Ordinary Soil

by Alex Woodard

“The soil you see is not ordinary soil—it is the dust of the blood, the flesh, and the bones of our ancestors . . . You will have to dig down through the surface before you find nature’s earth.”—Ashishishe (c. 1856–1923), Crow Nation Warrior

Terrorized by a shadow from the past, an afflicted farmer attempts suicide under a rotting burial elm, inadvertently unearthing a dark ancestral history and exposing diseased generational roots of abandonment and abuse. But a secret also waits to be discovered, deep in the ordinary soil of the Oklahoma Panhandle, that holds the redemptive power to save both the man and the land.

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Historical, Indigenous, Audiobook, Family

277 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 3, 2023

About the author

Alex Woodard has toured nationally behind several critically acclaimed albums, earning a few prestigious industry nods while sharing the stage with some of his heroes. His first novel, published in late 2023, was an IPPY Gold medal winner and found an early supporter in Woody Harrelson, who said, “Ordinary Soil brings to haunting life the desperate realities of the American heartland, but also offers a glimpse into a better future . . . a call to action for all of us.”

His nonfiction For The Sender book, album, and concert series has garnered praise from Huffington Post (“important, enlightening, and ultimately inspiring”), Deepak Chopra (“a beautiful tribute to the resilience of the human spirit”), Dr. Wayne Dyer (“an inspiring, thought-provoking, and life-changing work”), and Billboard magazine (“one of the year’s most touching, unique releases”), among others.

Alex's second work of fiction, Analog Sun, is set for release in Fall 2025, and has already earned accolades from thought leaders including triple-board certified Zach Bush, MD. A leading educator on human and planetary health, Dr. Bush found the book to be "stunning, with a twist I didn't see coming. Analog Sun is the perfect antidote to our digital overwhelm...and a beautiful invitation to a more meaningful, joyful life."


Alex lives with three horses, two dogs, two chickens, and two beautiful humans on a small ranch near the California coast, where he logs as much water time as possible. While he's stepped away from social media, his stories and music can be found at alexwoodard.com.

Reviews

[Markie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Ordinary Soil" by Alex Woodard is a powerful and haunting tale that delves into the depths of generational trauma, secrets, and the redemptive potential hidden within the land itself. The book begins with a farmer facing immense despair, attempting suicide under a decaying burial elm tree. In doing so, he unintentionally uncovers a dark and painful ancestral history, marked by abandonment and abuse.

The novel explores the interconnectedness of past and present, emphasizing how the soil holds the remnants of the blood, flesh, and bones of ancestors. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that there is a hidden secret within the ordinary soil of the Oklahoma Panhandle that carries the potential for redemption, not only for the farmer but also for the land itself.

"Ordinary Soil" is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged narrative that delves into themes of healing, reconciliation, and the enduring connection between people and the land. It's a tale that reminds us of the power of confronting our past and finding hope in unexpected places.

[Karen M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes you read a book that you just don’t know how to review. It’s not this was a book I didn’t like because I did like it. It was informative, frightening, believable and a warning.

Just like the title of the book, Ordinary Soil, that is exactly what this book is about. The soil that farmers have planted their crops in for generations of farmers. The same crops that become the food on our tables. Do we even stop and think about how our bran flakes got from the soil to our table? Or that ear of corn or the potatoes you loved baked? Do we ever think about the chemicals involved in producing bigger and so called better crops? I didn’t until I read this book. Don’t get me wrong because I have heard about fertilizer and weed killers but I just never thought of them in conjunction with the food I eat.

There is a fictional story here about a wheat farmer, his wife and his doctor which ties everything together from the soil to the chemicals to how it has affected the farmer's family who are trying to survive and whose health has come into question because of what he and others in the past have used on the soil. Powerful book.

I won this book in a First Reads giveaway. Thank you to the author Alex Woodard.

[Neon · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, I would like to thank NetGalley and Greenleaf Book Group Press for the Advanced Readers Copy (ARC) of this book.

Ordinary Soil is no ordinary story.

At first, I struggled with what was happening in the story, but once I caught up things just started to fall into place. And boy did it hit and hut hard. This story is ripe with feelings and there was always a lump in my throat.

I'm honored to have been one of the first to read it in its complexity.

Watch and read as generations pass before your eyes, taking you on the path of the male members if this ancient family.

And under the feet of those generations is the dirt that carries them, the dirt that the first generation made vows over, vows that would haunt the following men that worked the earth.

Fantastic read. Wusj I could read it again, but it's been archived. I will have to buy it.

[Shirley Kingery · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a piece of fiction that is based on real life situations and scientific theories and principles related to farming and pesticides. I can't believe I was fortunate enough to have stumbled upon this book through Goodreads Giveaways and fortunate enough to win a copy. I say that because this story is absolutely personal to me and mirrors many things in my life including growing up on a family farm in the fifth generation, being surrounded by pesticides and chemicals constantly, and having both parents die in later life from leukemia and lymphoma, respectively. Not to mention a sister who survived breast cancer. Long ago it dawned on me that my parents' deaths were almost certainly linked to their years of farming and exposure to pesticides.

