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bookishmillennial's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
disclaimer: I donât really give starred reviews. I hope my reviews provide enough information to let you know if a book is for you or not. Find me here: https://linktr.ee/bookishmillennial
This collection of essays by Alicia Elliott did not let me catch my breath for one moment. I feel like I highlighted so much throughout the book, probably every other page, if not every page đ
Alicia comments on and asks questions about so much: colonization, capitalism, racism, misogyny, desire, selfies, ârealityâ tv, truth versus opinion, familial dynamics, indigenous practices, and so much more.
I desperately want a print copy of this now, as it was such an important read. Capitalism and colonization has brought so much horror to the world, and the solutions will not be found with them. I look forward to reading more from Alicia Elliott and I am so grateful that I read this book.
This collection of essays by Alicia Elliott did not let me catch my breath for one moment. I feel like I highlighted so much throughout the book, probably every other page, if not every page đ
Alicia comments on and asks questions about so much: colonization, capitalism, racism, misogyny, desire, selfies, ârealityâ tv, truth versus opinion, familial dynamics, indigenous practices, and so much more.
I desperately want a print copy of this now, as it was such an important read. Capitalism and colonization has brought so much horror to the world, and the solutions will not be found with them. I look forward to reading more from Alicia Elliott and I am so grateful that I read this book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Chronic illness, Xenophobia, Colonisation, Sexual violence, Genocide, Classism, Domestic abuse, Gaslighting, Police brutality, Transphobia, Sexism, Addiction, Mental illness, and Racism
abbie_'s review
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.25
Had this one on my radar for a couple of years now, finally got around to it and regret putting it off for so long! Elliott has so much to say about living with family with mental health issues, dealing with your own mental health issues, abuse and trauma, colonialism in the past and its ongoing effects today. She toes that line between the personal and political essay/memoir collection perfectly!
I wrote scattered thoughts about the essays that resonated with me the most, so here they are except I didnât note down the essay titles đ
- Loved the essay about diversity being a white word and the new buzzword in publishing. White authors feel threatened by BIPOC authors seemingly monopolising all the publishing deals (lol sure) so they do their best to shoehorn characters of colour into their work - as long as theyâre writing with empathy, so the saying goes, no harm done. But Elliott argues that unless youâre writing about a particular community with love, itâll be glaringly obvious and damaging to said community. White authors like Lionel Shriver immediately go onto the defensive, claiming censorship, criticism turned into censoring free speech.
- Thereâs a hard-hitting essay about Elliottâs sexual assault. During sexual violence trials, itâs the womanâs innocence thatâs put on trial, not the manâs guilt. Before choosing to believe a man is *not* a rapist, people do not subject him to the barrage of questions we demand of women to prove they *are* a victim. We demand a woman put her trauma and pain on display, to watch as we pull it apart, put fingers into open wounds, make her perform her trauma again and again before, more often than not, still choosing not to believe.
- The essay about food deserts in North America was amazing, the way the US and Canada have manufactured them, enabled poorer people to become overweight and then ill. Why do people believe that the answer to what is choking us - capitalism and colonialism - is to shove more of those same things down our throats while we choke?
- Essay on photography, voyeurism, colonialism, consent, power, desire - not as strong as some of the others but I liked how she explored white photographers encroaching on communities they donât belong to to further their and western white societyâs stereotypical views of a community
- Essay on lies and fiction (made me think of something else I read recently) where women writers are often conflated with their characters. Men rarely receive this treatment, but people often treat fiction written by women as autofiction
Would highly recommend this collection!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Racism, Sexual violence, Pregnancy, Suicidal thoughts, Colonisation, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Gaslighting, Mental illness, Violence, and Domestic abuse
kchin's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
Her voice is strong, writing is clear and brilliant. Everyone needs to read this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Police brutality, Murder, Genocide, Sexism, Sexual assault, Gaslighting, Racism, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Hate crime, and Colonisation
remimicha's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Genocide, Panic attacks/disorders, Addiction, Alcoholism, Classism, Police brutality, Body shaming, Child abuse, Colonisation, Domestic abuse, Gaslighting, Grief, Hate crime, Physical abuse, Sexual violence, Emotional abuse, Murder, Pregnancy, Religious bigotry, Violence, Cultural appropriation, Fatphobia, Mental illness, Misogyny, Racism, Rape, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Sexism, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Forced institutionalization, Medical trauma, Mental illness, Transphobia, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, Vomit, Suicide, Gun violence, Homophobia, Eating disorder, Hate crime, Cancer, and Death
biancafrancisco's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
5.0
Through a very personal narrative - using herself, her family and her nation as examples - the author touches upon more themes than I can mention, connecting bridges between a myriad of crucial societal issues, always leading back to the macro vision of the effect of capitalism, colonialism and the action of the state on people, while simultaneously making us keep checking our prejudices.
