6 stars honestly. When I closed Rooted, I immediately thought: Now that’s what I’m talking about! This is a book that I can’t detail too much here because you simply need to read it yourself. I highly recommend checking out the pages I photographed, but there are countless moments in this book that deserve deep discussion and even more worth quoting and shouting from the rooftops.

My expectations for this book were high, and Baker not only met them but completely surpassed them. I would love to see this book incorporated into educational curriculums to spark meaningful conversations. It doesn’t just provide a history of systemic oppression through the theft of land from Black and Indigenous people—it also lays the groundwork for how we can move forward. Baker emphasizes the magic and power of prioritizing community and rethinking the systems that have intentionally severed minorities’ connections to land and to one another.

This book is a must-read, and I can’t recommend it enough. I borrowed a copy from the library, but I can’t wait to add it to my personal library—and trust me, I’ll be highlighting the hell out of it. I also listened to the audiobook and loved hearing Baker’s passion as she narrated her work. There’s something so powerful about hearing an author’s voice, especially when they’re speaking on a topic that demands passion and dedication.

This book will inspire you to advocate for change and become more informed about these critical issues. I could honestly talk about Rooted for days, but instead, I’ll say this: go to your local bookstore, library, or wherever you get your books, add this one to your cart or tote, and read it. Then come back and talk to me, because this is a book I’ll be recommending and discussing constantly moving forward.