Top 17 Genetic Genealogy Books To Add to Your Wish List

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19 January 2023
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The Bookworm’s Genetic Genealogy Wish List

The Bookworm’s Genetic Genealogy Wish List

There is so much to learn about genetic genealogy from how to use your results and what has worked for others to ancient human migrations and much more. If you’re looking for a gift for the genealogist on your list (or for yourself), here are some great reads recommended by FamilyTreeDNA staff!

General Guides to Genetic Genealogy

If you aren’t sure how to use DNA testing to answer your genealogical questions, these guides can help you determine which test you need, who in your family to test, and how to use your results to find the answers.

The field of genetic genealogy moves fast, so some of these may be a little dated or may not include all the tools at our disposal today, but the basic principles are still the same.

General Guides

1. 

“Your DNA Guide – the Book”
by Diahan Southard (2020)
Learn More

2.

“Advanced Genetic Genealogy: Techniques and Case Studies”
by Debbie Parker Wayne (2019)
Learn More

3.

“The Family Tree Guide to DNA Testing and Genetic Genealogy”
by Blaine Bettinger (2019)
Learn More

Y-DNA Guides

4.

“The Genealogist’s Guide to Y-DNA Testing for Genetic Genealogy”
by David Vance (2020)
Learn More

Native American DNA Guides

5. 

“DNA for Native American Genealogy”
by Roberta Estes (2021)
Learn More

Time-tested Guides

Need or want more? Here are some older guides for general genetic genealogy that are still worth a read.

6.

“Genetic Genealogy in Practice”
by Blaine Bettinger and Debbie Parker Wayne (2016)
Learn More

7.

“DNA Testing For Genealogy An Introductory Guide”
by Moises Garza (2015)
Learn More

8.

“Genetic Genealogy the Basics and Beyond”
by Emily Aulicino (2014)
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9.

“NextGen Genealogy: The DNA Connection”
by David Dowell (2014)

Adoptee Genetic Genealogy Books

Did you know that between five and seven million Americans are adopted? DNA testing is a huge help for adoptees who are trying to discover their biological family members and history. However, starting out without knowing anything about your genealogy can make it even more difficult to use DNA test results to answer your questions. These books focus specifically on adoptees and how to find family, but they are also great reads for anyone!

10.

“Finding Family: My Search for Roots and the Secrets in My DNA”
by Richard Hill (2017)
Learn More

11.

“The DNA Guide for Adoptees: How to use your genealogy and genetics to uncover your roots, connect with your biological family, and better understand your medical history”
by Brianne Kirkpatrick and Shannon Combs-Bennett (2019)
Learn More

Ancient DNA and Human Migrations Genetic Genealogy Books

DNA testing can also assist you in discovering the story that occurred prior to genealogical records. If you want to learn more about ancestral population studies, ancient hominids, or migration paths, the following books can get you started.