Summer is here, and it’s time for The Family Curator’s Summer Reading List for Genealogists. You can take the English teacher out of the classroom, but you can’t take the book out of her hands.
Each summer reading selection:
- is for or about genealogy and family history,
- is well-written, and
- is so enriching, engaging, or entertaining that you want to turn the page.
Of course, we won’t all agree on what makes a great, or even good, genealogy book, but I hope this list gives you a few new titles to try this summer. And do keep in mind something your English teacher probably never told you: If you don’t like the book, it’s okay to put it down and find another one. Books are a lot like vegetables; tastes change. Try it again later.
The Summer Reading List for Genealogists will be presented in two parts with reading suggestions for assorted moods, whims, and needs.
Part 1: R & R for Genealogists (or Relax and Read) offers fiction to lose yourself in, just in time for the long July Fourth Weekend. If you like series mysteries or historical fiction I hope you find something new to read here.
Part 2: Stretch Your Skills, Learn Something New This Summer showcases recently published genealogy manuals and instructional titles. A thorough study of any titles from this list will lead to even more challenging works.
The best part of this Summer Reading List, of course, is that there will be no grades. :>) I hope you find a new book that tempts you to charge up your e-Reader or visit your local library and settle in for a good summer read. And please, help this list grow by adding your favorites in the comments.
Happy Summer Reading!
Photo Op: That’s our descendant in the photo holding a copy of my book How to Archive Family Keepsakes. He makes a good poster boy for reading any book any time of year.