This book is about Jake and his wife, who live on a large family farm of about five generations. Jake's great, great grandfather was a Native American and his spirit haunts Jake, his father and his brother with terrifying visions. Jake has many health problems, all of which are seen regularly by the local physician, Mark. Jake and his wife have recently lost their young daughter to leukemia. Jakes' burdens have become too overwhelming and the book opens with his attempted suicide. Jake then becomes Mark's patient, and the two develop a friendship, which is truly a lifeline to Jake. Jake's wife, it turns out, has not been able to accept their daughter's death and still pretends that she is alive and near her most of the time. Jake's parents are both ill, too--his father with Parkinson's disease and his mother with Alzheimer's. Mark launches into research on the overwhelming cases of disease he is presented with in this rural area and certain connections start to become clear. Farmers have unwittingly been spewing poison onto their crops and soil with the chemical pesticides that manufacturers have been pushing on them for decades with (unfounded) assurances of safety. The results are disastrous and we are experiencing them even now, in real time.

The Afterword was also fascinating as it further explains the origin of the idea for this book and gives more information on the subject. There is also a References section listing books and links to articles on the research on this topic. This additional information and resources was unexpected and very much appreciated.

[Melodie Coulter-Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Mark, you better come home."
He knew what those five words meant.

You'd think Alex was an Okie, the way he writes my home and its weighty relation to the earth. Opening this novel, a real treatise on the way so much sadness is so ordinary, feels overwhelming at first. There are many characters to parse out and relationships to dive into. But That feels, especially as an Oklahoman, like a perfect mirror to our southern/midwestern ways. We are ordinary, connected, solemn.

I felt deeply the webs of generational trauma- generational toxicity, and the wistful nature of reconnecting to your family through land cultivation. This book is thoughtful, thought-provoking, and thorough. Well worth the read.

[Jk · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free kindle copy of this book in a GoodReads giveaway and am thankful to anyone who played a part in making that happen.

This is a very heavy and thought-provoking read with an important message. There is a lot going on here and I really enjoyed how it all came together.

[Karen Bourland · Rating 5 out of 5]

My husband was an agricultural Science test science With the FDA. This is a very very good book And since I own a farm I find it very informative. I hope That the FDA Pay attention to this book

[Megan Puddefoot · Rating 3 out of 5]

Given the current climate, I feel it is important to raise awareness on mental health within the farming community as it is declining massively due to financial factors as well as the physical strain.

This book shows the importance of farming and how hard it is for farmers in todays society across the world. In addition to this, it shows the huge issues we are facing by not farming ethically and the importance of regenerative farming.

Although it did take me a while to get into this book, It is very impactful and provides incite to those who are not aware of the current issues in agriculture.

A fantastic storyline.

Thank you to Netgalley and Greenleaf Book Group Press for giving me the opportunity to read this wonderful book.

[CarolinaBookBliss · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded.

Ordinary Soil by Alex Woodard, narrated by Scott Brick and George Newbern.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
The audiobook boasts well developed characters, meticulous research by the author and some thought provoking themes.
Tackling sensitive environmental issues and the impacts of chemical use in farming.
The narrative beautifully weaves in Native American perspectives, adding depth to the story.
The narration is well done, complemented by tasteful music that enhances the listening experience. Overall, this audiobook is a compelling and impactful listen.
Thank you to NetGalley and Greenleaf Audiobooks for the opportunity to listen and review this book.

[Linda Surritte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liked the Native American based theme and history/curent day tie.

[Erin Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ordinary Soil was a haunting narrative about the position farmers have brought modern agriculture into. Highlighting a hypothetical (maybe not so hypothetical) situation, Alex Woodard presents a story about a rural town suffering from overuse of chemicals in farming. An underlying storyline touches on generational curses and gives the chemical fallout a bit more spookiness. Following a doctor, a farmer, and a cast of other people that can be found in any farming community, Woodard gives us an insidious tale with plenty of real heartfelt emotion and fear.

[Doris Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oklahoma

As an ancestor to the First Families of the Twin Territories; this book was an important piece of literature for me. My great great grandfathers farmed hundred of acres. Thank for writing this Alex.

[Lydia Auclair · Rating 1 out of 5]

Couldn't get into this book. There was far too much switching time periods to keep track.

[Antony Wairiuko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Confluence of Three Sisters' Literal/Figurative Inferences and Medical References

Set in Oklahoma, U.S., Ordinary Soil is a 9-chapter, 277-page, and October 2023 book by Alex Woodard.

Earlier on, protagonist Jake’s suicide attempt—his family would have cashed in on insurance fraud (his life insurance policy exceeded his plantation’s value, after all)—sets the plot’s pace. Why? The tragic answer lies in the Native American culture, family business, farming techniques, agrochemicals and mechanization, generational (mis)conduct, supernatural, reverence for the Great Spirit, adoration of Mother Earth, afterlife, health crisis, and physiology.

Originally, the featured ancestral land nourished, and, per the ancestor’s wish, would always nourish the Three Sisters—corn, beans, and squash—whose contextual mutualism transcends their literal tendency as this ingenious, indigenous concept of intercropping and organically farming non-GMO plants has minimal inputs and benefits the entire ecosystem.

Woodard describes the three plants’ three-pronged figurative mutualism (conversely) thus: aggressive chemical and mechanized farming (e.g. overcultivation, where depleted nutrients are offset by overusing dangerous fertilizers, toxic pesticides, strong herbicides, and deadly desiccants) has negative effects on soil microbiomes that, in turn, untypically and directly wreak havoc on our gut microbiomes via the food systems, eventually causing leaky gut-related chronic diseases.

