Kiese Laymon

Cover art for "Heavy: An American Memoir" and Kiese Laymon. Black text spells "HEAVY" and white text spells "AN AMERICAN MEMOIR" and "KIESE LAYMON" on red background; Black man in black hooded sweatshirt poses in front of green trees and grey sky
Sameer Rao  Jan 28, 2019 3:14PM EST

Kiese Laymon Wins Andrew Carnegie Medal, Gives Prize Money to Young Mississippians

The “Heavy: An American Memoir” author and educator will donate his prize money from the American Library Association award to organizations that work with young people in his home state.
A Black man wearing a black hoodie and a red book with black writing that says "Heavy"
Akiba Solomon  Oct 16, 2018 6:21PM EDT

'Heavy' Author Kiese Laymon Is Not Here to Titillate You

With his new memoir ,”Heavy,” the Mississippi author and professor charts a childhood filled with trauma, fear, violence and secrets. Here’s why he revealed so very much about his family, friends and hometown.

 
Black and white text blocks on orange background
Sameer Rao  Jan 10, 2018 12:07PM EST

Cassius Tackles Toxic Masculinity in #MeToo Era With January Cover

Darnell L. Moore: “Because it’s time to reflect on the ways our collective love for ‘masculinity’ is like a tight ass grip choking brothers’ freedom, whether they have learned to breathe with hands around their necks or not.”
Black letters on a red background read "The Fire This Time."
Kenrya Rankin  Aug 15, 2016 4:25PM EDT

QUOTABLE: 3 Important Passages From New Book 'The Fire This Time'

Jesmyn Ward’s “The Fire This Time: A New Generation Speaks about Race” hit bookshelves earlier this month. Here are three passages you must read even before you buy your own copy.
Kiese Laymon  Dec 30, 2013 7:00AM EST

Kiese Laymon on Trayvon, Black Manhood and Love

Author Kiese Laymon reflects on the killing of Trayvon Martin, black manhood and the prospect of real black love.
Akiba Solomon  Aug 14, 2013 1:09PM EDT

Kiese Laymon On Race and Writing

Jackson, Miss., native Kiese Laymon is the first-time author of not one but two books: “How to Slowly Kill Yourself and Others in America,” an essay collection released this week, and a satirical time-travel novel, “Long Division,” which came out in June.