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While it was a bit repetitive, and the dragging out of Alice‘s story felt gimmicky, this is an interesting look at the consumer DNA market. I have not taken a test due to some of the ethical dilemmas she discusses. But I have at least one 1st cousin who has, so it may be a moot point. There‘s much to think about here for sure.

This was interesting. It takes a close look at DNA technology and what it means for people and families. She talks about the good parts but spends a lot of time on people who learn unexpected things and what it means for those people and their families. It also delves into ways DNA can be misused or used in ways people don't expect when they send in their sample.

Narrative nonfiction at its best! I love the way Copeland wove families‘ histories together to illustrate topics of genetic genealogy. What an incredible time we‘re living in: to have the tools find out so much about who/where we came from through DNA. The author does a fantastic job of illustrating the fallout of finding out unknown facts about oneself‘s origin: adoption, incest, unexpected paternity, and so much more.

Such a fascinating book about the rise of consumer DNA testing - the kind of tests that people gift each other without appreciating what the implications could be.

I loved the real-life stories interwoven with the facts, particularly the main story about Alice and her father. Whilst there were some technical parts that went over my head, the discussion of ethics was really interesting (and quite scary!)

Thanks for gifting this to me Meg!

Thought I‘d post a picture of the 2 Friday night books I‘m about to start, but got photobombed by Henry!

Anyhow, going for 1 fiction (a #buddyread with the lovely @Caroline2 ) and 1 NF, a gift from the equally lovely @Megabooks !

Meg! @Megabooks Look what just arrived!

I definitely recall your review of this one, and mentally making a note that it sounded right up my street, so thank you so much! I think Cindy @Cinfhen may have read it too, probably based on your recommendation as well?

It‘s a wonder any of us get *any* book ideas now from anywhere else other than you; you‘re so good at picking great books!

Henry says hi to Molly! I‘ll email you over the weekend. 😘

As our family‘s genealogist I am fascinated by all of this. Copeland weaves multiple mysteries throughout this history of DNA tests and kept me captivated the entire time. I have so many ideas of ways I want to research now, but I‘ll have to successfully complete a DNA test first (I‘ve failed five. 👽) A fascinating read!

As someone who has failed five (yes, FIVE) Ancestry DNA tests, this is both fascinating and frustrating. I‘ve been our family‘s genealogist for over a decade and I‘m the only one who doesn‘t have their DNA results. 😂 But I love stories of people who discover something unexpected in their DNA, and the history included adds another layer to the experience.

This was a strong pick for me. I love the process of genealogy research. But adding DNA testing to the process does create conflict and confusion for some folks. Copeland offers an unvarnished look at both ups and downs of getting tested. The true stories she tells are compelling. There‘s so much relevance to 21st century life here.

p.s. Yes, that IS my Ancestry family tree in the background.

#nonfiction2022 #outofyourcomfortzone

Really fascinating!!! This book delves into the ethics, science, and host of unexpected outcomes one might not think about when they open Pandora‘s box (kit) of DNA home testing. I would love to discuss this with a bookclub. I appreciated that the author included personal narratives. I found Alice‘s story particularly compelling. Second book from @MallenNC #NYWD list 💖 Will use for #Booked2022 #WrittenByAJournalist and #NF22 #OutOfLeftField

#AudioFolding Super fascinating look at the massively popular home DNA testing kits. This would make for a great bookclub choice. I‘m enjoying the personal stories more than the scientific jargon, although Copeland is doing a good job of keeping the information simple enough. Another book I own but needed the push from my #NYWD partner @MallenNC to finally pick it up.

#WonderousWednesday

1. London, UK; Montreal/Quebec City, Canada; and Thun, Switzerland
2. Reading!
3. The Lost Family by Libby Copeland (tagged)
4. Question 1 makes me grateful for the travel opportunities I‘ve had!

@Eggs

If you‘ve ever watched an Ancestry.com ad and wondered what your test might find, this book makes you ask if you really want to know. The main narrative thread is about Alice, who finds something surprising in her results. Along with stories of other surprises, the book also has chapters are about the history of DNA tests, the ethical issues surrounding these tests, what ethnicity really is, and more. I‘ll be thinking about this for a while.

My Lunchtime listen! I‘m so glad @Megabooks posted about this one so I could grab it from the Audible Plus catalog. I don‘t know that I‘d have sought this title out but it is fascinating.

Copeland takes a look at the home genetic test kit industry. She looks at aspects from ethics to privacy practices to finding birth families to research to what happens when a person finds out a startling truth about their family. On this last point, throughout the book she looks at a woman and her siblings who find out their father isn‘t who HE thought he was. Some amazing sleuthing with that one! Really enjoyed this #AudiblePlus title!

A fascinating look at the science of using DNA in genealogy research, and what it means to discover the genes you‘ve inherited. What makes us unique? How does knowing our ancestral heritage affect our cultural identity —and should it? And did you really think about the can of worms you might open when you spit into that tube and mailed it away? A great read if you are a genealogy nerd like me.