Other themes: forced assimilation, epidemiology, colonialism, conservative versus progressive polices, elopement, intermarriage, Great Depression, dust storm, racism, remorse, institutional blackmail, bullying, introduced diseases, soil and anger management, drug and domestic abuse, resentment, cultural displacement, rehabilitation, end-of-life care, capitalism, reunion, coping mechanism, harsh parenting, empathy, family life, medical research, trauma, escapism, mental health, retribution, transgression, and health advisory.

He lists some of the synthetic fertilizers and suchlike chemicals—whether for agricultural or residential uses—like ammonia, NPK, carbaryl, 2,4-D, paraquat, atrazine, and glyphosate whose residues and metabolites, generational toxicity, and off-target effects on all chains of the living multicellular organisms include disrupting their shikimate pathways (absent in people) and other biochemical processes, depriving us of the critical building blocks, inhibiting neurodevelopment and neurotransmitters, and destroying the gut’s microbiome biodiversity. Eventually, they cause autoimmune and neurodegenerative disorders such as diabetes, HBP, diverticulitis and ulcerative colitis, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, leukemia, dementia, autism, cardiovascular illnesses, cancer, and chronic kidney disease.

The prophetic ancestor Aki’s shilup, a vengeful seasonal apparition on the prowl, offers the reader an intriguing and suspenseful pursuit of the thematic connection with the mind-body-soul: a metaphorical self-harm and environmental degradation, before the journaled family history inspires the ancestral energy Shilup and Jake to shake hands, where their peacemaking symbolizes “the present touch[ing] the past”.

Literary devices include: “wave of relief…tide of anger", "graveyard of records/receipts...paper tombstones...[and] cardboard casket", "memories were wagon ruts…swept away by the cruel wind of time", land addicted to chemicals..."diseased with weed and bugs...and apathetic in not producing", "the wrath of an angry earth," "million tiny birds of water...[with] hydric entrails", and "meth for breakfast…meth addiction for weight loss.”

A gloomy medical-and-biographical cautionary tale of intensive crop farming, Ordinary Soil encourages farmers to “walk it back”: reverse the ongoing humanitarian abuses in the food industry; adopt agricultural ethics in the food baskets; undo the nutritional collapse; and, instead, modernize indigenous farming methods to efficiently practice organic farming and to eliminate non-GMO products to avoid the trickle-down effects of inorganic farming because human ecology has linked them to endemic chronic diseases.

Ordinary Soil is steeped in insightful knowledge: it is a confluence of literary devices, politico-econo-social wisdom, and authoritative scientific viewpoints. Woodard wove Ordinary Soil with literal and figurative inferences and medical references. Seemingly, this artistic book has been yanked from [no accusation :-)]—or, at least, it befits inclusion in—a literature-friendly, peer-reviewed medical journal, if it exists. Such is its merit.

[Judy Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

ORDINARY SOIL by Alex Woodard is a poignant multi-generational novel that masterfully weaves together elements of fiction and fact. Set against the vast and rugged landscape of the Oklahoma Panhandle, the story delves deep into the intricate connections between agriculture, generational trauma, and the pressing issues of environmental health.

Through vivid storytelling, the narrative uncovers the resilience of those who till the earth, reflecting on their struggles and triumphs as they grapple with the legacies of the past and the hope for a sustainable future.

About...

The story begins with Jake, a modern-day farmer in rural Oklahoma, attempting suicide beneath a rotting burial elm on his family’s property. He is overwhelmed by a failing farm, opioid addiction, and the recent loss of his young daughter to leukemia.

The Ghostly Witness:
Both as a child and now as an adult, Jake is haunted by "The Man in the Wheat," a Native American spirit (his Choctaw ancestor) who attempts to warn him of the mistakes being made on the land.

The Medical Investigation:
Mark, a local physician and oncology researcher, notices a pattern of chronic illness and cancer throughout the community. He discovers that Jake’s wife, Jess, remains healthy because she eats only from her own organic, chemical-free garden, unlike the rest of the town.

Multi-Generational Legacy:
The narrative leapfrogs through time—from the 1860s to the present day—following four generations of Jake’s family:

Great-Great-Grandfather:
A Native American ancestor whose story establishes the family's deep, albeit fractured, connection to the soil.

Grandfather/Father:
Their transition toward mechanical farming and heavy pesticide use to chase profits, which slowly "killed" the soil and led to modern health crises like Parkinson’s disease.

The Characters....

In ORDINARY SOIL, the characters represent different facets of a generational struggle between modern industrial life and ancestral roots in the Oklahoma Panhandle.

Jake: The central protagonist, a depressed Oklahoma farmer who has reached a breaking point. He is a member of the Choctaw Nation and struggles with opioid abuse, chronic illness, and the grief of losing his young daughter to leukemia. He is haunted by an ancestor whose spirit urges him to see the "error of his ways" regarding the land.

Dr. Mark: An inquisitive physician and oncology researcher who returns to his hometown. He identifies a pattern of chronic disease in the community and becomes a lifeline for Jake. His scientific investigation into soil toxins and his own Choctaw roots mirror Jake's journey toward healing.

