Rolla Public Library's Online Book Club discussion

Note that this is a common title, and this book does not show up near the top of goodreads' search results.

Ok, I have my copy. This is not what I'd usually choose, but it does look interesting, and I will try to read it.

I see that one of the subjects is genealogy. Do any of you study your family tree? How do you think your bloodline ancestors influence who you are? If you discovered that you're "not who you think you are" would you feel shaken, would you feel a need to re-establish your identity?

I have had an ancestry account since 2004 and have a decent size tree of over 5,000 people which is nothing compared to some really serious genealogy buffs who have over 20,000 people in their tree, maybe someday for me, right? So I found this book extremely interesting and read it rather quickly. I did find an old family secret quite by accident while researching my tree. My grandfather had been married and had two children before he married my grandmother and fathered two more children. I was very angry with him for abandoning his children. I am grateful to my newfound first cousin for reminding me that times were different in 1920 and that we have no idea what the circumstances were for the breakup or the fact that he gave up his children. I did feel badly for him as he, like the author, had to rethink his whole life but it did solve some mysteries surrounding his father and grandmother for him. This story did make me worry as we have an adopted grandchild and I never want him to feel as if he doesn't belong. We do know who his biological mother is and I have that information documented in my tree in the event that he ever wants to know.

How truly interesting, Kathy; thank you so much for sharing! I'm so glad that your grandchild has access to more information; I don't think secrets are a good thing.

(I'm a fast reader so I've put off reading the book, plan to start tomorrow, Wed, for the Sat. meeting.)

I wish I could make the meeting but have plans to go see that grandchild this weekend.

:smiles:

Ok, so here it is past my bedtime. I was about halfway when I sat down, and next thing I knew hours had passed and I was done. I don't know why this book isn't more famous. Lots of people are interested in family history, and cold cases, and kidnappings, and quests for identity. And it's lucidly written, with just a little bit of a light streak running through the struggles to leaven.

I'm going to go visit the website to see if there's news: FoundlingPaul.com.

And yet going in I had little interest myself. I've always believed that the past can stay buried, and that the family that raised you is your own. Well, I still pretty much believe that... but now I can see why some people have the drive to know more.