Climbing Family Trees

by Trina Boice, Tracey Long

Have you ever wondered who is hiding in the branches of your family tree? Is there a U.S. president or a notorious outlaw tucked away behind the leaves? Climbing Family Trees makes it easy for you to find out! Family history research has become a phenomenon across the world. The Internet has become a powerful tool in helping people find their ancestors as well as reaching living family members. Twenty wonderful chapters will guide and inspire you
• Digging for your roots
• Barking up the right tree
• Grabbing the best branch
• Going out on a limb
• Tasting the fruits of your efforts Don’t wait another minute to discover your family’s past and the fascinating stories that await you!

240 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2005

Reviews

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not involved in genealogy at the moment (too busy with my descendants to have time for my ancestors) but did have a brief foray into it before the kids came along, and I know how exciting and addictive it can be. When I get back into it, you can bet that this is absolutely the book I want guiding me. There's a real risk with family history books that they can be dry and difficult, but this one is superb. The tone is light and friendly, and I loved the activity suggestions, the funny asides, and the true life stories contributed by others who'd had their own adventures in family history.

It starts by assuming that you're completely new to the pursuit but does it without being patronising and very quickly reaches a level which even experienced genealogists can benefit from. It's a joy to read, and I raced through it and thoroughly enjoyed it even though I wasn't doing any family history research.

I try not to be too gushing about books, and generally feel obliged to pick out one thing which could be improved, but I struggled with this one. Perhaps the only thing I can think of is that near the beginning the writers explain what The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is and how and why it is involved in genealogy. Yet it then goes on to have contributions from people who are LDS, and to use terminology and talk about doctrines which a non-LDS reader might struggle with. Is it written for church members or not? (Not a very good criticism I know. Obviously the writers are well aware that the majority of their readers will be LDS, but not all, hence the explanation.)

Anyway, LDS or not, experienced genealogist or new to tree-climbing, I heartily recommend this book.

[Amanda Meuwissen · Rating 5 out of 5]

My mother got into genealogy years ago, not long after I had a large family tree project in school, which started us on the path to discovering ancestors hundreds of years back. My mother has continued this passion, and I know this book is a definite gift for her later this year. Climbing Family Trees not only helps the inexperienced get started on genealogy, but offer tips and ideas for doing more with our family that is still with us, and relates some truly inspirational stories about how our ancestors may be gone, but their helping hands can be felt throughout our lives, especially when we seek to learn more about where we came from. I love every anecdote and story in this book, and all the wonderful tips and advice, and cannot wait to make a gift out of it for Mom and others.

[Tera Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great serendipitous examples of experiences genealogists have when searching for ancestors (especially my example ;)