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Reunion: A Search for Ancestors
Where do I come from? That question leads Ryan Littrell to country graveyards, to faded names in old books, and then to a DNA shock. And as one hint follows the next, he uncovers the story of his Scottish ancestors--a story of heartbreak, betrayal, and unfailing strength.
"Reunion" explores how our ancestors are still a part of us, and how a place across the ocean can almost feel like home.
"Reunion" explores how our ancestors are still a part of us, and how a place across the ocean can almost feel like home.
274 pages, Paperback
First published October 25, 2012
94 people are currently reading
1270 people want to read
About the author
Ryan Littrell
1 book15 followersRyan Littrell grew up in Chatham, Illinois and attended Northwestern University, Harvard University, and Boston College. He lives in New York City, and "Reunion" is his first book.
To find out more, please check out his Facebook page (www.facebook.com/AuthorRyanLittrell) or go to his website (www.RyanLittrell.com).
To find out more, please check out his Facebook page (www.facebook.com/AuthorRyanLittrell) or go to his website (www.RyanLittrell.com).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
January 17, 2015
DISCLAIMER: I received a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Reunion follows the efforts of one man to trace his family line back through foggy memories and inherited myths to the true historical fact of his distant ancestors. Littrell’s prose is pleasing to read. It is clear and evocative without being pretentious. His passion for the project is obvious and infectious, and while genealogy buffs will get the most out of this story, almost anyone can identify with the need to know who we are and where we come from.
The book alternates between chapters told by the author and chapters told by an unnamed ancestor, each of them reaching out to the other over decades of time. More cynical readers might find this tactic to be a bit gimmicky, but it’s a clever way to incorporate background information on history and culture without sounding like a pedantic college professor lecturing to a room of sleepy students.
The modern sections read like a mystery novel, as the author uncovers clues and hints as to who his predecessors might be. Admittedly this is more intellectual detective work than the gun-toting gumshoe kind - the author spends most of his time driving to tiny towns and rifling though dusty documents and microfilm - but the process is still an interesting one. Each crumbling will or wrinkled land deed adds another puzzle piece to the jigsaw. Modern science and DNA also play a part, yet another way to explore one’s family history. It is easy to surmise that cheek swabs and spiraling helixes will play more and more of a role in these sorts of quests, replacing the traditional document search.
Some readers will undoubtedly find these sections a bit dry. Old bureaucratic paperwork is not exciting stuff on its own, so you are reliant on the emotional journey of the author to make you care about what is otherwise just a list of names. Littrell tries to flesh out his findings by imagining personalities to go along with these names and deducing the tense family dramas that may have lead to moves and land transfers, but by necessity this all remains rather vague. It remains conjecture. But when Littrell deals with his own experiences - his wedding, his boat ride out to the gloomy burial ground of his ancestors - the narrative shines. We care about these long-dead, largely anonymous people, because Littrell cares. When seen through his eyes, the search regains its significance.
The ancestor’s sections mimic traditional ballads and storytelling epics, as the narrator gradually reveals more and more about the particular clan Littrell hails from. Beginning with a broad overview of Scottish Highland culture, the narrative moves from myth into historical events both bloody and tragic. Keeping track of all the various clans, clan leaders, factions, and shifting alliances can be a struggle, but the period in question was itself a complex and confusing time. The ancestor relates a stripped down version of Scotland’s troubled interactions with England, culminating in the Jacobite Risings, moving forward in time as Littrell progresses ever backwards through the generations of his family. At the very end the two narratives dovetail neatly and nicely.
Overall an engaging blend of history, mystery, and myth.
Reunion follows the efforts of one man to trace his family line back through foggy memories and inherited myths to the true historical fact of his distant ancestors. Littrell’s prose is pleasing to read. It is clear and evocative without being pretentious. His passion for the project is obvious and infectious, and while genealogy buffs will get the most out of this story, almost anyone can identify with the need to know who we are and where we come from.
The book alternates between chapters told by the author and chapters told by an unnamed ancestor, each of them reaching out to the other over decades of time. More cynical readers might find this tactic to be a bit gimmicky, but it’s a clever way to incorporate background information on history and culture without sounding like a pedantic college professor lecturing to a room of sleepy students.
The modern sections read like a mystery novel, as the author uncovers clues and hints as to who his predecessors might be. Admittedly this is more intellectual detective work than the gun-toting gumshoe kind - the author spends most of his time driving to tiny towns and rifling though dusty documents and microfilm - but the process is still an interesting one. Each crumbling will or wrinkled land deed adds another puzzle piece to the jigsaw. Modern science and DNA also play a part, yet another way to explore one’s family history. It is easy to surmise that cheek swabs and spiraling helixes will play more and more of a role in these sorts of quests, replacing the traditional document search.
