Why read Ancestor Trouble?

Book cover of Ancestor Trouble: A Reckoning and a Reconciliation

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“Extraordinary and wide-ranging . . . a literary feat that simultaneously builds and excavates identity.”—The New York Times Book Review (Editors’ Choice)

Roxane Gay’s Audacious Book Club Pick • Finalist for the National Book Critics Circle’s John Leonard Prize • An acclaimed writer goes searching for the truth about…

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Why read it?

1 author picked Ancestor Trouble as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Marcia E. Herman-Giddens

Author

This book has a lot of genealogy and spinoffs, which demonstrate all the reasons I love genealogy and, hence, love this book. Newton digs into her past and uncovers secrets and more, which leads to her knowing herself better as well as her family.

I really liked that she delved into associated topics such as kin and why they matter, epigenetics, a critique of DNA websites, spiritual practices, and connecting with and honoring one’s ancestors. I agree with what she writes, “We can see more clearly where we need to go, how we may best live if we know precisely…

From Marcia's list on The best books on ancestry, genealogy, racial justice and travel to find the truth.