Title: Genetic Genealogy in Practice
Author: Blaine T. Bettinger and Debbie Parker Wayne
Format: Paperback, Kindle
Published: 2016
My Rating: 
The following review first appeared in the Federation of Genealogical Societies FORUM magazine (Fall 2017); reprinted with permission.
If you are looking for a practical guide to expand your knowledge about using DNA in your genealogy research, then Genetic Genealogy in Practice is for you. Authors Blaine T. Bettinger and Debbie Parker Wayne, who both have extensive experience in genetic genealogy, share their wisdom to help you get the most out of your DNA test results. According to the preface: “This book focuses on the specifics of applying DNA test results and genetics as evidence to examine a genealogical question.”
There are four chapters dedicated to each of the four types of DNA used in genealogy research: Y-DNA, mitochondrial DNA, autosomal DNA, and X-DNA. Each of these chapters goes over the basics of the DNA type, the inheritance pattern, test advantages and limitations, and testing strategies. The bulk of these chapters is dedicated to the test results—understanding and using them to answer genealogical questions. What sets this book apart from others on the subject is the practical exercises at the conclusion of each chapter. While these chapters illustrate the concepts using several examples, you tend to better retain information when you are able to apply it right away and the exercises allow you to do this. The exercises are thought-provoking and really make you work through the scenario to figure out the solution, as you would do in your own research. Answers and detailed explanations are found in appendix D. There are a few questions where you need to consult an online reference to determine the answer, so you might want to sit at your computer or have a mobile device nearby when working on the exercises.
Other chapters cover standards and ethics, family studies, and writing a conclusion using DNA evidence. These chapters also have practical exercises.
Overall, this book is a little technical in nature and is designed to be used as a workbook. Anyone interested in using DNA testing in genealogy can benefit from this book. But, if you are someone who learns better through practical application, then this is certainly a book you need to pick up.
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