Some readers will undoubtedly find these sections a bit dry. Old bureaucratic paperwork is not exciting stuff on its own, so you are reliant on the emotional journey of the author to make you care about what is otherwise just a list of names. Littrell tries to flesh out his findings by imagining personalities to go along with these names and deducing the tense family dramas that may have lead to moves and land transfers, but by necessity this all remains rather vague. It remains conjecture. But when Littrell deals with his own experiences - his wedding, his boat ride out to the gloomy burial ground of his ancestors - the narrative shines. We care about these long-dead, largely anonymous people, because Littrell cares. When seen through his eyes, the search regains its significance.
The ancestor’s sections mimic traditional ballads and storytelling epics, as the narrator gradually reveals more and more about the particular clan Littrell hails from. Beginning with a broad overview of Scottish Highland culture, the narrative moves from myth into historical events both bloody and tragic. Keeping track of all the various clans, clan leaders, factions, and shifting alliances can be a struggle, but the period in question was itself a complex and confusing time. The ancestor relates a stripped down version of Scotland’s troubled interactions with England, culminating in the Jacobite Risings, moving forward in time as Littrell progresses ever backwards through the generations of his family. At the very end the two narratives dovetail neatly and nicely.
Overall an engaging blend of history, mystery, and myth.
December 2, 2012
I was fortunate enough to win this book in a Goodreads giveaway. This is the story of one man's search for his ancestors, and I was worried that it might be like pulling teeth. Not at all. This is not one of those clumsy, though well-meaning, attempts that families make to record their history for future generations. This is eminently readable as a story of one man's search of records (on-line and away from home) - complete with joys and mysteries to be solved - and of making new friends with cousins. Quite beautifully, his modern day search story alternates with a change-of-pace, almost lyrical recounting of dramatic Scottish history - the story of the past into which this man's search is leading him.
Genealogy is luring more and more of us. For those who enjoy finding out more about their family history, I would encourage you to pick up this book and enjoy Ryan's too. Moreover, I would hold it up as a subject for study to show how genealogy-lovers might make their own stories more "readable".
Specifically, if you have any Scottish heritage, you will love it. A must-read for MacDonalds, MacDaniels...And I say all this, very conscious of the fact I have Campbell blood!
This was a satisfying book. If I was left wanting in any "wee" way, it was that, given the legendary hospitality of the MacDonalds, I would have loved to have known more detail of what was eaten and drunk with new-found cousins both in America and Scotland in the contemporary sections of the story, to mirror the detail given of historical hospitality.
I enjoyed the read, and the inherent drama gave me goose-bumps.
Genealogy is luring more and more of us. For those who enjoy finding out more about their family history, I would encourage you to pick up this book and enjoy Ryan's too. Moreover, I would hold it up as a subject for study to show how genealogy-lovers might make their own stories more "readable".
Specifically, if you have any Scottish heritage, you will love it. A must-read for MacDonalds, MacDaniels...And I say all this, very conscious of the fact I have Campbell blood!
This was a satisfying book. If I was left wanting in any "wee" way, it was that, given the legendary hospitality of the MacDonalds, I would have loved to have known more detail of what was eaten and drunk with new-found cousins both in America and Scotland in the contemporary sections of the story, to mirror the detail given of historical hospitality.
I enjoyed the read, and the inherent drama gave me goose-bumps.
November 30, 2012
A delightful, interesting and knowledgeable book; especially fascinating if you are a MacDonald, McDonald, McDaniel, MacDonnel (or any other variation).
Particularly refreshing, in a genealogy account is the separate historical story encompassing a dramatic period in Scottish History that coincides with Ryan Littrell’s research of his forebears. The author has captured the essence of what all genealogists aspire “to put meat on the bones”
A further revelation to the reader is the authority a DNA sample can give, in establishing and verifying the truth and accuracy of an investigation. It is a well written piece of work, the detailed findings are clearly and eloquently written, moreover it involves the reader emotionally; I enjoyed reading this book very much and was pleased to have received this as a Goodreads Firstread.
Particularly refreshing, in a genealogy account is the separate historical story encompassing a dramatic period in Scottish History that coincides with Ryan Littrell’s research of his forebears. The author has captured the essence of what all genealogists aspire “to put meat on the bones”
A further revelation to the reader is the authority a DNA sample can give, in establishing and verifying the truth and accuracy of an investigation. It is a well written piece of work, the detailed findings are clearly and eloquently written, moreover it involves the reader emotionally; I enjoyed reading this book very much and was pleased to have received this as a Goodreads Firstread.
