42 pages • 1 hour read
Alicia ElliottA Mind Spread Out on the Ground
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2019A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
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."
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
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.
Who Should Read A Mind Spread Out on the Ground?
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.