Kiese Laymon, a celebrated novelist acclaimed for his memoir "Heavy," dives deep into the intricate challenges of retelling personal and cultural narratives. He discusses reclaiming the rights to his works, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in addressing complex societal themes like race. Laymon reflects on the struggles Black writers face, including the pressure from mostly white audiences and the impact of systemic racism on storytelling. The conversation also touches on the need for diverse voices in literature and the healing power of revision.
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A Bad Book Deal
Kiese Laymon signed a bad book deal early in his career, selling two books for a low four-figure sum.
He later paid $50,000 to regain the rights, highlighting the importance of carefully considering contracts.
insights INSIGHT
Revision as Self-Reflection
Revising published work offers a chance for self-reflection and growth.
This is particularly relevant for Black writers who explore personal pain and experiences in their writing.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Revising Kanye Essay
Kiese Laymon revised an essay about Kanye West and Black male feminists.
He felt his initial critique was performative rather than genuine self-reflection.
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How To Slowly Kill Yourself And Others In America Essays
Kiese Laymon
In *How to Slowly Kill Yourself and Others in America*, Kiese Laymon presents a powerful and introspective collection of essays that delve into personal and societal issues such as family, race, violence, and coming of age in Mississippi. The book is both a personal reflection and a broader commentary on American society, offering a unique blend of humor, lyricism, and unflinching honesty.
Long Division
Kiese Laymon
Long Division is a novel that weaves together two narratives: one set in 2013, where a teenager named Citoyen 'City' Coldson becomes embroiled in a viral controversy, and another in 1985, where City and his friend Shalaya discover a time-travel portal. The book explores themes of racism, identity, and the complexities of American history. It is known for its innovative structure and metafictional elements, blending humor and depth in its portrayal of Black American experiences.
Heavy
An American Memoir
Kiese Laymon
In this memoir, Kiese Laymon delves into his complex relationship with his mother, grandmother, and his own body, addressing themes of weight, identity, art, family, and national failures. Laymon writes about his experiences growing up in Jackson, Mississippi, including early encounters with sexual violence, his suspension from college, and his journey to becoming a young college professor in New York. The book is a candid and insightful exploration of the consequences of living in a country obsessed with progress but disinterested in reckoning with its past, and it highlights the personal and national weight of secrets, lies, and trauma[1][3][5].
Vox's Jamil Smith speaks with novelist and author Kiese Laymon in a far-ranging conversation about Laymon's reacquiring the rights to his own books, the struggle of retelling our own stories, and the challenges of articulating American narratives that include all Americans accurately.
Host: Jamil Smith (@JamilSmith), Senior Correspondent, Vox
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