December 4, 2018

Heavy: An American Memoir


"I had to sit and listen to hundreds of talks from you and your friends telling me no black hoodies in wrong neighborhoods, no jogging at night, hands in plain sight at all times in public, no intimate relationships with white women, never drive over the speed limit or do those rolling stops at stop signs, always speak the king's English in the presence of white folk, never get outperformed in school or in public by white students, and most important, always remember, no matter what, white folk will do anything to get you." ~ pg. 83

How many of us got that talk from Big Ma or Granddaddy? How many of our black parents warned us that you have to be twice as good to get half the credit? Sad how we still have to prove ourselves and calculate our every move in this land of the free. Kiese Laymon lays it all out in his new memoir.

Heavy: An American Memoir needs no convincing to read. The literary awards speak for its powerful true story. Essayist/Author, Kiese Laymon, lends to readers the heavy burden of being a black man in today's America. He explains what the weight of a lifetime of secrets, lies, family and a nation does to a black body.

"Reread the books that mean the most to you. Lock your doors. Walk in groups. Strive for protection. Edit your work." ~ pg. 111

Kiese Laymon holds nothing back as he shares personal stories about sex, obesity, anorexia, writing, gambling and more. Definitely a must-read for young black men and the women standing beside them. Heavy is...well, heavy. So brace yourselves; it could be triggering but is more-so insightful.

Title: Heavy: An American Memoir
Author: Kiese Laymon
Published: October 2018
Pages: 256
Edition: eBook
Rating: 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤

   

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