Jessica (Jess): Jake’s wife, who is emotionally distant from him as she copes with their daughter's death. Unlike others in the community, she remains relatively healthy because she maintains a private vegetable garden, which serves as a vital clue for Mark’s research.

Adam: Jake’s estranged brother, who similarly suffers from opioid addiction and is haunted by the same family shadows and spectral visions.

Aki: Jake’s Choctaw ancestor, whose story is told in flashbacks. He represents the "old ways" of respecting the land and is the source of the family’s ancestral wisdom that was nearly lost to cultural erasure and industrialization.

Supporting Characters...

Jake’s Father: A man suffering from Parkinson’s disease, which the novel links to the long-term use of chemical pesticides on the family farm.

Hailey: Jake and Jessica’s late daughter, whose death from leukemia serves as the catalyst for the family's emotional collapse and the subsequent investigation into environmental poisoning.

The Land: Often described as a character in itself, the soil in the Oklahoma Panhandle is a "living" entity that has been abused by a century of mechanical and chemical farming but still holds the secret to redemption.

My thoughts....

Timely and critical, in Woodard's haunting yet thought-provoking novel, ORDINARY SOIL, the characters find redemption through the soil, as Jake and Mark eventually uncover "the secret" buried in the land: the restorative power of regenerative agriculture.

Despite the heavy themes of despair and loss, the book ultimately offers a message of hope. The protagonist, Jake, discovers a powerful secret in the soil that provides a path to redemption for both himself and the land, suggesting that positive change is possible through a return to more sustainable practices and a renewed connection to nature.

In ORDINARY SOIL, Alex Woodard establishes a sharp contrast between "soil" and "dirt" to illustrate the environmental and human health crises facing the American heartland.

The novel expertly explores themes of environmental crisis, generational trauma, and the redemptive power of the land, heavily incorporating elements of American history, particularly regarding Indigenous culture and modern agricultural practices.

Jake realizes that saving his own life and his family's legacy requires healing the soil itself by abandoning industrial chemical practices for more respectful land management.

The novel functions as a powerful "call to action," challenging readers to reconsider their relationship with sustenance and the environment. You can find more about the book on Alex Woodard's official website.

Alex Woodard was inspired to write ORDINARY SOIL by a combination of a chance encounter with a medical expert, his own family heritage, and a desire to address the current crisis in American agriculture. The critical link between soil health and human health served as the primary catalyst for the book.

Woodard continues to advocate for these themes by donating a portion of the book's proceeds to Farmer's Footprint, a non-profit dedicated to soil health and regenerative farming.

The title ORDINARY SOIL reflects both a literal environmental message and a deeper ancestral metaphor. Its significance lies in the following themes:

~Ancestral Dust and Memory
~Soil Health as Human Health
~Soil vs. Dirt
~The Root Cause
~Mundane vs. Sacred
~Generational Legacy

The "soil" serves as the literal and figurative burial ground for the family's history. The plot involves "unearthing" dark ancestral histories and exposing "diseased roots" of trauma that have poisoned the family as much as chemicals have poisoned the land.

Themes Relating to American History
~Indigenous Wisdom and Land Management
~Capitalism and Corporate Greed
~The Dust Bowl Legacy
~Cultural Erasure

On a personal note...

I came across this enchanting and informative audio recording and was instantly captivated by the author’s spellbinding storytelling. Pair that with the performances of two of my favorite voices, and I was utterly enthralled.

As a fervent advocate for health, wellness, land, and the nourishing power of organic foods (a vegan) with serious multiple complex auto-immune diseases, food, chemical, and environmental allergies, I found the narrative not only enlightening and informative, but truly uplifting and hopeful. The author artfully weaves together personal anecdotes filled with vivid imagery and compelling insights that resonate deeply with my convictions. This narrative paints a striking picture of the profound interconnectedness between nature and our overall well-being, inviting listeners to reflect on the delicate balance that sustains both our bodies and the earth.

The audiobook....

Prepare to be captivated by one of the TOP audiobooks of 2025!

Performed by the incredibly talented duo, Scott Brick and George Newbern, this audio experience transports listeners into a richly imagined world brimming with intrigue and mystery. Their masterful storytelling breathes life into the characters and the vivid settings, immersing you in an unforgettable journey. Each word resonates, capturing the very essence of the narrative and offering an engaging and powerful listening experience that will leave you craving more.

Recs...

If you enjoyed this fascinating topic, novel, there are many books exploring the link between soil health and human health that often focus on how soil microbiology affects the nutritional density of food and the prevention of chronic disease.

Popular Non-Fiction & Narratives:
~What Your Food Ate: How to Heal Our Land and Reclaim Our Health by David R. Montgomery and Anne Biklé.
~The Hidden Half of Nature: The Microbial Roots of Life and Health by David Montgomery and Anne Biklé
~The Soil Will Save Us: How Scientists, Farmers, and Foodies Are Healing the Soil to Save the Planet by Kristin Ohlson
~Call of the Reed Warbler: A New Agriculture, A New Earth by Charles Massy
~Dirt to Soil: One Family’s Journey into Regenerative Agriculture by Gabe Brown
~SOS: Save Our Soils: How Regenerative Food and Farming Will Save Your Health and the Planet by Louis De Jaeger

Special thanks to Greenleaf Audiobooks and NetGalley for sharing an advanced listening copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars +
Pub Date: Set 16, 2025
Top Audiobooks of 2025

[Cassie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The last of a long line of farmers, our protagonist seeks to end the ongoing nightmare that seems to plague him and his farm. His family, his health, his land, all seem to be deteriorating. His exit plan does not go as imagined. A doctor of a similar age originally from the community starts seeing him as he recovers. Already fixated on getting to the root of the areas problems, this doctor sees the path to potential answers in his new patient's case.