December 7, 2012
*Disclaimer: I received a free copy from the Goodreads First Reads Program.*
Littrell does a beautiful job weaving his research into his roots with tales of his ancestors. He gracefully transitions between continents and eras of time to tell the story of where he comes from. Although research is a large component of this book, he presents his findings in a story-like format and doesn't bore the reader with any academic language. His reader friendly verbiage made this a pleasant read that had a nice flow to it. You can feel Littrell's excitement when you read the passages of new ancestral discovery. This book has inspired me to look into my roots a little further. I was a little sad when I finished because I wanted to keep reading. He is a fantastic writer and I am looking forward to exploring any further works of his.
Littrell does a beautiful job weaving his research into his roots with tales of his ancestors. He gracefully transitions between continents and eras of time to tell the story of where he comes from. Although research is a large component of this book, he presents his findings in a story-like format and doesn't bore the reader with any academic language. His reader friendly verbiage made this a pleasant read that had a nice flow to it. You can feel Littrell's excitement when you read the passages of new ancestral discovery. This book has inspired me to look into my roots a little further. I was a little sad when I finished because I wanted to keep reading. He is a fantastic writer and I am looking forward to exploring any further works of his.
May 29, 2014
4.5/5
Often times, memoirs tend to be either over-exaggerated or prosaic. Littrell, however, manages to tell his story both honestly and colourfully, a balance that prevents the novel from being too grandiose or just plain boring. His quest to learn about his ancestry will remind those who read the novel that every person, whether friend or stranger, has a story that transcends lifetimes. Suddenly, a simple thought -- Where do I come from? -- becomes something much greater than initially perceived. Readers may suddenly get the urge to delve deeper into their families' history after reading Reunion:A Search for Ancestors . I know I did.
Often times, memoirs tend to be either over-exaggerated or prosaic. Littrell, however, manages to tell his story both honestly and colourfully, a balance that prevents the novel from being too grandiose or just plain boring. His quest to learn about his ancestry will remind those who read the novel that every person, whether friend or stranger, has a story that transcends lifetimes. Suddenly, a simple thought -- Where do I come from? -- becomes something much greater than initially perceived. Readers may suddenly get the urge to delve deeper into their families' history after reading Reunion:A Search for Ancestors . I know I did.
November 27, 2012
Ryan Littrell's book is the story of seeking his family of ancestors, of love and belonging, and of coming home to the understanding that the fabric of family is woven on a textured continuum that transcends time. Through his incredible journey, we learn that heritage and home are one. This book is an accessible and touching gem for anyone interested in researching and discovering family ancestry.
December 30, 2012
I received a copy of this book as a First Reads giveaway, thanks to Ryan Littrell and Goodreads!!
I have given this book 5 stars as it captured such personal meaning and sincere interest to me as a Scottish descendant. The book tells us of the blessed history of Scotland and takes us back to our home country in a way that felt like I was ever-present and in the moment every step of the way. I truly enjoyed how the author alternates between the past and present to give a much broader and intimate view of his family's incredible journeys. I commend Mr. Littrell for his perseverance and passion in seeking the answers to the historic question "where did I come from". The DNA research that Mr. Littrell and his family members accessed has me intrigued and wanting to seek out the same answers of my ancestry. This book motivates me and leaves me wanting to dig deep into my Scottish roots and learn as much as I can about where my clan started... I am proud to be an ancestor of Clan Mackay and that of my husband's Clan Brine just as the author should be proud to say he is of Clan McDonald! This is a definite read for anyone who is interested in |finding their way back home"...Tapadh leibh (Thank-you) for allowing me the opportunity to review your well-researched and well-written Reunion! Slàinte!
I have given this book 5 stars as it captured such personal meaning and sincere interest to me as a Scottish descendant. The book tells us of the blessed history of Scotland and takes us back to our home country in a way that felt like I was ever-present and in the moment every step of the way. I truly enjoyed how the author alternates between the past and present to give a much broader and intimate view of his family's incredible journeys. I commend Mr. Littrell for his perseverance and passion in seeking the answers to the historic question "where did I come from". The DNA research that Mr. Littrell and his family members accessed has me intrigued and wanting to seek out the same answers of my ancestry. This book motivates me and leaves me wanting to dig deep into my Scottish roots and learn as much as I can about where my clan started... I am proud to be an ancestor of Clan Mackay and that of my husband's Clan Brine just as the author should be proud to say he is of Clan McDonald! This is a definite read for anyone who is interested in |finding their way back home"...Tapadh leibh (Thank-you) for allowing me the opportunity to review your well-researched and well-written Reunion! Slàinte!
