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Treehouse Genealogy

Book Review -The Complete Guide to Family Tree DNA by Roberta Estes

Whats it about?


Family Tree DNA was the first--and still is the only--company to offer three kinds of vital DNA testing for genealogy: the Family Tree Finder autosomal DNA (and also X-DNA results), Mitochondrial DNA, and Y-DNA. This book explains each kind of test and how to incorporate the results into your genealogy. Ms. Estes provides clear, step-by-step instructions for understanding each test and how to deploy them together. In addition to the value of your personal test results, you will discover how joining Surname and other DNA Group Projects supported by Family Tree DNA promotes collaboration between genealogists with similar research interests. This book will help you to locate the most beneficial projects to join in order to maximize the value of your investment in DNA testing.



This guidebook makes use of multiple full-colour visual aids. You will see screenshots like the ones you can expect to view on your computer; roadmaps and checklists with instructions on how to proceed; plus, an extensive glossary to help you decipher the technical language associated with DNA testing.


Our Review:-


This book covers the different DNA tests offered by Family Tree DNA, including Y-DNA, Mitochondrial DNA, Autosomal DNA, and X-DNA, detailing their specific uses and how they can assist you in your genealogical research. The book is slightly smaller than A4 and runs to 247 pages. It explains each test in detail and provides step-by-step instructions on how to navigate the FamilyTreeDNA site, complete with images, and shows how to interpret your results.


The chapters cover the following topics:


  1. Types of Testing (Y-DNA, Mitochondrial DNA, Autosomal DNA, and X-DNA)

  2. Setting Yourself Up for Success

  3. Y-DNA: Your Father's Story

  4. Mitochondrial DNA: Your Mother's Story

  5. Autosomal DNA: The Family Finder Test

  6. X Chromosome: Unique Inheritance Path

  7. Ethnicity: My Origins

  8. Advanced Matching

  9. Finding, Joining, and Utilizing Projects

  10. Third-Party Tools

  11. Creating Your Step-by-Step Roadmap

 

If, like me, you have tested with FamilyTreeDNA, this book will serve as a valuable companion. While it might not be the kind of book you read cover to cover, it is an essential reference to have on hand as you work through your results. I appreciate how it provides tips on other useful websites, guides you through the numerous group projects available on the site, and includes an extensive glossary—perfect for quickly finding the meaning of specific terms.



Given the investment many of us make in DNA testing, it's crucial to maximize the value of our results. I know many people who feel overwhelmed when they receive their results, and if you find yourself in that category, this book is for you. Take your time, keep this guide nearby for reference, and methodically work through your findings.


You can purchase this book via your usual bookseller or if you live in the U.S. the Genealogical Website


 

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