The book teaches you a lot about the issues indigenous communities and individuals struggle with (most that were imposed on them by colonizers), and how not only they are still dealing with and trying to heal from the very real and tangibly present damage this legacy of colonialism and genocide has transfered through generations, but are simultaneously dealing with modern versions of the same violence nowadays.
I was surprised to see, that through the connections she makes between several systemic structures, there was much for me to relate to as well. I'm an immensely priviledged white european, but I'm still a woman, I'm still a daughter, I'm still bound by the constraints of capitalism and the patriarchy as well as witness to intergenerational trauma, to mention a few, and, in the end, you can't accurately assess any structural issue without it intertwining with the others.
All in all, I recommend it to literally everyone, as I think there's learning opportunities in this book for all of us. I'm extremely glad I picked it up.
The book teaches you a lot about the issues indigenous communities and individuals struggle with (most that were imposed on them by colonizers), and how not only they are still dealing with and trying to heal from the very real and tangibly present damage this legacy of colonialism and genocide has transfered through generations, but are simultaneously dealing with modern versions of the same violence nowadays.
I was surprised to see, that through the connections she makes between several systemic structures, there was much for me to relate to as well. I'm an immensely priviledged white european, but I'm still a woman, I'm still a daughter, I'm still bound by the constraints of capitalism and the patriarchy as well as witness to intergenerational trauma, to mention a few, and, in the end, you can't accurately assess any structural issue without it intertwining with the others.
All in all, I recommend it to literally everyone, as I think there's learning opportunities in this book for all of us. I'm extremely glad I picked it up.
Content Warnings
Minor: Addiction, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Body shaming, Cancer, Child abuse, Colonisation, Cultural appropriation, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Forced institutionalization, Gaslighting, Genocide, Grief, Gun violence, Hate crime, Mental illness, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Police brutality, Racism, Sexism, Self harm, Sexual harassment, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Violence, and Xenophobia
the_vegan_bookworm's review against another edition
challenging
informative
reflective
tense
slow-paced
4.75
This book is a challenging read but such an important one. Elliott is an incredibly talented writer who discusses the intersections of identity and trauma in compelling and thought-provoking ways. She also examines the extended effects of colonization on all aspects of life as an Indigenous person. This book gave me a lot to reflect on in my own life, behaviours, and beliefs.
This book needs to be read by all settlers in Canada.
This book needs to be read by all settlers in Canada.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Genocide, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Colonisation, Domestic abuse, Mental illness, Emotional abuse, Forced institutionalization, Gaslighting, Racism, and Sexism
coralie_michon's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
5.0
wow. pendant l'espace de 24h, je me suis immergée dans la culture d'Alicia Elliott, une femme avec une plume impressionnante ayant un pÚre autochtone et une mÚre catholique. elle raconte sa vie, celle de sa famille, mais surtout, celle d'une communauté qui a été forcée de garder le silence pendant beaucoup trop longtemps...
elle est une femme si courageuse pour avoir trouvé la force d'écrire et publier cette collection d'essais et j'en suis particuliÚrement reconnaissante. elle donne au lecteur la chance de réfléchir sur plusieurs éléments de la culture nord américaine basée sur le colonialisme et l'effacement du passé. elle met en lumiÚre plusieurs conséquences de l'arrivée des européens sur les territoires autochtones que nous voyons pas du premier regard. elle le fait à travers d'anecdotes de sa propre vie, ce qui a un effet immense sur notre perception de la situation.
elle raconte la vérité sur le racisme, le colonisation, le génocide, l'arrachement de culture, la violence, les injustices, la pauvreté, les réserves, les tentatives d'assimilation, la santé mentale, les abus sexuels et plusieurs autres éléments qui l'ont touchées, elle et sa communauté. elle parle de façon crue, directe, certaine. elle n'a pas peur d'exprimer ses opinions et raconter son expérience. elle s'en est sortie, elle en est trÚs reconnaissante. elle connait sa chance, chance qu'une grande majorité des siens n'ont pas eu par le passé, n'ont pas en ce moment et n'auront jamais dans le futur.