November 16, 2012
What a writer! This book has a mesmerizing ability to combine history of Scotland, how-to-do genealogy research, and tell a story- all at the same time. Littrell has the ability to make one feel like they are in the Highlands, that you can see the surroundings that are there, and were there hundreds of years ago.
One feels first hand how it feels to be a Clan member and see the connection of us in the 21st century to those in the 17th century. After this book is read, you will want to find more about your ancestors, to bring their stories into the present. Littrell does, in fact, show one how to do genealogy study by describing in story-like fashion how he went about putting the pieces together.
One feels first hand how it feels to be a Clan member and see the connection of us in the 21st century to those in the 17th century. After this book is read, you will want to find more about your ancestors, to bring their stories into the present. Littrell does, in fact, show one how to do genealogy study by describing in story-like fashion how he went about putting the pieces together.
January 15, 2016
I couldn't put it down. Ryan Littrell has the gift of storytelling and puts it to good use telling the story of his search for his Scottish roots. But this is no normal family history. While Ryan details his efforts searching for his MacDonald ancestors, he also tells the story of the MacDonald clan. One chapter tells his adventures in research in such a way that I was cheering each new success while the next chapter brings the history of the clan another step closer. The chapters alternate forward and backward until they reach the reunion - making the connection to the ancestor who migrated to America.
In addition to writing a fascinating story, Ryan has provided one of the best descriptions I've seen on how to use DNA results in an ancestor search.
In addition to writing a fascinating story, Ryan has provided one of the best descriptions I've seen on how to use DNA results in an ancestor search.
November 24, 2013
I received a copy of this novel through a Goodreads giveaway.
"Reunion" drew me in right at the start mainly because I could relate to the author in that I'm dying to reconnect with the country of my ancestors. The beginning of the book was the part I enjoyed the most, but after having read the first third of the book, I began to slow down. I eventually finished the book over the course of a few months when I would pick it up here and there, but it was difficult for me to sit and read it straight through.
I liked the book - it was an honest depiction of the difficulties one must confront when researching ancestry. The story it told was interesting and it must have been so wonderful for the author to document his journey and the information he found about his family history. However, as with any search for genealogical information, family trees are oftentimes confusing, and when multiple ancestors have the same name, it is remarkably difficult to keep track of who is who. That was where the book was a bit muddled for me - I couldn't wrap my head around the genealogy as much as I would have liked to. I'd give the book 3.5 stars overall; I enjoyed the story, but got lost in some of the more technical details of the book. It would be a great read for anyone interested in their own family history as well as anyone interested in Scottish history.
As a side note that is a bit unrelated to the story itself, the book is quite aesthetically pleasing. The cover itself is very soft and it was a pleasure to also receive a promotional card for the book with a little note from the author. I'm very grateful!
"Reunion" drew me in right at the start mainly because I could relate to the author in that I'm dying to reconnect with the country of my ancestors. The beginning of the book was the part I enjoyed the most, but after having read the first third of the book, I began to slow down. I eventually finished the book over the course of a few months when I would pick it up here and there, but it was difficult for me to sit and read it straight through.
I liked the book - it was an honest depiction of the difficulties one must confront when researching ancestry. The story it told was interesting and it must have been so wonderful for the author to document his journey and the information he found about his family history. However, as with any search for genealogical information, family trees are oftentimes confusing, and when multiple ancestors have the same name, it is remarkably difficult to keep track of who is who. That was where the book was a bit muddled for me - I couldn't wrap my head around the genealogy as much as I would have liked to. I'd give the book 3.5 stars overall; I enjoyed the story, but got lost in some of the more technical details of the book. It would be a great read for anyone interested in their own family history as well as anyone interested in Scottish history.
As a side note that is a bit unrelated to the story itself, the book is quite aesthetically pleasing. The cover itself is very soft and it was a pleasure to also receive a promotional card for the book with a little note from the author. I'm very grateful!
January 10, 2013
I received this book as a free giveaway for reviewing purposes.
While this book started out with lots of promise, it unfortunately fell very flat upon completion. I really did enjoy the plot, a genetic mystery that unraveled through the use of modern day tech and Scottish folklore.
It is inspiring to see someone discover their heritage and even pushed me, and I'm sure many other readers, to start sifting around in our own pasts. However, after about 100 pages, the chapters began to get rather repetitive, rehashing facts found previously and constantly reminding the readers of the family tree, as though there were commercial breaks every 20 pages and each chapter got its own prelude. I also found the collective consciousness chapters wanting and a little on the bigoted side. I am well aware it was an unreliable narrator, put in to provide a more empathetic relationship with Scots as a whole; but the flowery prose and incredibly biased viewpoint made it even harder for me to feel anything for them at all.
