Finding Oprah's Roots: Finding Your Own by Henry Louis Gates Jr.
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Book Summary Author: Henry Louis Gates Jr. Edition: Hardcover Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published) Published: 2007-01-23 ISBN: 0307382389 Number of pages: 192 Publisher: Crown |
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Book Reviews of the Finding Oprah's Roots: Finding Your Own
Customer Review: Genealogy, history, and DNA: A Fascinating Look
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is part genealogical guide, part celebrity biography, and part African-American history. Professor Gates has used the family history of Oprah Winfrey as an example of genealogical research and a case study of how education can lift a disadvantaged family out of hardship.
The written record of Oprah's ancestors only goes back to the 1870's census because the last names of slaves were rarely recorded. Here the author delves into the history of slavery in America and (to a lesser extent) in Africa. He also discusses the after-effects of slavery following the Civil War. The use of DNA to trace one's ancestors is also explained.
Although this book will appeal to persons trying to trace ancestors who were slaves, it is valuable to anyone getting started in genealogy. It's also an interesting story of a family who used education to leap beyond the expectations of those around them. You don't need to be a fan of Oprah to enjoy this book.