• Mississippi Sissy by Kevin Sessums - Fehmerling Books
  • The back cover of the Picador paperback edition of 'Mississippi Sissy' by Kevin Sessums. The dark blue cover features a white text layout with numerous critical endorsements from publications like Vogue, Vanity Fair, and the San Francisco Chronicle. It highlights the book's status as a New York Times Bestseller and its Lambda Literary Award-winning themes of identity and resilience in the 1960s American South.
  • Side-angle view of 'Mississippi Sissy' by Kevin Sessums resting on a neutral background. The screen captures the bold title and author name on the dark spine, reflecting the Picador publishers design. The layout emphasizes the bestselling status of this renowned non-fiction account, showcasing the sharp corners and authentic condition of the St. Martin's Press first edition.
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Mississippi Sissy by Kevin Sessums

Mississippi Sissy by Kevin Sessums

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Mississippi Sissy by Kevin Sessums

In 1960s Mississippi, young Kevin Sessums confronts a turbulent childhood shaped by early loss and the stifling confines of a rigid, unforgiving society. Growing up gay in the Deep South, he seeks refuge in literature, movies, and chance encounters with vibrant personalities like Eudora Welty. Orphaned and raised by his grandparents, Sessums explores complex family dynamics while wrestling with his burgeoning sexuality and the ever-present sting of being different. This poignant coming-of-age memoir reveals a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and the courageous pursuit of belonging in a world that often feels hostile. Explore themes of LGBTQ+ life in the South, Southern literature, and the power of personal narrative.

Why You’ll Love This Book

This Lambda Literary Award-winning memoir seamlessly blends humor and heartbreak, offering a captivating glimpse into the complexities of Southern life. Sessums's remarkably graceful prose paints a vivid portrait of 1960s Mississippi, capturing both its beauty and its prejudices. Readers seeking stories of self-acceptance and overcoming adversity will find deep resonance within these pages.

Book Details

ISBN: 9780312341022

Binding: Paperback

Pub Date:

Publisher: Picador

Pages: 333

Author:

  • Kevin Sessums

Language: English

Curator's Note:

Sessums delivers a sharp, literary account of growing up as a "different" kind of boy in the hyper-masculine, rigid world of 1960s Mississippi. The book shines when he describes finding sanctuary in the arts and the mentorship of Southern icons like Eudora Welty. It’s a rewarding, often witty choice for readers who appreciate a coming-of-age story that balances the harshness of prejudice with the beauty of intellectual awakening.

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