I'm glad that it exposes the Glencoe massacre, as most people, especially Americans, have little to no knowledge of it and it is one of those events in history that bears telling so mistakes are not made twice. I just wish the author had done it in a slightly more historic manner since the book is nonfiction.
Although the book grew stale towards the (anticlimactic) ending, it is worth a read if the subject interests you, if not I would pass.
While this book started out with lots of promise, it unfortunately fell very flat upon completion. I really did enjoy the plot, a genetic mystery that unraveled through the use of modern day tech and Scottish folklore.
It is inspiring to see someone discover their heritage and even pushed me, and I'm sure many other readers, to start sifting around in our own pasts. However, after about 100 pages, the chapters began to get rather repetitive, rehashing facts found previously and constantly reminding the readers of the family tree, as though there were commercial breaks every 20 pages and each chapter got its own prelude. I also found the collective consciousness chapters wanting and a little on the bigoted side. I am well aware it was an unreliable narrator, put in to provide a more empathetic relationship with Scots as a whole; but the flowery prose and incredibly biased viewpoint made it even harder for me to feel anything for them at all.
I'm glad that it exposes the Glencoe massacre, as most people, especially Americans, have little to no knowledge of it and it is one of those events in history that bears telling so mistakes are not made twice. I just wish the author had done it in a slightly more historic manner since the book is nonfiction.
Although the book grew stale towards the (anticlimactic) ending, it is worth a read if the subject interests you, if not I would pass.
February 4, 2013
Cha nigh na tha de uisge anns a' mhuir ar cairdeas. (All the water in the ocean could not wash away our kinship.) In all things, they remembered: Cha duine, duine 'na aonar. (a person by himself is not a person.) They belonged together in one place, generation after generation, for home does not speak the fleeting language of money. - Ryan Littrell, Reunion A Search for Ancestors
I loved this book, it moved me and inspired me. It brought the desire to pull out my own family book of heritage, unread, on the shelf, painstaking put together by those before me, years ago. I am of Scotch-Irish descent and found it enjoyable to follow as Mr. Littrell discovered his family history. Beautifully descriptive, I could visualize Scotland and it instilled a desire to learn more. A search for ancestors is beautifully written, reading like a novel, unlike the standard. I couldn't put it down but wanted to read it slow, as to fully capture the story. I truly enjoyed this book and would recommend to anyone interested in genealogy.
I was so fortunate to receive this book for free through the Goodreads First Reads program. Thank you Ryan, for the opportunity to share in your extraordinary adventure.
December 23, 2012
An absorbing search for his McDonald ancestors, starting with roots in Missouri, Ryan used traditional paper searches, cemeteries, and DNA to trace his family back to Glencoe in Scotland. At the same time he related MacDonald history from Somerled down the centuries to the massacre at Glencoe.
November 29, 2012
That which Littrel has achieved, and then created is truly astounding. This inspiration tale should be read by all. Bravo Mr Littrel, BRAVO!!!
February 5, 2013
Won this book through GoodRead First Read giveaways!
Loved this book so much! Highly recommend it for others.
Loved this book so much! Highly recommend it for others.
December 15, 2019
Interesting family research but could be so much more
Well written, and the historical chapters were generally interesting. But our hero only follows one patrilinear line. And it was his Great Uncle's line, not his father's. And barely any mention was made of the other potential family connections he could have found. A final tree with connections shown would have been cool.
I wonder how many other readers see hints of family connections and place names within this story and wonder "are WE related?" I have Allegheny county connections, Winchester connections, George Washington connections... A bit more detail at the end about the 14 year old Angus would have begun appreciated.
Well written, and the historical chapters were generally interesting. But our hero only follows one patrilinear line. And it was his Great Uncle's line, not his father's. And barely any mention was made of the other potential family connections he could have found. A final tree with connections shown would have been cool.
I wonder how many other readers see hints of family connections and place names within this story and wonder "are WE related?" I have Allegheny county connections, Winchester connections, George Washington connections... A bit more detail at the end about the 14 year old Angus would have begun appreciated.
April 28, 2019
A caution for those interested in reading this book:
In order to enjoy this book fully you should be versed in an understanding of Scottish history from 1600 to the mid 1700s. Littrell's combination of his ancestral research interspersed with his chapters of mingling his ancestors in Scottish folklore and history was interesting but also lost me in the complexities of names and my lack of sufficient knowledge to follow along. Once I completed this book I spent a bit of time researching the clans and the events cited in the book and it helped immensely.
