Kiese Laymon on ‘City Summer, Country Summer’ with Joseph Earl Thomas

Join The Center for Fiction in welcoming one of the most innovative voices in contemporary publishing, Kiese Laymon, to celebrate the release of his lyrical picture book, City Summer, Country Summer.

Laymon’s story follows three Black boys as they visit family in Mississippi. Given the space to explore and grow by Grandmama and Mama Lara, they forge meaningful bonds, navigating their differences and the unspoken things between them. In collaboration with illustrator Ashley Franklin, Laymon has crafted an illuminating and heartfelt book about a transformative summer trip and the life-changing friendships that result from it.

Joseph Earl Thomas, 2024 First Novel Prize winner for God Bless You, Otis Spunkmeyer, will join Laymon to discuss writing across genres, the spiritual dimensions of his craft, and the work it takes to break new ground in representation. A book signing will follow the event.