"Ordinary Soil" is an exploration in history, science, traditions, grief, generational trauma on peoples and earth, and the things that haunt us in all senses.

Let me be clear. The introduction to earth science, the melding of folk knowledge and empirical, and the reminder of colonization's insidious nature are incredibly important. The song recordings in the audiobook were enjoyable. I would be interested in the author's nonfiction, speeches, and other musical performances. These are the merits that earn the rating. Not the story itself, unfortunately.

Appreciating an essay or lecture is different than liking a book. Reading doesn't have to be enjoyable. The best experiences challenge a reader. The process does have to transcend the learning process in the telling to be a successful novel. In this,"Ordinary Soil" fell short.

By no means is combining genres effectively east. I believe this is the core of what made the book so disjointed. If "Ordinary Soil" was supposed to be on the historical fiction side, we were never given enough of the other lives to really connect with the family outside of being told their relationship to their land. The element of character voice doesn't help. Child can and does effect how people respond and react later in life. It doesn't always clone you into a previous person or behavior set. The protagonist, his father, and the doctor's father all sounded the same. The only aspect I could pick up was rage with a side dish of regret.

Then is the attempted spin question is this what's happening mystical or psychological. Any guess work is shelved by the mother's plight being blatantly obvious. Something made more frustrating by a last ditch effort to contradict it. It turned character development into something sentimental but ultimately cheated the wife of her own journey.

I have no doubt that Woodard respects that land and traditional practices. Still, I confess that using the spiritual element of the originating patriarch as the fuel of horror didn't settle well. Some of the best horror and thriller fiction I've read lately stem from similar stories about indigenous trauma as written by community members. Something about this felt like it was being used as a tool.

Yes, a big theme of the book is that indigenous farming practices also have a scientific base. Having better ways embraced over current farming practices was a nice start. A stronger reinforcement would be something as simple as a side note in the epilogue about the brothers seeking advice from a local indigenous group on cultural matters. Otherwise, why include the ancestor's grief if their connection to him, of wanting to bring back what Aki's son abandoned, wasn't supposed to be the backbone?

Other small irritants added up. Integrating music or other embellishments is always hit and miss. Certain sections left the impression that the song wasn't reinforcing a scene but that the scene was written to highlight the song. A personal relationship for the doctor as he starts opening up about his past honestly adds very little to the plot. If anything it invades his thoughts and topples the pacing of the second half. It would have been more effective if information was held back and a mystery element maintained instead of becoming unnecessarily repetitive when said across timelines. It was a very wobbly reading experience.

I completely endorse any attempt to make important messages reach audiences who may be deaf to them. Unfortunately this book felt more like a sermon than a compelling tale with those vital features as the undercurrent. I wish I had liked this more.

Reactionary Rating: 2.5

[Valery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Within the intricate tapestry of Ordinary Soil written by Alex Woodard, a profound exploration unfolds, delving into the haunting legacy of familial trauma spanning generations. This poignant narrative takes readers on a compelling journey through the lives of an Oklahoma farming family across multiple timeframes, illuminating the relentless grip of trauma that transcends time.

Initially, the book presents a formidable challenge. It introduces a diverse cast of characters, each with their narrative space, and the intricate web of kinship is not immediately apparent. Some characters remain anonymous, further complicating the reader's quest. The uneasy rhythm dances unpredictably, often leaping across months or years within chapters, leaving readers adrift in determining the storyteller. It's a mysterious puzzle that necessitates revisiting earlier chapters to reconstruct the intricate family lineage and keep track of what is happening.

Yet, persistence reaps rich rewards. As you immerse yourself in this literary voyage, you'll unearth its transformative potential. Alex Woodard, the author, expertly melds fact and fiction, coining the term "faction." Throughout the narrative, he unveils a treasure trove of wisdom concerning farming, the repercussions of chemical intervention on health and agriculture, and the intricate fabric of human connections. It becomes evident that the familial trauma haunting this lineage is intimately entwined with their relationship with the land and their consequential choices.

As the narrative unfolds, Ordinary Soil compels readers to reassess their connection to nourishment and the environment. The story's culmination is nothing short of breathtaking, seamlessly weaving factual revelations with the resolution of the fictional journey. It delivers a profoundly gratifying denouement that resonates on a profound level.

Woodard's prose mimics a high-octane race, commencing with a sprint, maintaining a steady cadence through the middle stretch, and then surging ahead as the finish line approaches. It's a thrilling literary expedition that leaves an enduring mark on the reader's psyche.

Ordinary Soil defies easy categorization—it is a multifaceted narrative. It serves as a historical excavation, an examination of environmental degradation, a contemporary suspenseful thriller, a poignant love story, and an enigmatic detective tale, all intricately interwoven. Above all, it emerges as a clarion call, challenging us to reconsider our choices, both in lifestyle and sustenance. This book is more than a narrative; it is a potential catalyst for transformation, a literary journey that possesses the power to reshape the world.

