Kiese Laymon

Kiese Laymon is an influential American author, essayist, and professor known for his piercing insights into race, identity, and personal history. Born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi, Laymon's experiences in the American South heavily influence his work. His celebrated memoir, "Heavy," won the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Nonfiction and offers a raw, powerful narrative on his life and struggles with weight, family, and societal expectations. Laymon has also penned the critically acclaimed novel "Long Division" and essay collection "How to Slowly Kill Yourself and Others in America." A fierce advocate for truth and social justice, he inspires readers worldwide.