Blaine T. Bettinger

This book does a very thorough job of helping genealogists understand the ins and outs of genetic testing and using the results to aid in genealogical research. Although it can be overly technical at times, the text is very nicely structured, and most of the material should be within grasp of a lay person.

The author uses the three largest commercial genetic testing companies (Ancestry, Family Tree, and 23&Me) to go through the services offered through the testing companies, each type of DNA test, the information the tests provide, how those tests can be used to trace genetic and genealogical heritage, and how to use third-party software and services to do even deeper research.

Also included in the book is a glossary to quickly reference commonly used genetic genealogy terms, a number of different templates to help genealogists begin their research, and a plethora of additional resources and recommended reading for those wanting to learn more.

My biggest criticism of the text is the lack, and poor placement of the illustrations. I often found myself flipping between pages trying to see the various reference images. In cases where the text became complex, I often wished for more or better illustrations.

Although anyone with an interest could read this book, because of how complex it can get, I would only recommended it to a person who has done, or is seriously considering, genetic testing for genealogical research.… (mehr)

This book is a good starting point for learning about DNA testing and genealogy. It provides a layman’s explanation of the science behind the testing, an overview of the four types of tests and their usefulness, and an overview of the major testing companies and third-party tools for analyzing and organizing the results. The clear illustrations will help visual learners grasp the concepts described in the text. Readers may consult the glossary to remind themselves of the meanings of terms and concepts introduced in earlier chapters. The appendices include comparison guides for the types of tests and the major testing companies, downloadable research forms, and sources for further reading.

I have the first edition, published in 2016, and parts of it are already dated due to the speed of change in this field. Readers would do well to explore the blogs and forums on the resource list and follow them regularly in order to keep up with the rapid advances in genetic genealogy.… (mehr)