[Misty Travieso · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I picked up Ordinary Soil, I had pretty high expectations. I had heard a lot about it from my fellow readers on social media when I asked about a new book that I would like. Needless to say, I was not disappointed in the book! Alex Woodard has taken his writing skills to the next level with this book and I am ready to tell you all about why I enjoyed it so much!

The book dives deep into family traumas that were with these families for generations and generations to come. The lives of an Oklahoma farming family are what the book mainly focuses on. There are plenty of characters in this book, for I’m warning you now, if you can’t keep up, you’re more than likely not going to be a fan of the book. I was able to take notes of characters, so I was really good at keeping them all straight. Most of the character knowledge is useful because there is a family lineage that the reader has to keep up with in order to truly get a feel for this family. It will all make sense as you get further into the book.

One of the main ideas in this book is that the writer wants the readers to stop and think about our connection to the environment. Even though this book is fiction, there are plenty of moments where I stopped and said, ‘This is happening right now,’ or ‘This could really happen to our farmers.’

At the beginning of the book, I was compelled to hear more about the family and what obstacles they would have to face in their lives as farmers. This book hits close to home since my husband and I run a family farm and we know just how hard it is and that is with modern technology! Can you imagine what these old school farmers went through? This book will touch on it and you will be thrilled by what you read.

I would fully recommend this book to anyone who is looking for something a little different. There is a heartwarming story here with some romance, drama, and a lot of learning.

[J Kromrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC in audiobook format.

Ordinary Soil by Alex Woodard, narrated by Scott Brick and George Newbern

Alex Woodard’s Ordinary Soil is a lyrical excavation of trauma, legacy, and the redemptive power of land. Set in the American heartland, the novel follows Jake, a young farmer haunted by addiction, grief, and a suicide attempt beneath a rotting burial elm. What he unearths—both literally and metaphorically—is a buried ancestral history that pulses with pain, resilience, and a quiet, aching hope.

This is not a story that rushes. It unfolds like a field in winter—still on the surface, but teeming with unseen life beneath. Woodard weaves together multiple timelines and perspectives, including a Choctaw boy resisting cultural erasure, a grieving mother, and a mysterious figure who may be more spirit than man. The result is a narrative that feels both intimate and mythic, grounded in soil yet reaching toward something sacred.

Scott Brick and George Newbern split narration duties with grace and gravitas. Brick brings a weathered solemnity to the prose, his voice echoing the weight of generational wounds. Newbern, in contrast, offers a gentler cadence, lending warmth and clarity to the novel’s more introspective passages. Together, they create a sonic landscape as rich and layered as the story itself.

What makes Ordinary Soil extraordinary is its refusal to separate the personal from the ecological. Addiction, abuse, and abandonment are not just human afflictions—they’re mirrored in the land, in the poisoned fields and forgotten roots. And yet, Woodard doesn’t leave us in despair. There’s a secret buried in that soil, one that suggests healing is possible—not just for Jake, but for all of us.

For listeners who crave literary fiction with spiritual depth and environmental resonance, Ordinary Soil is a haunting, hopeful journey. It reminds us that sometimes, to move forward, we must first dig deep.

[Lizzy Brannan · Rating 4 out of 5]

We cannot be reminded enough that what we put in and on our bodies affects our health. This haunting tale, described as "faction" in the afterword, is a work of fiction based on factual historical, medical, and agricultural data.

Jake's land isn't yielding crops like it used to. His mental and physical health have taken a hit, and his marriage is falling apart because of his opioid addiction. Mark, his close friend and doctor, notices that nearly everyone in his town seems to be suffering from some kind of medical illness - except for Jake's wife, Jess. She feeds herself from her private garden. In Mark's research, he is beginning to make the connections between his town's health and what they are eating. And when Jake begins to frequently see a Native American spirit on his property, he remembers this same spirit trying to communicate with him as a child. Is Jake's land cursed?

I have not read anything like this. It was haunting, yet prompted me to put my own health in check. I've known for years that the biggest threat to our health has been the food we eat. It's nearly impossible in our fast-paced world to eat unprocessed, chemical-free food. It requires a change in lifestyle. I felt very seen reading this. It's easy for us to roll our eyes and just say, "Well, we are all gonna die sometime. Might as well eat, drink, and be merry." I want to have quality of life and be effective in my vocation for as long as I'm here. I applaud this work!

Scott Brick and George Newbern drew me in right away with their narrations. At times, the acting got a little over-the-top, but not enough to keep me from enjoying the story. I think part of it had to do with the dramatic writing. Scott and George were phenominal in characterization and keeping the listener engaged. Fantastic!

Thank you NetGalley, Alex Woodard, and Greenleaf Audiobooks for this audio ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ordinary Soil AUDIO by Alex Woodard is a story about how destroying the earth is also destroying the people. It covers four generations of a family in Oklahoma beginning with the day a boy is dragged from his family to be educated at an Indian school. Kill the Indian, save the man, is the slogan. He hates it there and ultimately gets kicked out for helping another student who is being bullied. He returns home and sees how his father farms: the old-fashioned way. He has learned so much. He can do better. Thus starts the downhill slope of using machinery to farm and pesticides to assist. For many years it is a rich and productive farm but eventually comes the day when the soil is dead and the harmful after-effects are felt in the bodies of those who farm the land and eat from it. It ends up with the death of a child and the attempted suicide of her father; a destroyed marriage. Along comes Mark, a research doctor who grew up here and has returned. He sees patterns.