lire cette oeuvre a changé ma vie. étudiant en histoire, j'ai eu plusieurs cours de l'histoire nord-américaine. jamais, au grand jamais, je n'ai eu l'opportunité d'en apprendre autant sur la culture indigÚne et jamais, je n'ai appris toutes ses injustices. le curriculum canadien cache beaucoup de secret par rapport au passé ( quoique le présent n'est pas transparent non plus ) et je me sens reconnaissante d'avoir eu la chance de lire ce livre et de me renseigner sur les enjeux actuels en lien avec le passé paternaliste canadien.
elle est une femme si courageuse pour avoir trouvé la force d'écrire et publier cette collection d'essais et j'en suis particuliÚrement reconnaissante. elle donne au lecteur la chance de réfléchir sur plusieurs éléments de la culture nord américaine basée sur le colonialisme et l'effacement du passé. elle met en lumiÚre plusieurs conséquences de l'arrivée des européens sur les territoires autochtones que nous voyons pas du premier regard. elle le fait à travers d'anecdotes de sa propre vie, ce qui a un effet immense sur notre perception de la situation.
elle raconte la vérité sur le racisme, le colonisation, le génocide, l'arrachement de culture, la violence, les injustices, la pauvreté, les réserves, les tentatives d'assimilation, la santé mentale, les abus sexuels et plusieurs autres éléments qui l'ont touchées, elle et sa communauté. elle parle de façon crue, directe, certaine. elle n'a pas peur d'exprimer ses opinions et raconter son expérience. elle s'en est sortie, elle en est trÚs reconnaissante. elle connait sa chance, chance qu'une grande majorité des siens n'ont pas eu par le passé, n'ont pas en ce moment et n'auront jamais dans le futur.
lire cette oeuvre a changé ma vie. étudiant en histoire, j'ai eu plusieurs cours de l'histoire nord-américaine. jamais, au grand jamais, je n'ai eu l'opportunité d'en apprendre autant sur la culture indigÚne et jamais, je n'ai appris toutes ses injustices. le curriculum canadien cache beaucoup de secret par rapport au passé ( quoique le présent n'est pas transparent non plus ) et je me sens reconnaissante d'avoir eu la chance de lire ce livre et de me renseigner sur les enjeux actuels en lien avec le passé paternaliste canadien.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Colonisation, Death, Genocide, Racism, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Cultural appropriation, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Grief, Mental illness, and Sexism
littlecat's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
4.75
Its not a style I read a lot of books in (personal essays) which was interesting, it has a distinct own style and I like the humor in it despite the heavy topics. I felt like I read at least part of the essays before but that may just because I read other things about the topics before, definitly interesting.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Forced institutionalization, Genocide, Grief, Hate crime, Mental illness, Pregnancy, Racism, Religious bigotry, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Sexism, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Addiction, Body shaming, and Rape
ohlhauc's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
An absolutely stunning, well-crafted collection of essays on the author's lived experience as a Tuscarora woman in the U.S. and Canada, and her reflections on indigenous identity and representation overall.
Her simple, no-holds-barred style of writing will make you think about topics on colonialism, racism, privilege, media representation, effects of poverty and intergenerational trauma, and more. Definitely look at content warnings as some heavy topics are discussed but if you are in the frame of mind to read about those things, this is a must-read for anyone interested in indigenous issues, intergenerational ideas, media, and memoir.
My favourite essays in the collection were:
-A Mind Spread Out on the Ground
-Weight
-34 Grams Per Dose
-On Forbidden Rooms and Intentional Forgetting
But all of the essays were wonderful and worth the read. A new favourite book! I can't wait for more work to be published by this author.
Her simple, no-holds-barred style of writing will make you think about topics on colonialism, racism, privilege, media representation, effects of poverty and intergenerational trauma, and more. Definitely look at content warnings as some heavy topics are discussed but if you are in the frame of mind to read about those things, this is a must-read for anyone interested in indigenous issues, intergenerational ideas, media, and memoir.
