I made a goal this year to read more books written by people of color, with February to be a focus on Black History. I had read Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi a few months back and felt as though my worldview had been expanded just by reading a book. Joseph Baiden's book Seeds of Slavery deepened that expansion by exploring the motives behind the slavers, including the motives of the Africans who facilitated the capture and sale of slaves. The story is harrowing, but incredibly enlightening. I had never before read a book which explores this side of the issue.

Baiden's writing is engaging and really drew me in from the first chapter. I found myself staying up late into the night to read "just one more chapter." Further, the story inspired me to do more research into the sites and historical events referenced therein.

I believe anyone interested in race, slavery, and post-colonial issues should read this book.