Tamar WeinbergBesprekingen

One does not need to be an adoptee to benefit from this book. Anyone wanting to use DNA data for genealogical research will find this a useful volume. The first part of the book provides search strategies and the basics about DNA testing. Part two addresses the types of DNA and a separate chapter for each of four popular genealogy sites that provide DNA testing. Part three has chapters on advanced tools. Part four goes through seven case studies. An appendix of frequently asked questions is especially helpful in connecting the book’s content. A first read through the book may make your head spin with all the technicalities. As a guide, this book’s value comes when used as a companion as you follow the author’s instructions while on the computer. The book is illustrated throughout with screenshots to help you interpret what you will see on the computer screen. The writing is clear. Weinberg comes across as a caring and patient guide on your journey to discover your family connections.

Weinberg's useful guide intended to assist adoptees in their quest to identify birth families is beneficial to anyone wanting to gain a better understanding of genetic genealogy. She explains the types of tests offered, the testing companies offering each, and a bit about the differences in the results. She then offers information on how to reach out to matches, how to make use of GEDmatch's tools, and using other third party tools. She closes with several case studies designed to inspire those seeking their families. Appendices include frequently asked questions and worksheets which could be adapted to Excel spreadsheets to help keep track of genetic genealogy research. The book contains an index. Any book on genetic genealogy will likely be out-of-date on at least one or two points by the time it is printed. Her frequently asked questions poses a question about the safety of testing results. It is clear the section was written before the announcement concerning the Golden State Killer's discovery through using genetic genealogy databases. Several more arrests were made using the databases after this. I suspect the next edition will include a "caution" statement although it won't discourage the use of the databases for most individuals. I wish she had covered more third party tools, although I'm certain the editors were trying to keep the book a manageable size. The illustrations help the reader visualize the information presented. This book belongs in most libraries and private genealogy collections along with Blaine Bettinger and Debbie Parker Wayne's Practical Genetic Genealogy and Blaine Bettinger's The Family Tree Guide to DNA Testing and Genetic Genealogy. I will be ordering my own copy and recommending it in my DNA lectures and workshops. This review is based on an electronic advance copy received through NetGalley with the expectation an honest review would be written.