The Bookworm’s Genetic Genealogy Wish List
There is so much to learn about genetic genealogy from how to use your results and what has worked for others to ancient human migrations and much more. If you’re looking for a gift for the genealogist on your list (or for yourself), here are some great reads recommended by FamilyTreeDNA staff!
General Guides to Genetic Genealogy
If you aren’t sure how to use DNA testing to answer your genealogical questions, these guides can help you determine which test you need, who in your family to test, and how to use your results to find the answers.
The field of genetic genealogy moves fast, so some of these may be a little dated or may not include all the tools at our disposal today, but the basic principles are still the same.
General Guides
1.
“Your DNA Guide – the Book”
by Diahan Southard (2020)
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2.
“Advanced Genetic Genealogy: Techniques and Case Studies”
by Debbie Parker Wayne (2019)
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3.
“The Family Tree Guide to DNA Testing and Genetic Genealogy”
by Blaine Bettinger (2019)
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Y-DNA Guides
4.
“The Genealogist’s Guide to Y-DNA Testing for Genetic Genealogy”
by David Vance (2020)
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Native American DNA Guides
5.
“DNA for Native American Genealogy”
by Roberta Estes (2021)
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Time-tested Guides
Need or want more? Here are some older guides for general genetic genealogy that are still worth a read.
6.
“Genetic Genealogy in Practice”
by Blaine Bettinger and Debbie Parker Wayne (2016)
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7.
“DNA Testing For Genealogy An Introductory Guide”
by Moises Garza (2015)
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8.
“Genetic Genealogy the Basics and Beyond”
by Emily Aulicino (2014)
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9.
“NextGen Genealogy: The DNA Connection”
by David Dowell (2014)
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Adoptee Genetic Genealogy Books
Did you know that between five and seven million Americans are adopted? DNA testing is a huge help for adoptees who are trying to discover their biological family members and history. However, starting out without knowing anything about your genealogy can make it even more difficult to use DNA test results to answer your questions. These books focus specifically on adoptees and how to find family, but they are also great reads for anyone!
10.
“Finding Family: My Search for Roots and the Secrets in My DNA”
by Richard Hill (2017)
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11.
“The DNA Guide for Adoptees: How to use your genealogy and genetics to uncover your roots, connect with your biological family, and better understand your medical history”
by Brianne Kirkpatrick and Shannon Combs-Bennett (2019)
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Ancient DNA and Human Migrations Genetic Genealogy Books
DNA testing can also assist you in discovering the story that occurred prior to genealogical records. If you want to learn more about ancestral population studies, ancient hominids, or migration paths, the following books can get you started.
12.
“Who We Are and How We Got Here”
by David Reich (2018)
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13.
“Neanderthal Man: In Search of Lost Genomes”
by Svante Paabo (2015)
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14.
“The Great Human Diaspora: The History of Diversity and Evolution”
by Luigi Luca and Francesco Cavalli-Sforza Cavalli-Sforza (1996)
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15.
“Ancestral Journeys: The Peopling of Europe from the First Venturers to the Vikings”
by Jean Manco (2016)
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Personal Stories and Case Study Genetic Genealogy Books
Want to read about an individual’s personal genetic genealogy journey? These are some of our favorite books on that topic.
16.
“Swabbed & Found: An Adopted Man’s DNA Journey to the Truth”
by Frank Billingsly (2017)
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17.
“The Stranger in my Genes”
by Bill Griffeth (2016)
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Any of these genetic genealogy books would make a great gift for the genetic genealogist in your family this holiday season. Alternatively, any of these books could be combined with one of our DNA tests to assist those who are just beginning their DNA journey.
How much longer will it be for my Super Y700 DNA Results and reports to be ready?
Thanks for including my book, “Finding Family: My Search for Roots and the Secrets in My DNA.” The image and link are for the old self-published edition. To see the new editon just click on the Kindle link for the book at Amazon and then click to see the print edition. You will see a different cover with a black brackground.
We’ll get that updated!
I found another book that is really detailed and useful in understanding what it is all about and how it works. Maybe a wee bit too technical for some, but it’s perfect for me. I’m beginning to understand what the tests actually give me and to work out what I should do next. “Tracing your ancestors using DNA – a guide for family historians” edited by Graham S. Norton. Excellent!