One a basic level this is a terrific story of a family through the generations; falling in love, having chidren, growing old, and dying. It is a story of native mysticism, wherein the original farmer keeps appearing, trying to warn his descendants of what they are doing to the land. On a more primal level, it is the story of destruction, of corporate greed, of ignorance. It is a moving piece, well researched and well-written, with excellent characters.

The readers are Scott Brick and George Newbern. Scott Brick is an excellent reader but a poor choice for this book. We are in Oklahoma, for crying out loud. He is not. His voice is too dramatic, too aggressive, too formal, for the situation. A better choice could have been made.

I was invited to listen to Ordinary Soil by Greenleaf Audio Books. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #GreenleafAudioBooks #AlexWoodard #ScottBrick #GeorgeNewbern #OrdinarySoil

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grew up on a farm in Kendall County , IL., which has some of the richest, blackest soil in the nation. Everyday family farms disappear, only to be paved over with solar panels, wind farms or factory farmed by ConAgra. The current administration has done nothing to help the small farmer, except to insure that the suicide rate amongst Farmers remains among the highest in the US.

This novel begins with an attempted suicide. “Ordinary Soil struck a nerve with me as we have had a painful and shocking suicide of a much loved young family member, as well as my Dad’s Parkinson’s Disease and my Mother’s Louie Bodies Dementia. Woodson s novel links these conditions ( with science backed data) on family farms to pesticides and fertilizers used by farmers on a daily basis. Personally, we have long suspected a link between the chemicals used on our farms and ground water contamination causing these ailments.

This is a moving novel of generational family trauma and of the danger posed to all mankind by the flagrant use of harmful, deadly chemicals to grow our food and poison our soil. The good news is that our soil can regenerate if we care enough. That’s a question for each individual to ponder. Grow your own food, even if it’s on a window sill or back patio. Tomato plants and potatoes are easy, delicious, and the rewards are many.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Highly recommended.

The excellent audiobook edition of this novel was read by Scott Brick and George Newbern.

[Stephanie Loomis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully written

There is a saying that says the sins of the father extend to the third and fourth generation; this story exemplifies how. Over five generations of Indian men worked this Oklahoma land. From the first whose desire was to live in harmony with it to the last who must needed to survive, the generations made mistakes, ignored the wisdom of their ancestors, and became increasingly sick.

When a young doctor makes a connection between the chemicals used to improve crops and the illnesses of the farmers, the last generation has an opportunity to rebuild the depleted soil and improve their own health. There is nothing ordinary about natural soil.

The ghost of the ancestor who first farmed the land tries to teach his descendants to nurture the soil, but it took four generations, illnesses, and decisions made in desperation for the men of the land to understand.

Stewarding the land means working it respectfully. This book makes the case for living from the soil instead of chasing a profit by using the soil in ways that deplete it.

The book is very well written, with some beautiful imagery. The explanation of how the past influences the present and the future runs through the text.

This book could also become a movie, or short television series very well. It's an important message: treat the earth with respect and watch the rewards of a successful farmer take root.

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Connection to family through the land as well as the poisioning the loss of traditions. This book is about Jake and his wife, who live on a large family farm of about five generations. Jake's great, great grandfather was a Native American and his spirit haunts Jake, his father and his brother with terrifying visions. Jake has variety of health problems, all of which are seen regularly by the local physician, Mark. Jake and his wife have recently lost their young daughter to leukemia. Jakes' burdens have become too overwhelming and the book opens with his attempted suicide. Jake then becomes Mark's patient, and the two develop a friendship, which is truly a lifeline to Jake. Jake's wife, it turns out, has not been able to accept their daughter's death, still pretends that she is alive and near her most of the time. Jake's parents are both ill, his father with Parkinson's disease and his mother with Alzheimer's. Mark launches research on the overwhelming cases of disease he is presented with in this rural area and certain connections start to become clear. Farmers have unwittingly been spewing poison onto their crops and soil with the chemical pesticides that manufacturers have been pushing on them for decades with (unfounded) assurances of safety. This is a very heavy and thought-provoking read with an important message. There is a lot going on here and it all came together. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher for the opportunity.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This unusual audio book was both informative and entertaining for the most part. Although listening to the story rather than reading it caused me to miss some transitions which was confusing at first, I eventually found the rhythm and was immersed in the tale. Once the author settled into the current timeline and the main characters became defined, the story flowed and was engaging. We get to know a farming family who struggles with health issues, mental illness, addictions and financial difficulties. Another primary character is Mark, the local doctor who also has a past and struggles of his own. A major theme of the book is environmental pollutants and the impact on wellbeing.
Not only was this story unusual, but the format of the audio book was really different. As mentioned above, the author does not announce transitions with dates or chapter titles so listening can be confusing at times. However, I really liked the themes and the story overall. The Native American spiritual component was an excellent way to tie in the environmental concerns. The addictions problems were addressed candidly and accurately and the family’s strife was portrayed with spot on emotion. The narrators did a great job of making this book come to life. I have to mention that the insertions of music throughout the book was a little weird but the songs and singer were really good and this was so much better than a narrator attempting to sing which I have found downright annoying in other audiobooks I have listened to, so thanks for that.
Thanks to NetGalley and Greenleaf Audiobooks for the Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own.
I had previously received an ARC of the Kindle version of this book in 2023. Thanks to Goodreads and Greenleaf Publishing for the opportunity to read this version.