In order to enjoy this book fully you should be versed in an understanding of Scottish history from 1600 to the mid 1700s. Littrell's combination of his ancestral research interspersed with his chapters of mingling his ancestors in Scottish folklore and history was interesting but also lost me in the complexities of names and my lack of sufficient knowledge to follow along. Once I completed this book I spent a bit of time researching the clans and the events cited in the book and it helped immensely.
July 6, 2017
I received a copy of this novel through a Goodreads giveaway for reviewing pursposes.
As a first generation immigrant who has lost touch of most of what I used to know as "home", I have always yearned to learn more about the ancestors that I left behind. Littrell's story of uncovering his vast familial ties and ancestral roots was inspiring. Stories of the historical journey of his ancestors were woven in with his own journey of finding his place in the family tree.
As a first generation immigrant who has lost touch of most of what I used to know as "home", I have always yearned to learn more about the ancestors that I left behind. Littrell's story of uncovering his vast familial ties and ancestral roots was inspiring. Stories of the historical journey of his ancestors were woven in with his own journey of finding his place in the family tree.
January 21, 2018
It took me a while to finish this one, but I mostly enjoyed it. Interesting reading about someone's journey to research their family history.
January 31, 2018
I just could not get into this. His prose was so heavy and I kept getting bogged down in the details.
February 26, 2020
3.5 stars.
One man's journey to figure out his genealogy back to Scotland. I found it interesting that some of his ancestors lived in Garrard County, KY. Because I also lived there for 9 years.
One man's journey to figure out his genealogy back to Scotland. I found it interesting that some of his ancestors lived in Garrard County, KY. Because I also lived there for 9 years.
January 13, 2021
A good book for the genealogist in me. Good to see Ryan pursuing all avenues to find his ancestors and weaving the story of the Scots in with his own family.
August 26, 2017
I found this book to be a just OK tale about a man's journey into his roots. The nearly alternating chapters depicting his efforts to trace his lineage back to Scotland with an historical fiction set of tales of the said ancestors set during the trying times of the 16th and 17th century. The pride of his lineage shows in his writing, but I guess I just got to impatient waiting for him to get to the end.
While I did only think it was OK, I became curious enough about my own lineage to submit my spit to a DNA lab tin order to learn a bit more about my roots. Perhaps I can wear the plaid as well...
Quick read and recommended if you're into genealogy.
While I did only think it was OK, I became curious enough about my own lineage to submit my spit to a DNA lab tin order to learn a bit more about my roots. Perhaps I can wear the plaid as well...
Quick read and recommended if you're into genealogy.
September 13, 2013
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I received this book through a giveaway on Goodreads and absolutely could not wait to read it. The concept sounded interesting, as I have always been interested in the history of people (as a whole and individually).
This book was a little confusing at parts. When the author was explaining how certain people were related to each other and how he figured out that they were related to each other, I had a little trouble following his reasoning. It seemed, at least from the books depictions, that the author was assuming quite a few things rather than finding out the actual facts of how everyone was related.
Along with being somewhat confusing this book was also a little repetitive at times. Not only did the author repeat his family tree (or what he knew of it) numerous times throughout the beginning of the book but there were also some phrases/information that were presented twice within only a few pages of each other. For example, on page 49 the author states, “Now I looked at the 1850 census, which was the first to list every member of the household…”. The author then writes almost the exact same sentence on page 52, changing only the word “now” to the word “so”. Repetition such as that occurred numerous times throughout the book and drove me crazy while I was reading.
I really enjoyed the chapters that were a description of “Glen Coe” and the lives of the people that lived there. Those chapters were written beautifully and added a nice touch to the overall story. It almost seemed as if a different author wrote them, they were that much better written than the rest of the book.
On an unrelated note, the cover of this book is really well-done and unique. Part of the reason I entered the giveaway on Goodreads was because the cover caught my eye.
Bottom Line: I would give this book 6/10 stars. There were some good parts to the book and it was relatively interesting, yet I was disappointed with the book as a whole. It was a little too repetitive and confusing to truly enjoy.
I received this book through a giveaway on Goodreads and absolutely could not wait to read it. The concept sounded interesting, as I have always been interested in the history of people (as a whole and individually).
This book was a little confusing at parts. When the author was explaining how certain people were related to each other and how he figured out that they were related to each other, I had a little trouble following his reasoning. It seemed, at least from the books depictions, that the author was assuming quite a few things rather than finding out the actual facts of how everyone was related.
