Eric Gansworth

Eric Gansworth Eric Gansworth is a Haudenosaunee author, poet, and visual artist who combines multiple artistic forms in his work exploring contemporary Native American life. He is a citizen of the Onondaga Nation who grew up in the Tuscarora Nation, and currently serves as Professor of English and Lowery Writer-in-Residence at Canisius College. His literary works include notable novels such as "Mending Skins" (2005), which received the PEN Oakland-Josephine Miles National Literary Award, and "Extra Indians" (2010), winner of the American Book Award. Gansworth's writing frequently incorporates his own illustrations as integral elements of the storytelling. Throughout his career, Gansworth has focused on depicting contemporary Haudenosaunee culture, drawing from both his personal experiences and broader cultural themes. His work spans multiple genres including adult fiction, young adult literature, poetry, and visual art, consistently addressing themes of identity and cultural preservation. After initially training in electroencephalography to serve his nation's practical needs, Gansworth pursued his passion for literature and art, establishing himself as a significant voice in Native American literature. His work is recognized for its authentic portrayal of modern Indigenous life and its innovative combination of written and visual storytelling elements.

Readers connect strongly with Gansworth's authentic portrayal of contemporary Native American experiences. His 2020 YA memoir "Apple (Skin to the Core)" receives particular attention for its blend of poetry, prose, and artwork. What readers liked: - Personal, honest storytelling style - Integration of art and text that enhances understanding - Complex exploration of cultural identity without stereotypes - Accessibility for both Native and non-Native readers What readers disliked: - Some find the non-linear narrative structure challenging to follow - A few note the pace can be slow in certain sections - Occasional criticism that some references require more context Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: - "Apple (Skin to the Core)": 4.1/5 (1,000+ ratings) - "If I Ever Get Out of Here": 4.0/5 (800+ ratings) Amazon: - "Apple (Skin to the Core)": 4.6/5 - "If I Ever Get Out of Here": 4.4/5 One reader noted: "His ability to weave together multiple art forms creates a complete sensory experience of the story." Another commented: "Finally, Native stories told without the typical outsider lens."

Apple: Skin to the Core (2020) A memoir in verse incorporating poetry, prose, and artwork to chronicle the author's experience growing up in the Tuscarora Nation, exploring themes of family history and Indigenous identity through the metaphor of Apple - a slur for Native Americans deemed "red on the outside, white on the inside."

Mending Skins (2005) A novel following a group of contemporary Haudenosaunee characters navigating cultural identity and relationships, told through interconnected narratives about life on and off the reservation.

Extra Indians (2010) A story about a Native American Vietnam veteran working as a high school janitor who becomes entangled in a complex situation involving a mysterious student and questions of authenticity.

If I Ever Get Out of Here (2013) A young adult novel set in 1975 about a Native American boy from the Tuscarora reservation who forms an unlikely friendship with a white military kid, while dealing with bullying and cultural differences.

Give Me Some Truth (2018) Set in 1980 on a Tuscarora reservation, this young adult novel follows two teenagers pursuing their dreams in music while confronting racism and cultural appropriation.

Louise Erdrich writes multi-generational Indigenous family stories centered on Ojibwe characters and experiences in Minnesota and North Dakota. Her work interweaves traditional storytelling elements with contemporary narratives, similar to Gansworth's approach to depicting modern Native life.

Sherman Alexie chronicles contemporary Native American experiences through interconnected stories focused on characters from the Spokane Indian Reservation. His work addresses cultural identity and modern Indigenous life through multiple genres including poetry, fiction, and young adult literature.

Joseph Bruchac creates stories drawing from his Abenaki heritage and extensive knowledge of Native American traditions. He combines contemporary settings with traditional storytelling elements across multiple genres including young adult fiction and children's literature.

Tommy Orange writes about urban Native American experiences in Oakland, California, exploring intergenerational trauma and contemporary Indigenous identity. His work presents multiple interconnected perspectives of Native characters navigating modern life while maintaining connections to their heritage.

David Treuer examines Native American experiences through both fiction and non-fiction, focusing on Ojibwe communities in Minnesota. His work challenges stereotypical portrayals of Native life while exploring themes of tradition and change in contemporary Indigenous communities.