Kiese Laymon

Kiese Laymon is an acclaimed American author, best known for his work "Heavy: An American Memoir." This powerful memoir won the 2019 Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Nonfiction, the 2018 Christopher Isherwood Prize for Autobiographical Prose, and the Austen Riggs Erikson Prize for Excellence in Mental Health Media. Laymon's writing often explores themes such as feminism, masculinity, American racism, geography, family, Hip-Hop, and black life in the Southern states.

Born in Jackson, Mississippi, on August 15, 1974, Laymon was raised in his hometown and went on to attend Millsaps College and Jackson State University before graduating from Oberlin College. He then earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from Indiana University. In addition to his success as an author, Laymon is a respected professor of Creative Writing and English at the Mississippi University, and he has contributed his editing skills to Gawker. He has also written for various publications, including Esquire, ESPN.com, NPR, Truthout.com, Longman’s Hip Hop Reader, Mythium, and Politics and Culture.

In addition to "Heavy: An American Memoir," Laymon has written several other notable works. These include the novel "Long Division," which was published in June 2013, and a collection of essays, "How to Slowly Kill Yourself and Others in America," which was released in August 2013. Laymon is also known for his blog, Cold Drank, where he features his own essays, short fiction works, provocations, and pieces by guest contributors. His writing has earned him a reputation as a powerful and insightful voice on issues related to race, identity, and American culture.