Overview: “A Mind Spread Out on the Ground”, a title derived from the Mohawk translation of depression, is a brilliant collection of essays focused on a variety of topics including anti-indigenous racism, colonialism, mental illness, sexual assault, poverty, indigenous representation, trauma, and so much more. Alicia Elliott shares her lived-experiences and in-depth understanding of crucial subjects while impressing readers with beautiful prose. This book is an indispensable resource for those who are wanting to gain insight and view important new perspectives on some of the most pressing issues that society is facing today.

Why We Love It: Elliott draws analogies throughout the essays to make complex social issues more tangible to readers. For example, by drawing connections between epigenetics, residential schools, and dysfunctional relationships with food, readers are better able to understand the effects of all three complex topics. Not to mention, the final participatory essay, which poses particularly tough questions to readers, offers the chance to self-reflect and contemplate your own personal beliefs and values. Quite simply, this book is a must-read (especially for Canadians) due to its brutal honesty, extraordinary depth, and fundamental subject matter.

Content Includes: Racism, suicide, mental illness, domestic violence, and sexual violence.

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40749239-a-mind-spread-out-on-the-ground?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=zxUieBNIvr&rank=1