THIS ANGRY PEN OF MINE: RECOVERING THE JOURNALS OF LAYNE STALEY —an unprecedented look into the creative archive of Alice in Chains vocalist Layne Staley, created in direct collaboration with his family — has debuted as a New York Times Nonfiction Bestseller in its first week.
This Angry Pen of Mine (Weldon Owen; November 11, 2025) published by Weldon Owen in partnership with Primary Wave Music, offers the first ever look into the untold creative world of Layne Staley, the legendary voice fronting Alicein Chains. This extraordinary collection showcases his handwritten lyrics, deeply personal poetry, stunning original artwork, rare photos, fan tributes, and so much more.
Discover his striking original artwork, where every line tells its own story, and explore rare, candid photos that capture both the highs and lows of his journey. Experience the love and admiration of the fans whose lives he touched, beautifully expressed through evocative fan art that honors his legacy.
"I hope this book gives you a glimpse of the son I knew, the one beyond the headlines, the one with a beautiful, creative, happy soul," Nancy McCallum, Layne's mother, writes in the foreword to this book.
"Layne’' songwriting has left an unmistakable imprint on the music world, and its significance only grows with time. We're honored to showcase his talents as a writer and to help ensure his legacy continues to shine," says James Janocha, Primary Wave Music
Through Layne's scribblings and heartfelt musings are a window into the emotional depths of a man who gave so much of himself to his art and his fans, even as he struggled with his own battles. For fans, new and old, this is an opportunity to connect with Layne's artistry and humanity in a way that's never been possible before. His story, told through his own words, creations, and the lives he forever changed, is a testament to the enduring power of music, art, and the human spirit.
Proceeds from sales of This Angry Pen of Mine will benefit the Layne Staley Memorial Fund, a charitable fund dedicated to providing hope, education, support, and treatment funds for heroin addiction recovery, managed @THS, Seattle, WA.
This Angry Pen of Mine is available now, wherever books are sold.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
LAYNE STALEY (1968–2002) was an American singer, songwriter, and musician best known as the lead vocalist of the influential grunge band Alice in Chains. Staley's powerful voice and raw emotional delivery made him a defining figure of the 1990s grunge movement. Despite his success, he struggled with addiction, which deeply impacted his life and career. Staley's legacy endures through his music, which continues to resonate with fans around the world. More information on Layne’s legacy and the work of the Layne Staley Memorial Fund can be found here.
ABOUT WELDON OWEN:
Founded in 1984, Weldon Owen International is a high-quality, nonfiction book publisher specializing in producing innovative, richly illustrated lifestyle books in the categories of food and drink, sports and fitness, popular science, craft and design, and popular culture for the global market. Weldon Owen International illustrates great ideas and breaks down complex skills so anyone can learn them while being entertained and inspired along the way. Weldon Owen is a division of Insight Editions. For more information and inspiration, visit, weldonowen.com.