Podcasts > NPR's Book of the Day > Andy Corren's memoir 'Dirtbag Queen' expands on a viral tribute to his mother

Andy Corren's memoir 'Dirtbag Queen' expands on a viral tribute to his mother

By NPR (podcasts@npr.org)

In NPR's Book of the Day, the memoir "Dirtbag Queen" captures Andy Corren's unconventional upbringing by his unrestrained, working-class mother Renee. Despite financial struggles, Renee fostered a sense of resourcefulness and love of reading in her rambunctious children.

The episode details Renee's brash personality, from running an illegal after-hours casino to her weekly manicures—even as her health declined. Corren paints a portrait of Renee's chaotic yet caring parenting style, which instilled toughness and independence in her close-knit family. Through vivid anecdotes, he celebrates his roots while reflecting on leaving Fayetteville's unique environment his mother created.

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Andy Corren's memoir 'Dirtbag Queen' expands on a viral tribute to his mother

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Andy Corren's memoir 'Dirtbag Queen' expands on a viral tribute to his mother

1-Page Summary

Renee's Unconventional Personality and Parenting

Renee was known as a "plus-sized Jewish redneck" with a brash, unrestrained attitude. Andy Corren called her disrespectful and vulgar, but unapologetically herself. In parenting, Renee prioritized toughness and self-reliance over nurturing.

She worked multiple jobs, some illegal, to provide for her family. Yet Renee instilled a love of storytelling and reading in her children.

Korin's Experiences in an Untraditional Family

Korin describes his childhood as filled with love but chaotic. He calls his siblings a "tribe" of unruly, mischievous, self-reliant children raised largely without a father figure by their mother.

Though facing financial struggles, Renee encouraged resourcefulness. Korin views leaving Fayetteville as beneficial but takes pride in his roots. He appreciates the unique environment Renee provided.

Details and Stories of Renee's Unique Family Lifestyle

The family spent much time at B&B Lanes bowling alley, where Renee ran an after-hours casino while ensuring her children were fed and had a safe space.

After making late-night newspaper deliveries through Fayetteville's red-light district, the family would eat at Shoney's diner.

Even as her health failed, Renee maintained her weekly manicures and dyed hair, entering and leaving the world with groomed nails.

1-Page Summary

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Actionables

  • Embrace your unique identity by creating a personal brand that reflects your quirks and interests. Start by listing the traits that make you stand out, then incorporate these into your social media bios, wardrobe choices, and conversations. For example, if you're an avid gardener with a love for heavy metal music, wear band t-shirts while attending plant swaps or share playlists that mix gardening podcasts with your favorite tracks.
  • Foster resilience and self-reliance in your family by setting up a "challenge of the week" where each member tackles something outside their comfort zone. This could range from fixing a household item, cooking a new recipe, or managing a small budget to buy groceries. Celebrate these accomplishments together to reinforce the value of toughness and resourcefulness.
  • Cultivate a love for storytelling within your circle by hosting regular story nights where friends or family share tales, whether personal anecdotes or fictional creations. Encourage participants to bring a story that resonates with them, fostering an environment where everyone's narrative is valued and contributes to a collective appreciation for diverse experiences and backgrounds.

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Andy Corren's memoir 'Dirtbag Queen' expands on a viral tribute to his mother

Renee's Unconventional Personality and Parenting

Renee, an unforgettable character from El Paso, passed away leaving behind a legacy colored by her unapologetic nature and unconventional approach to life and parenting.

Renee Was Brash, Unrestrained, and Unapologetically Herself

Renee: "Plus-Sized Jewish Redneck," Known For Being Disrespectful, Vulgar, and Unashamed of Her Eccentricities

Renee was known as a "plus-sized Jewish redneck," and she lived her life with a brash, unrestrained attitude. She was renowned for being disrespectful, having a penchant for vulgar language, and embracing her eccentricities without shame. Renee's character transcended the standards of behavior typically found in North Carolina, Florida, or Texas—states where she left her mark. Her unapologetic presence was a clear indicator of her unique approach to life.

Renee's Parenting Prioritized Toughness and Self-Reliance Over Nurturing

In her parenting, Renee's emphasis was on toughness and self-reliance rather than traditional nurturing. She instilled in her children values that would later define their personalities and worldview, leaning into her own unorthodox brand of mothering and making an indelible impact on their development.

Renee Prioritized Her Passions Over Motherhood Duties

Renee Took Various Jobs, Some Illegal, to Support Her Family

Andy Corren disclosed that Renee often worked multiple shifts to support her family, taking on an array of jobs, some completely legal an ...

