Heavy

by Kiese Laymon
Heavy cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Biography and Memoir
Technical:
  • ID: 710
  • Added: 2025-09-19
  • Updated: 2025-09-20
  • ISBN: 9781526605757
  • Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
  • Published: 2018-01-01
  • Formats: 26
  • Reviews: 3
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Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99

In Heavy, Kiese Laymon writes with unflinching honesty about the physical manifestations of violence, grief, trauma, and abuse on his own body. He explores his personal struggles with an eating disorder and gambling addiction, as well as the similar issues that run throughout his family. Through self-exploration, storytelling, and candid conversations with family and friends, Laymon seeks to bring hidden truths into the light and reckon with their myriad sources, from intimate mother-child relationships to the broader societal undervaluation and abuse of black bodies for centuries. Laymon's memoir is a profound and moving account that combines personal narrative with broader social commentary, offering a unique perspective on the intersection of personal and collective trauma.

Reviews
Please Read It To Me · 2023-02-09
brave 4.00

The memoir's frank discussion of body dysmorphia and personal struggles makes it a challenging but rewarding read. The reviewer appreciates the author's bravery in addressing difficult topics.

This reviewer found Heavy to be a challenging yet rewarding read, particularly due to its frank discussion of body dysmorphia and personal struggles. They admire Laymon's bravery in tackling such difficult topics with honesty and vulnerability. The reviewer acknowledges the emotional weight of the book but ultimately finds it to be a powerful and important narrative. They appreciate the way Laymon's experiences are presented, making the reader reflect on their own perceptions of identity and self-worth.

Quick quotes

    While the sections were difficult to read, I appreciated Laymon's frank discussion of his body dysmorphia.

    The ways it was amplified by his family and societal expectations.

    A challenging yet rewarding read.

UU Library Blog · 2020-06-01
honest 5.00

The memoir is described as the most honest and impactful personal narrative the reviewer has ever read. It offers a unique perspective on identity and self-acceptance.

The reviewer was deeply moved by Heavy, calling it the most honest memoir they have ever encountered. They highlight Laymon's unflinching exploration of personal struggles and societal issues, making it a standout read. The reviewer particularly appreciates the book's raw honesty and its ability to evoke strong emotions. They found the narrative to be both insightful and deeply personal, offering a unique perspective on the human experience.

Quick quotes

    Heavy is probably the most honest memoir I have ever read.

    As a white woman, I don't know and won't ever know all the ways in which this book is for Black people.

    Laymon's writing is raw, honest, and deeply impactful.

NPR · 2018-10-17
powerful 4.50

The memoir is a powerful exploration of American violence and family dynamics, rendered with clear and animated prose. It delves into the complexities of family love and the struggle for self-realization.

This reviewer found Heavy to be a compelling narrative that brilliantly captures the intersection of personal and national struggles. The writing is vivid and engaging, providing a raw and honest look at family violence and the enduring power of love. They appreciate the memoir's ability to balance vulnerability with defiance, making it a poignant read. The reviewer also highlights how the book's themes resonate on a broader societal level, offering insights into the American experience.

Quick quotes

    Heavy is a compelling record of American violence and family violence, and the wide, rutted embrace of family love.

    In clear, animated prose, Laymon's memoir is a powerful exploration of identity and struggle.

    The book brilliantly renders the struggle to become fully realized.

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