62 pages • 2 hours read
Kiese LaymonHeavy
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2018A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Heavy is Kiese Laymon's 2018 memoir addressing his complex relationship with his mother, his experiences of racism, and his struggles with body image and addiction while growing up in Jackson, Mississippi, and later as a successful academic. Sensitive topics include physical and sexual violence, eating disorders, and gambling addiction.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Kiese Laymon's Heavy is praised for its raw, candid portrayal of race, weight, and family, delivering a powerful narrative that's both personal and universal. Some reviewers note its challenging and intense subject matter. While Laymon's prose is lauded for its strength and beauty, others find the emotional heaviness overwhelming. Overall, Heavy is recognized as a significant and impactful memoir.
Who Should Read Heavy?
Readers who appreciate powerful memoirs tackling personal and societal issues would enjoy Heavy by Kiese Laymon. Fans of Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates and Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson will resonate with Laymon's exploration of race, weight, and family dynamics. This book appeals to those interested in authentic, introspective narratives.