Welcome to Litsy!

This was interesting, but the tone put me off. It‘s probably a generational thing, but I couldn‘t tell whether she was really as naive as she portrayed herself, or if she thought her readers were. Maybe someone who‘s never done genealogical work would read it differently, but I was doing a bit too much eye rolling. Who goes to “research” in a country without being able to speak the language or having a plan? So-so.

#BookSpinBingo @TheAromaofBooks
#ReadingEurope2020 #Luxembourg @Librarybelle @BarbaraBB

Another book that ended up being just okay. In this case, I really think it was a matter of not liking the way the author read the audiobook. Normally I'm a fan of authors reading their works, but she didn't express much emotion which made me lose interest a lot.

I enjoyed that she discussed the inaccuracies in DNA testing. I found that part fascinating.

This was in a summer book list suggested by President Obama. Just now getting to it this week. Wagner focuses on identity and multiculturalism to add to the conversation of the changing face of American identity.

Futureface raise some excellent questions about race, identity, and history. And some aspects were quite interesting, but overall I have to rate it so-so. I'm not sure if it was the style or the structure but felt that the book lacked something and could been more engaging.

"History has no real beginning or ending, we simply choose points that are most convenient for the narrative, especially as it concerns the stories about our success. In other words, a lot gets left out."

I picked this one up only because it was one Pres. Obama‘s list of books to read😊. It started slow (but that could be because as the author was researching her ancestry, it motivated me to research mine and it caused a lot of obsessive Googling). However, the portions of ancestry DNA testing was so incredibly interesting! She asks great questions throughout the book that made me want to discuss this one with someone. Slow, but worth the effort!

Looking forward to the summer list. Just added Futureface to the TBR... #respectthisman

https://lithub.com/all-of-the-books-president-obama-thinks-you-should-read/

I loved this book and recommend it heartily. Yes, it‘s imperfect, but anyone interested in “existential loneliness”, the experience of trying to reconcile genetic history with cultural history, the ins and outs of ancestry testing (really great chapter about that), and immigration/acculturation/assimilation overall likely will enjoy this. I esp loved learning more about Burmese history.

“If the knowledge from around the world could, in fact, help tamp down the vitriol and hate that was increasingly defining us, if it could undermine the Us vs Them dichotomy in our present national debate or slow the spew of demagoguery, then it might actually be worth it” (referring to “faulty results, questionable science, the arbitrary classifications and significant blind spots” of DNA ancestry testing)

I had a little trouble getting into the book, I'm not sure if it was the structure or the writing style. When Wagner digs into subjects like the history of Burma and her family's role in it or the underlying data structure of the 23andMe, etc. genetic ancestry companies the book is really interesting. Her dad was from Iowa (Allamakee County, specifically) so that was an unexpected connection.

A new #TenAtATime #PlusOne #TBR list just in time for the weekend. Lots of #netgalley titles here because my shelf is pretty full and needs to be read down.