Andy Corren's memoir 'Dirtbag Queen' expands on a viral tribute to his mother
Feb 4, 2025
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Andy Corren, author of 'Dirtbag Queen,' shares his vibrant and poignant memories of growing up with his unconventional mother in Fayetteville, North Carolina. He reflects on his viral obituary that captured her spirit and the lessons learned from their chaotic upbringing. The conversation touches on nostalgic moments at a local bowling alley, the humor and hardships of family life in the 70s and 80s, and the profound love shared during his mother's final days. Corren's candid storytelling beautifully honors his mother's legacy.
Andy Corren's memoir 'Dirtbag Queen' showcases how his unconventional upbringing shaped his identity amidst chaos and love.
The family's connection to B&B Lanes, a local bowling alley, highlights the importance of community and resilience in their lives.
Deep dives
A Unique Bond Through Chaos
The memoir 'Dirtbag Queen' by Andy Corrin captures the vibrant and unconventional upbringing he experienced with his mother, Renee. Growing up in a chaotic environment, Corrin reflects on how his mother's non-traditional parenting shaped his identity and family dynamics. Despite the wildness of their life, he emphasizes the love and care that was always present, albeit expressed differently than in conventional families. Through anecdotes, he illustrates that they were raised in a supportive yet chaotic atmosphere, where self-reliance was paramount.
Shared Experiences and Community
Corrin shares fond memories of their family life revolving around B&B Lanes, a local bowling alley where Renee worked multiple shifts. This venue served as a hub for their family's nourishment and camaraderie, providing them with meals and a sense of belonging. Corrin also highlights the significance of their experiences delivering newspapers in the infamous Hay Street, illustrating how these activities drew the family closer despite their hardships. Ultimately, he portrays these moments as a testament to their resilience and the unbreakable bond formed amidst life's challenges.
In 2021, Andy Corren published an obituary for his late mother in The Fayetteville Observer. "A plus-sized Jewish lady redneck died in El Paso on Saturday," he wrote. His colorful, candid remembrance went viral on Twitter, and now Corren has expanded the tribute into a memoir. Dirtbag Queen recounts the author's experience of growing up in Fayetteville, North Carolina, with a single, Southern, unconventional mother of six children. In today's episode, Corren speaks with NPR's Scott Simon about the bowling alley that anchored the author's childhood, nights spent in the city's red-light district, and being raised in his mother's image.
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