My favourite essays in the collection were:
-A Mind Spread Out on the Ground
-Weight
-34 Grams Per Dose
-On Forbidden Rooms and Intentional Forgetting
But all of the essays were wonderful and worth the read. A new favourite book! I can't wait for more work to be published by this author.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Mental illness, Physical abuse, and Racism
Moderate: Body shaming, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Toxic relationship, and Violence
Minor: Forced institutionalization, Genocide, and Sexual content
tachyondecay's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
You ever read a book and have an epiphany, only for that epiphany to evaporate before you get around to writing it down or telling others? I think that happened hereâI think one of Alicia Elliottâs essays in A Mind Spread Out on the Ground inspired an epiphany regarding my relationship with poetry ⊠yet I have totally forgotten the thought now! I even paged through the book again to see if I could recover it. Nope. Maybe one day it will return.
I was drawn to this book by Elliottâs social media presence and some of her other writing online, such as this superb article for Chatelaine about 1492 Land Back Lane and Canadaâs ongoing colonialism. Elliottâs writing balances past and present tense in a way that helps us connect how the colonial actions of the past reverberate into the colonial present Indigenous people are experiencing today. A Mind Spread Out on the Ground is a very personal collection of essays. Its title comes from a translation of a Mohawk word that roughly means depression, and a great deal of this book is concerned with the effects of colonialism on Elliott and her family. Yet the essays transcend colonialism, and as Elliott mentions in âNot Your Noble Savage,â she does not want to be pigeonholed as âjustâ an Indigenous writer.
I really appreciate the nuance on display in these essays. For example, Elliottâs parents often appear in her writing. She makes it very clear that she thinks of them fondlyâyet at the same time, her childhood and teenage years are full of moments of tension, abuse, even violence. We are so prone to simplifying people in our lives into single storiesâa parent is either loving or abusive, rather than loving and abusive. Elliott rejects the dichotomy and displays both the loving moments and the darker ones. Moreover, her intention here isnât to excuse these contrasts or to show that she has worked through and somehow processed and come to understand all of this. Rather, she admits to us that it can be difficult to fully puzzle out the way we react to, understand, and respond to the people closest to us.
Within these pages youâre going to find what you expect: the violence Canada does to Indigenous people (especially Indigenous women), the nasty fallout of racism both systemic and targeted, the pain that comes with uprooting and re-rooting oneself and oneâs family andâfor Elliott is light-skinned enough to âpassâ as non-Indigenousâfeeling like one never quite belongs anywhere. However, you will also find the moments that are often erased from Indigenous experiences that make it to the mainstream: the moments of joyâparticularly when Elliott is talking about her husband and child; the moments of triumph; the moments of honesty. As she mentions herself in several essays, we place Indigenous writers in boxes. We elevate those who conform to what we expect an Indigenous writer to write, and we find reasons to ignore and erase those whose writing breaks out of those boxes.
So as a settler, what I take away from this collection is that reminder that I have to be careful about how I approach the Indigenous storytelling that makes it into mainstream CanLit. (Joseph Boydenâs meteoric rise and subsequent fall from grace is perhaps the textbook case for this issue.) I must do my best to check my preconceptions at the door, not to laud something merely because it meets some subconscious checklist for Indigeneity, nor to reject something from an Indigenous author merely because of its departure from that unspoken norm.
And then more generally, I just valued Elliottâs candidness. The way she spoke about her traumas, about her difficulty navigating both the racism and the misogyny of modern Canada. Hers is a life so very distinctive from mine, by dint of so many axes of experience and identity. I appreciate being able to hear her stories and briefly glimpse my country through her eyes, so I can better understand how it is failing other women less privileged than me, how it is failing Indigenous people, how it is silent about survivors of abuse and assault, and how the very structuresâsuch as public education and childwelfareâwe supposedly put in place to protect our most vulnerable turn into the most oppressive, most inequitable parts of our society for some.
A Mind Spread Out on the Ground is many moments of intensity punctuated by poetical prose and thoughtful ways of weaving facts and education about this countryâs colonial attitudes into very personal stories. My mind is not spread out on the ground after reading this, but you can bet that it is buzzing with ideas and interest sparked by Elliottâs essays.
Originally posted at Kara.Reviews.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism, and Violence
Moderate: Rape and Sexual violence
Minor: Genocide
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