Heavy: An American Memoir
- Genre: Nonfiction; Autobiography; Social Commentary
- Originally Published: 2018
- Reading Level/Interest: College/Adult
- Structure/Length: 16 chapters; approximately 257 pages; approximately 6 hours, 17 minutes on audiobook
- Central Concern: This deeply personal memoir explores the author's experiences growing up as a Black man in Jackson, Mississippi, dealing with issues such as racism, obesity, sexual violence, trauma, and family relationships. Through this, Laymon discusses broader social and cultural issues, particularly the way America conceptualizes Black bodies and identity.
- Potential Sensitivity Issues: Racism; physical and emotional abuse; sexual violence; explicit language including use of the n-word; eating disorders.
CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Unit:
- Weight
- Racism and Language
- Truth and Lies
STUDY OBJECTIVES: In accomplishing the components of this Unit, students will:
- Consider the role that language plays in shaping our lives and lived experience, and how societal perspective of language can either perpetuate harmful stereotypes or provide a path for liberation.