. Laymon’s bold essays on race at Millsaps stirred controversy, and early in his career, he resisted pressure from publishers to tone down the racial politics in his work. This tenacity defined his journey, leading him to independent publisher Agate Publishing, which embraced his vision. Today, he’s a professor of English and Creative Writing at Rice University, shaping the next generation of writers.
Kiese Laymon’s Unforgettable Stories
Laymon’s bibliography is a masterclass in courage and creativity. His debut novel, Long Division (2013), is a genre-defying tale of two Black teenagers named City, set across 1985 and 2013. Blending time travel, satire, and coming-of-age themes, it captures the cadence of Southern youth while tackling racial politics. Critics hailed its originality, with Roxane Gay calling it “raw and flawed” yet “the most exciting book” she’d read.
His essay collection, How to Slowly Kill Yourself and Others in America (2013), is a piercing look at race, violence, and family. Revised in 2020, it reflects Laymon’s commitment to refining his work. The crown jewel, Heavy: An American Memoir (2018), is a letter to his mother, exploring their fraught relationship, his struggles with addiction and eating disorders, and the weight of systemic racism. It won the Andrew Carnegie Medal and was named one of the 50 best memoirs of the past 50 years by The New York Times. Laymon’s style—soulful, rhythmic, and unflinchingly honest—marries Southern vernacular with profound introspection, making every page sing.
Currently, Laymon is working on projects like Good God, a long poem, and City Summer, Country Summer, a children’s book. His blog, Cold Drank, showcases essays and guest contributions, while his podcast, Reckon True Stories, amplifies diverse voices. Each work pushes boundaries, blending humor, pain, and hope.
Why Kiese Laymon Matters
Kiese Laymon’s impact transcends literature. His fearless exploration of Black Southern identity has reshaped conversations about race and trauma, earning him a 2022 MacArthur Fellowship. Through the Catherine Coleman Literary Arts and Justice Initiative, he empowers Mississippi youth to read, write, and share their stories. Laymon’s insistence on revision—both in his writing and personal life—offers a model for accountability and growth, urging readers to confront their own truths.
His work resonates because it’s universal yet specific, inviting all readers to grapple with love, harm, and healing. As NPR’s Martha Anne Toll put it, Laymon is “a star in the American literary firmament,” with a voice that’s “courageous, honest, loving, and singularly beautiful.” His legacy is one of truth-telling and transformation.
About Kiese Laymon
- Born: August 15, 1974, Jackson, Mississippi
- Key Works: Long Division, How to Slowly Kill Yourself and Others in America, Heavy
- Awards: 2022 MacArthur Fellowship, 2019 Andrew Carnegie Medal, 2018 Christopher Isherwood Prize
- Current Role: Professor at Rice University
Snag Heavy or Long Division and dive into Kiese Laymon’s soulful, game-changing stories! You’ll laugh, cry, and see the world anew.