Welcome to Litsy!

⭐️⭐️⭐️ I wasn‘t familiar with Maud Newton until I saw her on a panel back in October. She was so likable, and the passage she read from this book was totally intriguing. This is a memoir, but also a thorough look at ancestry and research in general. Interesting, but very dry at times. I preferred the personal narrative to the scientific bits simply because the writing flowed more easily.

I did have higher hopes for this than what it actually was. I love learning about developing technologies with DNA/genealogy/lineages and the implications and applications to many fields including healthcare and also criminal justice. While this book did touch on many of the issues surrounding these developing technologies, there was SO much about the author‘s ancestors, which ok…but it became confusing to keep track of everyone. Still enjoyed it!

I‘m in one of my genealogy-kick phases and thought I‘d enjoy this. But while there were some interesting bits, it was disjointed feeling in the way that blogs-turned-books can be. There was less than I wanted about her ancestors and more than I wanted of new-aged spirituality. The product of an unhappy family lineage, for sure, the author garnered my sympathy. But not my respect.

I‘ve hit a roadblock in my genealogy, and while there are other things I “should” be reading, I think this is what I _want_ to read.

As a longtime amateur genealogist, I wanted to love this book. Alas, I did not. It did have some interesting parts, but they were interspersed with long dry stretches that dragged. It was a bit of a struggle for me to finish it.

The blending of the authors family history plus her foray into genealogy: tracing, discovering and documenting her journey sounded like the potential for a perfect book. Unfortunately, I found the format confusing; I had difficulty keeping track of her family tree and I found Maud‘s research into genetics, genealogy, DNA, and a host of other tangents overwhelming, redundant and slightly dry. It‘s #BorrowNotBuy for me 🤓

Not sure about this one but it‘s an #ARC that‘s already published…. I somehow misread the publication date 🤦🏼‍♀️

Look where I am! #malapropsbookstore

While fascinating and entertaining, it‘s a little dense. Im not sure what the author wants this book to be - a memoir or an historical look at researching ancestry, genealogy, genetics, racism, slavery or a dozen other tangents.

I reviewed two vastly different genealogy / history books recently on my blog (https://www.TheBibliophage.com). Decided to post here, since Newton‘s book is brand new. Family history fascinates me—whether it‘s my own or not. So Newton‘s rambling discourse on her own family was a treat. I wish I‘d liked more of the people she talks about. But that really is the true challenge of family research. Sometimes you learn difficult things. ⬇️

In Ancestor Trouble, Newton explores her family history alongside musings about heredity, epigenetics, and more. This book defies genre categorization in the best way. I think it‘s a good look at acknowledging and reckoning with the past in a way that would serve us well if more people did it. #literati

Interesting, well-written mash-up of memoir/study of ancestry as a scientific, social, personal, and spiritual phenomenon. The memoir part was intense; all ancestors and family histories are full of imperfections, but Newton‘s were...extra. I appreciated that she was upfront about how hungry she was for her biological ancestry to have a deeper meaning and enjoyed following the journey she took while seeking that.

I would describe this memoir as a genealogical journey in context. I appreciated Newton‘s deep research and how she wove it into her own “ancestor obsession.”

While exploring the genetic and emotional legacy of her ancestors she touches on many topics—DNA, inherited trauma, death culture, mental health, the importance of reckoning with our past and more. A slower read for me, but definitely interesting.

Probably I should use more restraint in my book buying. Naaaaaahhhh … 🤪📚🤪

“Over time the simplest facts of human existence have become to me the most unfathomable.”

#FirstLineFridays
@ShyBookOwl

It‘s here! #Bookmail to start the weekend right. Very excited for this new nonfiction release.

I liked but didn‘t love this memoir that discusses ancestral trauma from the point of view of a middle class white American woman whose ancestors were racists, misogynists, and slaveholders. #Edelweiss #ARC