[Raisa Mbalule · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deep Message

Ordinary Soil by Alex Woodard is a book with a deep message. Ordinary Soil tells a story spanning several generations and from multiple POVs. It mostly follows the story of Jake, an overweight married man with health challenges, surrounded by family who are also battling several health conditions of their own, save for his wife, who appears seemingly healthy. And, something has been haunting him and his family, and he struggles to understand what it could mean.

I struggled to read the first few chapters at first. The story jumps between different POVs across different generations and sometimes lacks a time reference. This makes it a little difficult to keep up with. However, the author offers just enough mystery and intrigue to keep you flipping through the pages. As the story unfolds, you'll appreciate sticking it out.

At first glance, this seems like any other novel about farming in Oklahoma, but there is a deeper message underneath it all; one we should be paying attention to. In as much as it's a story about trauma, family, and love, it is also a story about health. The author expertly places a call to action for all of us to examine our relationship with the earth and the environment and to pay closer attention to what we put into our bodies. It was a solid read with an important message.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, I want to say thank you to the giveaway sponsors! This was the first book I've been lucky enough to win!

I liked this book, it's about several generations of a family of farmers who over the years get on board with big farms. Each generation moves a step away from the old traditions of caring for the land and harvest. Machines, fertilizer, pesticides, that sort of thing. Each generation is also slowly suffering from more and more health problems, as well as being terrified by the ghost they've called the man in the wheat. He appears to the farmers as a man with his skin and face melting, and none of them realize until it's almost too late that he is the ancestor trying to send a warning. The land needs rest, and the chemicals are not only harming the soil but harming the health of the farmers and their family.

While not exactly an exciting book with a lot of horror, it was still a good read and gives you something to think about with the way things are in todays world and the way our food is grown. I've never read a book with generational hauntings, so it was an interesting idea. There are times when self harm and suicide are talked about a lot, and the characters and timelines took some time to figure out because of the writing style. I'm not a note taker but I feel like that would have helped me a ton.

[Kim Novak (The Reading Rx) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ordinary Soil has a little something for everyone… it’s a family saga, it’s a medical mystery, it’s an exploration of addiction, it’s a corporate exposé, it’s environmental horror, it’s a ghost story, and it’s both historical and contemporary fiction. One would think that to be all those things, it would be a 600+ page slog, but it comes in well under 300 pages. Somehow it just works.

Towards the end, it got a bit preachy in parts and one of the characters a bit condescending. Having a medical and science background, I wanted a little more deep science (nerdy mechanisms and chemical reactions and microbial coliform quantification and such)… and maybe that is why it felt how it did for me. I have to remember that the main characters were average Joe farm folks who were being met where they were in their scientific understanding. How would I explain a complex topic to someone not in the field? Probably the same simplistic slightly preachy way to be completely honest. And for average readers, it makes the content accessible and prompts deeper internet dive to satisfy the inner nerdy curiosity in many of us.

Overall an interesting and enjoyable read which gets you thinking about where your food comes from and where the roots of many of our health problems may lie.

Thank you to the author and Books Forward for the complementary copy.

[Catie · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much family trauma! This book traces the history of a farming family in Oklahoma throughout several generations. It is interesting (in a horrifying way) to see how trauma is passed from one generation to the next.

This book was super hard for me to get into, but I was glad that I stuck with it. The beginning is just a lot of characters in their own chapters. The characters are all descendants of each other, but that is not immediate clear. Some of the characters also aren’t named so it’s hard to follow them through the book. When I was near the end, I had to go back and reread some of the chapters in the beginning to put the family tree together. Also, time moves really weird in the book, and within the chapters, sometimes the story jumps forward months or even years and it is hard to keep track of who is telling the story at that point.

This book made me reconsider how I buy my food and what I put into my body. The author refers to this book as “faction”, which is fact and fiction. There are so many facts about farming, effects of chemicals on the body and on food. The end was a highly interesting blend of facts and the conclusion of the fictional story. It was a very solid and satisfying ending.

[Aditya · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Ordinary Soil" by Alex Woodard is an emotionally charged narrative that navigates the profound depths of generational trauma and the redeeming potential held within the land. The story opens with a farmer's desperate suicide attempt under a decaying burial elm, inadvertently unveiling a painful ancestral history steeped in abandonment and abuse.

Woodard skillfully weaves together past and present, emphasizing the significance of the land as a repository of ancestral stories and suffering. The book's exploration of the interconnectedness between individuals, their history, and the land itself is thought-provoking and poignant.

While the novel excels in its portrayal of emotional depth and the potential for healing, some readers might find the narrative's pacing to be somewhat slow, particularly in the initial chapters. However, this deliberate pace ultimately serves to create a contemplative atmosphere that allows the story's themes to resonate deeply.

"Ordinary Soil" is a captivating and introspective work that underscores the importance of confronting our past and discovering hope and redemption in unexpected places.

Thank you
Happy Reading