Description

Described as “heartfelt and thoroughly enriching” by Aimee Nezhukumatathil, New York Times bestselling author of *World of Wonders*, *Soil: The Story of a Black Mother’s Garden* by National Book Critics Circle finalist Camille T. Dungy explores the power of language and diversity in discussions about nature and the environment.

In this compelling blend of memoir, environmental writing, and social commentary, Dungy shares her seven-year effort to transform her garden in Fort Collins, Colorado, a predominantly white community with strict regulations on what residents could grow. After moving there in 2013 with her husband and daughter, she resisted these restrictive policies by cultivating a richly diverse array of plants, herbs, vegetables, and flowers. Through her garden, Dungy illustrates how the push for homogeneity—whether in landscapes or broader societal structures—threatens both ecological and cultural futures. She argues that fostering biodiversity in the natural world mirrors the importance of expanding and diversifying the language we use to discuss environmental issues.

Praised as “brilliant and beautiful” by Ross Gay, New York Times bestselling author of *The Book of Delights*, *Soil* weaves together nature writing, environmental justice, and personal reflection. It challenges readers to recognize the deep-rooted connection between the African diaspora and the land, emphasizing that a true sense of home exists wherever the soil lies beneath one’s feet.