42 pages • 1 hour read
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256
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Contemporary
2019
Adult
18+ years
A Mind Spread Out on the Ground by Alicia Elliott is a 2019 essay collection exploring themes of depression, racism, sexism, and colonialism from an Indigenous perspective. Drawing on her experiences as a biracial Haudenosaunee woman, Elliott delves into her upbringing on the Six Nations reserve and addresses issues such as poverty, gentrification, publishing barriers, and the intergenerational impacts of colonialism, using historical context and personal anecdotes in essays like "Half-Breed: A Racial Biography in Five Parts" and "34 Grams per Dose."
Contemplative
Emotional
Dark
Informative
Melancholic
10,130 ratings
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A Mind Spread Out on the Ground by Alicia Elliott is celebrated for its raw and powerful essays that navigate personal and collective Indigenous experiences. Critics commend Elliott's poignant, eloquent writing and deep reflections on identity, mental health, and colonization. Some suggest the emotional intensity and interwoven narrative may challenge less prepared readers, but overall, it’s a profoundly impactful read.
Readers who appreciate thought-provoking, introspective essays on Indigenous identity, mental health, and personal and societal struggles will find A Mind Spread Out on the Ground by Alicia Elliott compelling. Fans of Sherman Alexie's The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven or Roxane Gay's Hunger will also resonate with Elliott's candid and poignant storytelling.
10,130 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Elliott’s Child
Plays a significant role in Elliott's life as a motivation and lens through which she examines race and ethnicity, without revealing the child's name or gender.
Elliott’s Maternal Grandmother
Provides temporary relief and housing during difficult times and plays a pivotal role in Elliott's family dynamic.
Elliott’s Mother
A central figure whose struggles with bipolar disorder and cultural tensions greatly impact Elliott's life and themes explored in her writing.
Elliott’s Father
Portrayed as both a loving figure and one who is abusive, he links Elliott to her Indigenous roots and carries intergenerational trauma.
Jon
Elliott’s younger brother, involved in a critical incident that underscores family dynamics and issues with privacy and secrecy.
Mike
Elliott’s high school boyfriend and later husband, whose relationship with her reflects on race, young parenthood, and mental health support.
Mikey
Elliott’s youngest sibling, whose experiences prompt her to reflect on changes in her old neighborhood and family life.
Missy
Elliott’s younger sister, featured in a shoplifting incident, highlighting their shared experiences.
Teena
Elliott’s older sister, whose custody situation with their grandmother highlights themes of race and family dynamics.
256
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Contemporary
2019
Adult
18+ years
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