Kiese Laymon read the prologue of an upcoming novel Tuesday night at the Column's Hotel. The novel would be an autobiographical account of his experiences with sexual abuse, racism, and obesity as a young, black boy growing up in Mississippi. He was the last to speak after student speakers from Loyola. He came up to the microphone dressed down in camo shorts, a sweatshirt, and a sense of familiarity. Before he began reading, he explained that what he wrote in the prologue were things he didn't feel really comfortable sharing with a room full of strangers (understandably).
When he spoke, his voice was strong and confident even when he faltered. He spoke of speaking to his grandmother about the abuse he had endured as a child. When he first told her at 12 years old, his grandmother was not ready to visit those tough, heavy subjects yet. When he got older, he revisited these issues through the subject of food. This time his grandmother was more open to discuss his and her truths. (This is a great example of how he and his grandmother saved each other's lives and staved off a slow death another day.)
After he finished reading, there was a 20 minute Q&A that addressed many topics such as how Laymon got to place where he could become so open and honest, how did he relate to the world as cis black man, and what advice he could give to shy or anxious writers. At the end of the event, Professor Groner introduced me to Laymon (who also thinks the s6 finale of The Walking Dead was awful). Overall, I think Kiese Laymon's honestly, writing talent, and overall amiable personality was awesome to experience.
When he spoke, his voice was strong and confident even when he faltered. He spoke of speaking to his grandmother about the abuse he had endured as a child. When he first told her at 12 years old, his grandmother was not ready to visit those tough, heavy subjects yet. When he got older, he revisited these issues through the subject of food. This time his grandmother was more open to discuss his and her truths. (This is a great example of how he and his grandmother saved each other's lives and staved off a slow death another day.)
After he finished reading, there was a 20 minute Q&A that addressed many topics such as how Laymon got to place where he could become so open and honest, how did he relate to the world as cis black man, and what advice he could give to shy or anxious writers. At the end of the event, Professor Groner introduced me to Laymon (who also thinks the s6 finale of The Walking Dead was awful). Overall, I think Kiese Laymon's honestly, writing talent, and overall amiable personality was awesome to experience.
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