Reflecting on Kiese Laymon's 'City Summer, Country Summer': A Journey Through Brotherhood and New Beginnings
- Mississippi Black Pages
- Apr 3
- 4 min read
As I finished reading City Summer, Country Summer by Kiese Laymon, illustrated by Alexis Franklin, I couldn’t help but reflect on my own journey—particularly my first semester at Tougaloo College. Laymon’s storytelling, with its themes of new beginnings, changing environments, and building relationships, immediately brought me back to that time of transition.
A Fresh Start: Like the First Day of College
Reading City Summer, Country Summer took me straight to the anticipation and curiosity I felt stepping onto Tougaloo's campus. As a freshman, I was meeting new people from all walks of life—each bringing their own unique background, experience, and perspective. Just like the characters in Laymon’s book, I entered a new, but familiar world—a world that both challenged and offered me the chance to form meaningful, lasting connections.
The book's exploration of life between the city and the country reminded me of the contrasting yet complementary aspects of my college experience. Tougaloo, as a historically Black college, felt like a cultural crossroads—a place of exploration, much like the dualities Laymon explores in his work. It was more than just academic learning; it was about learning who I was and what it meant to be a part of something greater than myself.
Building Brotherhood
A key theme that stood out to me in City Summer, Country Summer is the development of brotherhood. In the book, friendships are forged through shared experiences, and this resonated deeply with my own first semester at Tougaloo. It was a time of meeting people who would become my brothers. These individuals weren’t just friends; they were people I would experience life's trials and victories with. Just like the characters in the book, we grew closer by supporting each other through personal struggles.
There was an undeniable sense of community at Tougaloo—a safe haven where we celebrated one another’s successes and lifted each other up during difficult times. The brotherhood I formed there is at the core of my college experience. City Summer, Country Summer reminded me of how significant those early relationships were in shaping who I am today.
Nostalgia and the Power of Storytelling
As I read City Summer, Country Summer, I was overwhelmed with nostalgia. The book captured the essence of summer—its joy, excitement, and the bittersweetness of growing up. I was taken back to those moments of youth, where everything felt new, thrilling, and full of possibilities.
What struck me most was how this book blended the personal and the universal. It reminded me that storytelling is not just about remembering events, but about reconnecting with the person we were and how those moments shaped the person we became.
I realized that, in many ways, my experience at Tougaloo mirrored the journey in City Summer, Country Summer. Just like the characters in the book, I had to navigate the intersections of my identity, my culture, and my experiences. And like the characters, I had to learn to adapt, create new connections, and build the community I would need to support me.
A Must-Read for Fathers and Sons
City Summer, Country Summer is not just a tale of childhood summers—it’s a journey of self-discovery, exploring identity, and learning how to adapt to new environments. Whether you're a young child obsessed with soccer, navigating early adulthood, or reflecting on your own transformative experiences, this book offers something for everyone.
It served as a powerful reminder for me of the transformative experiences that shaped my life—experiences I continue to pass on to my sons. The book also made me reflect on the summer trips my wife has curated for our boys, exposing them to a world beyond Mississippi: from Jamaica and St. Lucia to the Dominican Republic, travel baseball, and cruises to Mexico.
A Tribute to Laymon and Franklin
I’d be remiss not to acknowledge the incredible work of Kiese Laymon and Alexis Franklin. Laymon’s writing brings an authentic voice to the emotional and intellectual complexity of Black boys, while Franklin’s illustrations beautifully complement the emotional depth of the story. Together, they’ve created a work that is much more than a simple story—it’s an immersive experience that invites readers to reflect on their own journeys.
City Summer, Country Summer is a powerful and heartfelt read that explores what it means to grow up, to change, and to connect. It made me reflect on my college years and the relationships I built during my transition from high school to college. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a compelling, emotional, and inspiring read.
A Musical Connection to City Summer Country Summer
On a personal note, City Summer, Country Summer also made me think of the tracks from Dear Silas' The Day I Died album, especially One Saturday Morning and Nicki. One Saturday Morning seems to capture the essence of how I felt as a kid during the weekends, while Nicki represents the feelings that began to develop when little boys start to show interest in the girls. Both tracks resonate deeply with the themes of growing up and navigating new stages of life. Check it out if you haven't.
About the Author:
George "Chuck" Patterson is the founder of MS Black Pages and the MS Black Business Expo. Chuck is also a Fall 2000 initiate of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., through the Rho Epsilon Chapter at Tougaloo College. He remains an active member through the Sigma Alpha Alpha Chapter in Moss Point, MS. A business strategist, media producer, and community advocate, he is passionate about mentorship, leadership, and building a better Mississippi.
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