Hey, America, Your Roots Are Showing:
Adventures in Discovering News-Making Connections, Unexpected Ancestors, and Long-Hidden Secrets, and Solving Historical Puzzles
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4.2 • 10 Ratings
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- $10.99
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- $10.99
Publisher Description
The acclaimed genealogist and New York Times–bestselling author reveals how she solved some of the most fascinating mysteries of family lineage.
Part forensic scientist, part master sleuth, Megan Smolenyak has a unique way of digging up our historical roots. She discovered Barack Obama’s Irish ancestry—and his relation to Brad Pitt. She revealed the true story of Ellis Island’s first immigrant, Annie Moore. And she shed light on a startling link between politicians Al Sharpton and Strom Thurmond.
In Hey America, Your Roots Are Showing, the “Indiana Jones of genealogy” reveals how she cracked these and other news-making cases. Along the way, she shares her own story of becoming genealogy’s celebrity face. She even explains why her name is squared (Buzzy Jackson, author of Shaking the Family Tree).
Whether she's scouring websites to uncover the surprising connections between famous figures or using cutting-edge DNA tests to locate family members of fallen soldiers dating back to the Civil War, Smolenyak's historical sleuthing is as provocative, richly layered, and exciting as America itself.
“Megan is a genealogist's dream, a forensic investigator who can also tell a great story.” —Sam Roberts, The New York Times
Customer Reviews
Inspiring
It amazes me that Megan has turned what is, for most of us, a hobby into a rewarding career and she found ways to turn this hobby around in ways that give back to other people. Being able to honor those that have served this country, connecting long lost families, shedding light on civil rights cold cases. Astounding. If I could move beyond my neophyte genealogical capabilities to only do one of the things Megan has done, I would feel incredibly fulfilled. Her drive and passion is amazing. As to the book itself, beyond the inspiration, it's great to gain insight on genealogical sleuthing and the incredible cases Megan has solved (and in some cases, not solved). I only wish there was a bit more depth to the stories and techniques involved. The reader in me wishes there was more story around the people involved in her investigations and, especially, the aftermath. What happened to the people? What were their specific reactions? What ultimately became of them? I realize that, in some cases, this may be too personal for those involved to share...but it would really bring the stories full circle. The genealogy nerd in me wishes there was also more depth behind the techniques and resources she used in her investigations, but I realize that would alienate the non-genealogist and make this a much drier read. All-in-all, a great read for the genealogy nut and for everyone else. If it doesn't inspire you to think of ways to give back to the world around you, I'd be amazed.