Who Do You Think You Are?: The Essential Guide to Tracing Your Family History

I was delighted to read other reviews of Megan Smolenyak’s Who Do You Think You Are? which informed me that this is not a typical television show tie-in book. It’s packed with information and I’ve been glued to it, reading a chapter at a time so I can fully digest the contents. Smolenyak’s book is authoritative and concise, covering key elements of genealogical research with useful research information and sources (including URLs where applicable). Her examples are top notch – selecting people and names from history that most of us can relate to. Though I borrowed this from my local library initially, I bought my own copy as I can see myself returning to various chapters of this book for reference and to solidify my show more genealogical research. show less

"Who Do You Think You Are?"


“Who Do Think You Are?” The Essential Guide to Tracing Your Family History, A companion To The NBC Series

By Megan Smolenyak [2], Chief Genealogical Consultant

Viking Penguin

2009

ISBN 978-0-670-02163-5

When my preordered book arrived, it was probably one of the most anticipated books I had ordered in quite some time!

Having been a fan of Megan’s for a long time, I already knew it was going to be good.

Megan takes us on a journey, in plain, simple language, and easy understanding, to find our ancestors.

She fully explains the “tools of the trade” for someone who knows absolutely not one thing about genealogy, other than having a desire to trace their family history. But she does it in such a way that those show more of us who have been doing just such research for many years, finds it a pleasant recall and entertaining! Never is it boring, stuffy or redundant.

She touches on each of the NBC series participants, without giving so much away that we are let down when we actually watch the appropriate episode. Instead, we find ourselves saying, “I’m so glad she didn’t give too much away! What a great show!”

In nine, easy-to-read chapters, Megan takes us through preparing for the search; using the Internet to assist us in our search; how to utilize the census records; using vital records [birth, marriage and death]; military records; performing research in other countries; and passing on our research through sharing.

If you haven’t purchased your copy of “Who Do You Think You Are?” yet, I highly encourage you to get one now. Even if you’ve been researching for a long time, you’re going to find some great vital information that you either didn’t know about, or you have forgotten about! And if you are new to the “genie” bug, then I can’t think of a better book to help you get started! show less

This has to be one of the most outstanding books I have ever read. I have read it, taken notes on web sites to use in finding information and plan on reading it a second time. I am into genealogy but this has broadened my mind greatly. And, to be able to see each of these celebrities in the NBC series is amazing. I highly recommend it to anyone, into genealogy or not. It will spur you on to find out more about your family.

I love this book. Megan is a great author who I have seen speak on many occasions.
As always she describes in full detail how to handle the bumps and mountains in the search (for me obsession).

It is a wonderful easy to read and enjoy book. I would also recommend anything else she has written.