In Search of Our Ancestors

by Megan Smolenyak

More than one hundred stories of families tracking down their roots provide readers with inspiration and support. Original. TV Tiein. $100,000 ad/promo. (PBS series, beginning April 2000)

Genres: Nonfiction

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

from back of the book:
Megan Smolenyak is an incurable genealogist who loves solving mysteries, making unexpected discoveries, and pushing the boundaries of conventional genealogy. A popular writer, speaker, and TV guest, she does all she can to get the g-word out there and inspire others in their quest for roots.

She lives in Florida with her husband.

Reviews

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book in two days. Couldn't put it down. If you are interested in genealogy you will enjoy it.

[Rosanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book about unusual genealogical occurrences.

This is a great book about unusual genealogical occurrence. The book contains many stories about what can happen when doing genealogy. I can relate to them since I wrote a question on a genealogy site and ended reconnecting my mother with her cousins which she had not seen in years! I strongly recommend this book.

[Georgene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining short stories of people who found new relatives, living and dead. Easy to pick up and read a few stories and then put down until later.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been 20 years since this book was published, and genealogical research has improved exponentially during that time, but I still enjoyed the numerous stories in this book of people discovering their past.

[Helen Brahms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the stories in this book about how people “find” information about their ancestors. Some in the most unlikely places. Or they uncover an unexpected story about their ancestors. Great reading!

[Olivia Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Search of Our Ancestors is a delightful and inspiring collection of stories showcasing the amazing luck, unexpected kindness, and surprising serendipity that genealogists often encounter. Many of these moments feel so perfectly timed and unbelievably coincidental that they almost make you wonder if our ancestors want to be found. Each story captures the magic and mystery of family history research, reminding us why those sudden breakthroughs and unexpected connections feel so special. A heartwarming and uplifting 4-star read.

[Shelly Boltz-Zito · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

I love doing genealogy research and I have another of Megan's books so when I found this I thought, why not. I love reading other people's journey's and this filled the bill. What a genuine loving tributes to families and the hunt for the elusive kin. It brought more than one smile to my face reading through the stories. What a wonderful book. A great book to have for the moments when you think you have hit a brick wall and then boom a miracle happens. I highly recommend it!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title of this book sounds as if is a “how-to” guide to doing genealogy, but instead it is a collection of stories by fellow genealogists of their discoveries by serendipity or by helpful, cooperative strangers, many of whom were in the right place at the right time with the right clues or facts. Anyone who is into genealogy has had these kinds of experiences, including me. I read this some years ago, and re-reading it still inspires me to go on with my research.

[Steve Stickel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short success stories about genealogy research. Every genealogist has success stories if they research long enough, some stories are bigger then others. This book is filled with amazing stories and you get to feel the pure joy of the researchers heart.

[Jane Mackesy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Serendipity for sure!

I loved reading the amazing instances of serendipity that occurred to so many people. It is eerie-in a good way when this happens to genealogists. We all hope for this to happen to us!

[Marla · Rating 2 out of 5]

It is obvious this was not written or edited by professionals.
The experiences shared were no more interesting than my own and I wouldn't consider mine 'book worthy'.

[Jackie Day · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very inspiring but after a while all the stories ran together because they were so similar.

[Barbara Lovejoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a WONDERFUL book! It has definitely inspired me.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating and inspiring book!

[Ashley]

Genealogy

[Lib 5030 Group 5]

929.107 SMO