Along with being somewhat confusing this book was also a little repetitive at times. Not only did the author repeat his family tree (or what he knew of it) numerous times throughout the beginning of the book but there were also some phrases/information that were presented twice within only a few pages of each other. For example, on page 49 the author states, “Now I looked at the 1850 census, which was the first to list every member of the household…”. The author then writes almost the exact same sentence on page 52, changing only the word “now” to the word “so”. Repetition such as that occurred numerous times throughout the book and drove me crazy while I was reading.
I really enjoyed the chapters that were a description of “Glen Coe” and the lives of the people that lived there. Those chapters were written beautifully and added a nice touch to the overall story. It almost seemed as if a different author wrote them, they were that much better written than the rest of the book.
On an unrelated note, the cover of this book is really well-done and unique. Part of the reason I entered the giveaway on Goodreads was because the cover caught my eye.
Bottom Line: I would give this book 6/10 stars. There were some good parts to the book and it was relatively interesting, yet I was disappointed with the book as a whole. It was a little too repetitive and confusing to truly enjoy.
July 21, 2016
I won this book through the First Reads Giveaway, but actually ended up reading the Kindle version as it was easier for me and free, so if there are any differences, this is actually a review of the e-version.
I'm interested in genealogy, so I did find his search interesting (although a bit obsessive - who goes straight for DNA testing?!) and unlike others, didn't find it strange that he picked only one branch. In fact, if I were to search my family tree I would likely do it the same way, otherwise you would simply have too many branches to work on and would inevitably get absurdly confused.
However, his obsession with being Scottish grated on me a great deal. He's not Scottish. He's American. Yes, he has some Scottish ancestry, but clearly it's not a large part of him. The American obsession with being something 'Old World' has long irritated me when the families involved have maintained no kind of traditions and are usually mixed with a half dozen other ethnic groups.
The most irritating part however was the chapters that were narrated in the first person, but set in the past. I'm guessing that it was supposed to be the voice of his ancestor? Until the end of the final chapter though, it just sounded like it was Littrell narrating and it set my teeth on edge each time. Even it being the voice of an ancestor was irritating. Of course, I also read it from the point of view of someone who knew the history of Scotland and England, so it's inclusion was already a bit of a bore. For someone actively learning about the history through this book, it obviously would not have been. I also read it from the point of view of someone who has read many history books so would not have been put off by a standard form history narrative, but a casual reader may have found the first person narrative easier to read.
Overall, the tracing of the family tree was interesting but, for me, the manner in which it was written ruined the reading of it.
I'm interested in genealogy, so I did find his search interesting (although a bit obsessive - who goes straight for DNA testing?!) and unlike others, didn't find it strange that he picked only one branch. In fact, if I were to search my family tree I would likely do it the same way, otherwise you would simply have too many branches to work on and would inevitably get absurdly confused.
However, his obsession with being Scottish grated on me a great deal. He's not Scottish. He's American. Yes, he has some Scottish ancestry, but clearly it's not a large part of him. The American obsession with being something 'Old World' has long irritated me when the families involved have maintained no kind of traditions and are usually mixed with a half dozen other ethnic groups.
The most irritating part however was the chapters that were narrated in the first person, but set in the past. I'm guessing that it was supposed to be the voice of his ancestor? Until the end of the final chapter though, it just sounded like it was Littrell narrating and it set my teeth on edge each time. Even it being the voice of an ancestor was irritating. Of course, I also read it from the point of view of someone who knew the history of Scotland and England, so it's inclusion was already a bit of a bore. For someone actively learning about the history through this book, it obviously would not have been. I also read it from the point of view of someone who has read many history books so would not have been put off by a standard form history narrative, but a casual reader may have found the first person narrative easier to read.
Overall, the tracing of the family tree was interesting but, for me, the manner in which it was written ruined the reading of it.
November 24, 2013
I received Reunion as a free book in the Goodreads giveaway. I was very excited to receive it, as my husband has Irish roots leading back to Scots, and his uncle has done quite a bit of genealogy research into that portion of the Family Tree.
I adore the cover art of this book. The illustration in and of itself is great, and it symbolizes so well the content within. I admire the author's relentless dedication to his pursuit, including his many trips to relatives across New England and Scotland in search of the most accurate story possible of his ancestry. I felt his need to learn more about himself by learning more about all of those that had come before him to contribute to his being. And I enjoyed learning more things about Scottish / Irish History - things that I had not been taught growing up as a school-girl in Normandy - many of them first-hand accounts of the time from writings and stories of the ancestors.
