Ordinary Soil

By: Alex Woodard, Zach Bush MD - afterword

Narrated by: Scott Brick, George Newbern

IPPY Gold Medalist, 2024

“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.”—WOODY HARRELSON

Haunted by a shadow from the past, a young farmer attempts suicide beneath a rotting burial elm, unearthing a dark ancestral history. But deep beneath the diseased generational roots lies a powerful secret—one that could save both the man and the land.

©2023 Alex Woodard (P)2025 Alex Woodard

Roots, Redemption, and the Cost of Progress

This one hit me hard. Ordinary Soil isn’t just a story about a farmer and his land; it’s about the quiet ghosts that live in our family histories and the choices we inherit without even realizing it.

Alex Woodard has this uncanny ability to make the human condition leap right off the page (or in this case, out of your headphones). The first few chapters take a little focus as you sort through the generations and their tangled ties, but once the threads start weaving together, it’s pure storytelling magic.

What I loved most is how real it all feels. These characters stumble, grieve, and try their best to heal in a world that doesn’t always make that easy. Ordinary Soil touches on addiction, love, and the creeping influence of technology, and somehow makes it all feel personal. It could have veered too far into lecture territory when exploring agriculture and our dependence on chemical and mechanical “fixes,” but Woodard keeps it grounded in emotion and humanity (and I really appreciated that balance).

And let’s talk about the narrators: Scott Brick and George Newbern deliver the perfect dual performance. Brick’s gravitas anchors the story, while Newbern’s delivery adds just the right tension and vulnerability. They make the atmosphere dense with unease but never overwhelming. (Also, yes, the Audible version had a hiccup with missing audio when it first released, but it’s fixed now! It’s worth the listen, trust me.)

If you like thought-provoking fiction with emotional weight and a touch of realism that borders on uncomfortable truth, this one belongs on your list.

Intriguing, Haunting

Haunted by a shadow from the past, a young farmer attempts suicide beneath a rotting burial elm, unearthing a dark ancestral history. But deep beneath the diseased generational roots lies a powerful secret—one that could save both the man and the land. As he confronts this buried legacy, he discovers that redemption may grow from the very soil that once threatened to consume him.

Author Alex Woodard delivers a haunting and beautifully crafted story centered on a man burdened by his past and desperate for relief. The protagonist’s struggles feel genuine, his complexity grounded in emotions anyone can recognize, making his unexpected journey all the more compelling. Woodard’s deliberate character development, smooth dialogue, and keen attention to detail create an immersive experience that guides the listener effortlessly through each turn. The plot twists are fresh and engaging, showcasing the author’s talent for blending emotional depth with powerful storytelling.

Narrators Scott Brick and George Newbern deliver a powerful performance that draws listeners in and keeps them fully immersed from start to finish. Their clear delivery, steady cadence, and well-judged tonal inflections bring the story to life, while their perfectly placed pauses heighten the emotional impact. The seamless transitions between their voices create a unified, engaging experience that elevates the audiobook as a whole.

This audiobook is a captivating journey skillfully bringing each moment to life. Its engaging narration draws listeners in, making every insight and interaction feel vivid, relatable, and deeply compelling.

There were no issues with the quality or production of this audiobook.

Apparently the book playback issues have been fixed!

So I tried the book twice..
Both downloads have playback problems. However third time is the charm. Audible with Scott Brick is the best!