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Renee's Unconventional Personality and Parenting

Additional Materials

Actionables

  • Embrace your unique identity by creating a personal manifesto that celebrates your quirks and values. Write down the traits and values that make you stand out, much like Renee's distinct personality, and use this manifesto as a reminder to live authentically. For example, if you're known for your unconventional fashion sense, your manifesto might include a commitment to wear what makes you feel confident, regardless of trends.
  • Develop resilience through self-reliance by setting a monthly challenge where you tackle a task you'd normally outsource. This could be fixing a household item, learning basic car maintenance, or preparing a complex meal from scratch. The goal is to cultivate a sense of toughness and independence, reflecting Renee's emphasis on self-reliance. ...

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Andy Corren's memoir 'Dirtbag Queen' expands on a viral tribute to his mother

Korin's Experiences in an Untraditional Family

Korin describes his upbringing in a nontraditional family dynamic filled with love, chaos, and challenges.

Korin and Siblings Grew Up In a Loving, Chaotic Environment Unlike Typical Dynamics

Korin recounts life in his family with a sense of pride and nostalgia, recalling the unorthodox methods of parenting they experienced.

Korin's Family: A "Tribe" of Unruly, Mischievous, Self-Reliant Children

Korin refers to his siblings and himself as Renée's little tribe, characterized by mischievous and self-reliant behaviors developed in an environment where their mother played the role of both parents. He describes their upbringing with vivid adjectives like "nose picking to the quick, nail biting, chain stealing, dirty minded, no good," painting a picture of the unruly yet endearing nature of their family life.

Creative Solutions For Family's Financial Struggles

Korin speaks of an upbringing where they were "taught to ask wrong questions only, shoot first, ask after," which underlines a sense of resilience instilled by their mother. She encouraged a strong sense of independence with her unconventional style of mothering, advising her children to put on a helmet because life is tough out there. This approach fostered resourcefulness and adaptability in Korin and his siblings as they navigated financial struggles and the world at large.

Korin Appreciates His Unique Upbringing, Despite Challenges

Despite the untraditional family dynamics, Korin expresses gratitude for his childhood experiences and the person they helped him become.

Korin's Fayetteville Roots: Pride and the Benefits Of Leaving

Korin harbors ...

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Korin's Experiences in an Untraditional Family

Additional Materials

Actionables

  • Reflect on your own upbringing by journaling about the unique aspects and how they've shaped you, focusing on both the positive and challenging elements. This can help you appreciate your past and understand its impact on your present self. For example, write about a specific memory that reflects the chaos and love in your family and how it taught you resilience or adaptability.
  • Create a "resourcefulness challenge" for yourself where you tackle a common problem using only the materials or knowledge you already have, without spending money. This exercise can foster creativity and self-reliance, much like finding creative solutions during financial struggles. For instance, if you need to organize your workspace, instead of buying new storage items, repurpose containers or furniture you already own.
  • Start a conv ...

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Andy Corren's memoir 'Dirtbag Queen' expands on a viral tribute to his mother

Details and Stories of Renee's Unique Family Lifestyle

Renee and her family cultivated a unique lifestyle that involved the lively ambiance of a local bowling alley and the nocturnal environment of Fayetteville's red-light district, all while she maintained her appearance with admirable dedication.

Family's Frequent Visits to the Busy, Sustaining Bowling Alley

Bowling Alley Hosted Renee's After-Hours Casino and Provided Children's Meals and Safe Space

The family’s life revolved heavily around B&B Lanes, a bowling alley that functioned as their lively sanctuary, described fondly as an island of misfits. Here, Renee could ensure her children were fed and provided with a safe space to nap while she tended to her after-hours casino businesses.

Family's Late-Night Routines in Fayetteville's Red-light District

Renee's Nighttime Deliveries With Children Ending At a Diner

Despite the unconventional circumstances, routine was key. After completing their paper delivery route, which took them through the red-light district of Fayetteville, Renee and her children would find solace and sustenance in the ritual of a late-night meal at Shoney's buffet.

Renee's Dedica ...

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Details and Stories of Renee's Unique Family Lifestyle

Additional Materials

Actionables

  • Create your own sanctuary by identifying a local spot that brings you peace and make it a part of your weekly routine. Whether it's a coffee shop, library, or park, regular visits to this place can provide a sense of security and routine in your life, much like Renee's family found comfort in their bowling alley.
  • Establish a family tradition that combines work and pleasure, similar to Renee's post-paper route meals. After completing household chores or errands, plan a special meal or treat with your family to create positive associations with completing tasks.
  • Dedicate time for self-care ritu ...

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