I admit that for myself the book became more of a challenge to read over time. Genealogy is about perseverance, and combing through the same facts over and over in search of new details. In genealogical research, progress is often slow, largely redundant, and rewards are often underwhelming in the scope of the work. With the author's patient, persistent and often prosaic narrative of events, the book acquires many of the characteristics of its subject. Reunion is sometimes slow, often redundant, and makes progress in small fits and spurts across its 270 pages.
Reunion is a very fine first offering from the young writer Ryan Littrell, and will serve very well readers of similar interest. While I do not regret having spent the time and extra effort to get through it, I certainly would not suggest it as a recreational read.
October 27, 2013
The subtitle to this book should have been “A Search For SOME OF MY Ancestors” as author Littrell is only interested in tracking down the Mc/MacDonald side of his family. While this book, a telling of his researching into the history of his family and the uncovering of the how-tos and whys of genealogical research, is a good platform for the beginning searcher, it is a more of a family document than a non-fiction book for the general public.
There are many good points observed within the book, such as the difficulties you encounter with the vagaries of spellings in the surname (which is evident in my last name as compared to my Irish cousins), as well as the necessity to know, county be county, where your predecessors lived, leaving you hoping they weren’t of a traveling mindset.
The author uses the device of directing the book first though his eyes, then talking through an anonymous ancestor. While it at first feels like a stunt used by a desperate writer trying to sound less pedagogic and more like a real person, it works in bringing the reader deeper onto the ride of the research.
DNA is brought to the search, allowing Littrell to track a line between distant generations while at the same time waving a warning flag to other researchers of the cost, both in money and time, of this endeavor.
In all, a nice read which is brimming with ideas for the potential genealogist in all of us, one that is pleasantly written and has a happy ending.
This was a Goodreads win for me.
There are many good points observed within the book, such as the difficulties you encounter with the vagaries of spellings in the surname (which is evident in my last name as compared to my Irish cousins), as well as the necessity to know, county be county, where your predecessors lived, leaving you hoping they weren’t of a traveling mindset.
The author uses the device of directing the book first though his eyes, then talking through an anonymous ancestor. While it at first feels like a stunt used by a desperate writer trying to sound less pedagogic and more like a real person, it works in bringing the reader deeper onto the ride of the research.
DNA is brought to the search, allowing Littrell to track a line between distant generations while at the same time waving a warning flag to other researchers of the cost, both in money and time, of this endeavor.
In all, a nice read which is brimming with ideas for the potential genealogist in all of us, one that is pleasantly written and has a happy ending.
This was a Goodreads win for me.
October 3, 2013
As an amateur genealogist, I especially enjoyed reading this book. I enjoyed it so much, I read it twice. I wanted to imprint upon my mind as many of Ryan Littrell's research techniques as possible, I also wanted to make sure I didn't miss anything. I am of Scottish descent and found Mr. Littrell's description of Scottish Clans and their conflicts to be the most easy to understand of any I have ever read. His dialogue related to the Glencoe Massacre was chilling, but an excellent history of that event. I have recommended this book to several friends who I feel will benefit greatly from reading this. I give high praise to Ryan Littrell and his wonderful book.
Addendum: I posted this review four weeks ago. I have since read "Reunion: A Search for Ancestors" again. I love this book! It is a must-read for every genealogist. There are a lot of how-to books available, but Ryan Littrell's book is an "I did it and this is how." By weaving details of how he went about researching his family with the history of Scottish Clans, he paves the way for the rest of us who search for more than just the names and dates. We want to link our ancestors to their place in history and Ryan does just that.
Addendum: I posted this review four weeks ago. I have since read "Reunion: A Search for Ancestors" again. I love this book! It is a must-read for every genealogist. There are a lot of how-to books available, but Ryan Littrell's book is an "I did it and this is how." By weaving details of how he went about researching his family with the history of Scottish Clans, he paves the way for the rest of us who search for more than just the names and dates. We want to link our ancestors to their place in history and Ryan does just that.
February 22, 2015
In this book, Littrell describes his search for his Scottish clan MacDonald ancestry. I wanted to read this book because I also search family genealogy off and on, and also have multiple lines of Scottish ancestry. I was able to relate a great deal to how difficult it is to search for specific people, especially in the U.S., though Littrell seems to have greater resources available for having genealogists local to an area track down information for him, and for actually traveling to various places to search in locally-stored archives and talking with actual distant cousins. The book was interesting in how it alternated chapters of his current search process with an imaginative re-telling of a generations-long feud between clan MacDonald and clan Campbell, approaching the present time as his own search reached deeper back into time. I'm not sure if folks who don't care about genealogy would like this book, as it does get fairly detailed with tracking the thought process of pinning down ancestors, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
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