When Andy Corren’s vibrant and unconventional mother, Renay Mandel Corren, passed away in 2021, the obituary he penned captured her essence perfectly. Describing her as a “bawdy, fertile, redheaded matriarch” and a “talented and gregarious grifter,” Andy’s tribute to his mother went viral, resonating with millions who saw a reflection of their own complex family dynamics. Now, through his memoir "Dirtbag Queen," Andy delves deeper into the colorful history of the Corren family, revealing the trials, triumphs, and laughter that defined their lives.

A Gripping Tale of Survival, Laughter, and Unbreakable Bonds

Navigating Adversity: The Night We Left Roach House

In the dead of night, under the dim glow of streetlights, we packed up what little we had and left Roach House behind. It was a place where roaches were less of an annoyance and more of a roommate, a house that seemed to sink lower with each passing day. Yet, it was home. Renay, our resilient matriarch, had always been prepared for whatever life threw at us. She worked tirelessly, juggling multiple jobs, from the gas station to the convenience store, all while boosting groceries to keep her six children fed. Despite the hardships, there was always laughter—laughter at the absurdity of our circumstances, at the mustard-and-lettuce sandwiches, and at the creative ways we found to survive.Renay was middle-aged, battling diabetes, and living paycheck to paycheck, but she never lost her spirit. Even when we burned bowling pins for heat during the coldest winter nights, we still had a roof over our heads. And that was enough. We made the best of every situation, finding joy in the simplest moments. Until the next eviction, which always seemed to come just when we thought we were getting ahead.

The Trials of Growing Up Corren: Rabbi’s Reckless Path

Rabbi, my 22-year-old brother, was a whirlwind of activity. He returned to Fayetteville Tech to get his GED, but his real education came from the streets. He drove a cab, picking up fares ranging from drunk patrons to lost soldiers, all while flirting with the ever-present danger of the county jail. Rabbi was well on his way to becoming a familiar face in Fayetteville’s justice system, but it was the theft of his Sansui stereo that truly set him off. This wasn’t just any stereo; it was a relic from our time in Japan, one of the few things we had left from our past. For Rabbi, it was more than just equipment—it was a connection to our father, a symbol of better days.The loss of the Sansui sent Rabbi spiraling. In a moment of desperation, he took aim at the suspected thief, missing all three times but landing himself in jail. Renay, ever the protector, bailed him out, but the financial strain only added to our mounting problems. With rent money gone, Roach House became just another chapter in our chaotic story. But no matter how dire things got, we always stuck together, a testament to the unbreakable bonds of family.

Surviving Together: The Strength of Siblinghood

Twin and I, then 13 and 14, were the younger ones trying to navigate adolescence amidst the chaos. We spent our days boxing our broken Atari, bundling our cat Frisky into a laundry hamper, and moving our meager belongings from one rundown home to the next. Each move brought new challenges—shacks without heat, water, or phones—but also new opportunities to bond as a family. We laughed at the absurdity of it all, finding strength in each other’s company. Even Asshole, despite his rebellious nature, was part of this tight-knit group. He might have dropped out of school, but he was always there for us, whether helping us pry snacks from vending machines or laughing at our misfortunes.Through it all, Renay remained the heart of our family. She worked hard, kept us together, and somehow managed to maintain her sense of humor. We didn’t have much, but what we did have was each other—and that was everything. Life in Roach House may have been tough, but it was also filled with moments of genuine love and laughter. And as we moved on to the next chapter, we carried those memories with us, knowing they would sustain us through whatever challenges lay ahead.