As I was talking with my sister about family genetics, mitochondrial DNA versus DNA passed on via the Y-chromosome and the like, she recommended I read a book called The Seven Daughters of Eve: The Science That Reveals Our Genetic Ancestry by Bryan Sykes. My sister, a genetic counselor, knew it would clear up a few questions I had on genetics and DNA as well as see how both apply directly to my interest in family history genetics. She also thought it would likely fascinate me with how the author used genetics and applied his knowledge to study ancient ancestry and genealogy.
I immediately logged onto my Amazon account and read a sample of the book before purchasing it. I was hooked. I purchased it immediately and couldn't wait until night so I could read more. I am completely fascinated by the idea that all of us have a common ancestor or that we descend from just a handful of people. I immediately wanted to learn more and hoped the book would help me acquire knew knowledge.
I have had a pretty basic understanding of genetics since high school, probably a little deeper knowledge than the average person, but in no way an expert. I really wanted to grasp the subject better in order to see how several family DNA projects applied to my family. Also, for some time I have been entertaining the idea of doing a DNA kit from one of the various commercial ancestry DNA programs but didn't want to spend the money until I understood the subject.
From the first page of the book The Seven Daughters of Eve I knew that it would hold my interest. It was a book that would help me understand human genetics as they apply to ancestral studies and common ancestry and lead me on my way to a better grasp of all of our common roots.
So, what it is about? The Seven Daughters of Eve works on the premise that all modern Europeans descend from seven maternal ancestors, linked by thousands of years of mitochondrial DNA. That's right, only SEVEN maternal ancestors! Author Brian Sykes goes through the evolution of the science of genetics and a pretty in-depth look at the progression of genetic research and how he arrived at his conclusion that modern Europeans all descend from the seven maternal ancestors. If you aren't interested in genetics or the theory he used or how he proved and defended his theories, the first two-thirds of the book really isn't for you. While I was intrigued and thought the background necessary to expand MY personal understanding, others may easily get bored by the first two-thirds.
However, once he names the seven maternal ancestors, any ancestry buff will be hooked. By naming the women, he brings the history to life and allows readers to connect and feel emotions towards each female. By using the first letter of a labeling system he adapts in his lab, he comes up the names: Tara, Ursula, Velda, Xenia, Jasmine, Katrine and Helena. Then he continues one by one describing what life might have been like when each of the maternal ancestors lived, how they lived and where they might have lived.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It was right up my alley. Many of my questions about genetics were cleared up completely. But, for readers not as interested in the minute details of his research and how genetics work, I can see how the book might get boring. For me though, I am a believer. I cannot wait to splurge on a mitochondrial DNA kit sometime in the future to see if my maternal lineage is what I think it is! When the time gets closer, I will share my suspicions and reveal if they are correct! I can't wait!
~Christine
Get your copy from Amazon today: The Seven Daughters of Eve: The Science That Reveals Our Genetic Ancestry by Brian Sykes.
I immediately logged onto my Amazon account and read a sample of the book before purchasing it. I was hooked. I purchased it immediately and couldn't wait until night so I could read more. I am completely fascinated by the idea that all of us have a common ancestor or that we descend from just a handful of people. I immediately wanted to learn more and hoped the book would help me acquire knew knowledge.
I have had a pretty basic understanding of genetics since high school, probably a little deeper knowledge than the average person, but in no way an expert. I really wanted to grasp the subject better in order to see how several family DNA projects applied to my family. Also, for some time I have been entertaining the idea of doing a DNA kit from one of the various commercial ancestry DNA programs but didn't want to spend the money until I understood the subject.
From the first page of the book The Seven Daughters of Eve I knew that it would hold my interest. It was a book that would help me understand human genetics as they apply to ancestral studies and common ancestry and lead me on my way to a better grasp of all of our common roots.
So, what it is about? The Seven Daughters of Eve works on the premise that all modern Europeans descend from seven maternal ancestors, linked by thousands of years of mitochondrial DNA. That's right, only SEVEN maternal ancestors! Author Brian Sykes goes through the evolution of the science of genetics and a pretty in-depth look at the progression of genetic research and how he arrived at his conclusion that modern Europeans all descend from the seven maternal ancestors. If you aren't interested in genetics or the theory he used or how he proved and defended his theories, the first two-thirds of the book really isn't for you. While I was intrigued and thought the background necessary to expand MY personal understanding, others may easily get bored by the first two-thirds.
However, once he names the seven maternal ancestors, any ancestry buff will be hooked. By naming the women, he brings the history to life and allows readers to connect and feel emotions towards each female. By using the first letter of a labeling system he adapts in his lab, he comes up the names: Tara, Ursula, Velda, Xenia, Jasmine, Katrine and Helena. Then he continues one by one describing what life might have been like when each of the maternal ancestors lived, how they lived and where they might have lived.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It was right up my alley. Many of my questions about genetics were cleared up completely. But, for readers not as interested in the minute details of his research and how genetics work, I can see how the book might get boring. For me though, I am a believer. I cannot wait to splurge on a mitochondrial DNA kit sometime in the future to see if my maternal lineage is what I think it is! When the time gets closer, I will share my suspicions and reveal if they are correct! I can't wait!
~Christine
Get your copy from Amazon today: The Seven Daughters of Eve: The Science That Reveals Our Genetic Ancestry by Brian Sykes.
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