PERHAPS A GIFT VOUCHER FOR MUM?: MOTHER'S DAY
Stephen Anderson retired in 2016 after working 26 years for FamilySearch, International, one of the largest online family history sites in the world. His has published a collection of oral histories from many of the long-time residents in his community. He gives presentations and has appeared on the syndicated radio show and podcast, Extreme Genes, hosted by Scott Fisher. He currently lives in Lindon, Utah.
I’ve spent well over 35 years reading genealogy-related books and articles. A Broken Tree, by Steve Anderson, is the most fascinating “read” of my entire career. It would be trite and understated to say that it reads like a novel. The book is beyond that. The words pull you in and dare you to read more, as every paragraph makes this family’s story one that the reader must see through to the end. This story couldn’t have been written a decade ago. The advent and social acceptance of inexpensive DNA testing by millions of individuals allows family history to expand beyond the traditional nuclear family to include those whom we would never have considered in times past. This is a must-read book for anyone interested in family history, DNA testing, and a good scandal. I doubt that many families could top this one. -- Leland Meitzler, GenealogyBlog.com “A Broken Tree” offers the reader a glimpse into the emotional impact family secrets have on innocent children, even when they are already strong, secure adults. This story offers the humanity of the situation, offering an intimate glimpse into the life of the author and his family. My hope is that with this story, our society’s culture will change with respect to family secrecy and the walls will disintegrate leaving families no other option than to be transparent and honest and truthful – especially when it comes to one’s own identity and self-worth. Anderson offers us the beauty of the human spirit shining through adversity. Bravo! -- Catherine St Clair, President, NPE Friends Fellowship, Inc.
