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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Shaking the Family Tree summary
Buzzy Jackson
Brief summary
Shaking the Family Tree by Buzzy Jackson is a captivating exploration of genealogy. It delves into the author's personal journey to uncover her family history, revealing surprising and thought-provoking insights along the way.
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Shaking the Family Tree
Summary of key ideas
Uncovering the Past
In Shaking the Family Tree by Buzzy Jackson, the author embarks on a journey to uncover her family's history. She begins by examining her surname, Jackson, one of the most common in the United States, and quickly realizes the magnitude of her task. Despite the daunting nature of her quest, Jackson's curiosity and determination drive her forward.
Jackson's exploration begins with a visit to the Boulder Genealogy Society, where she learns the basic tools of genealogical research. Armed with this knowledge, she delves into the past, visiting ancestral homes, exploring cemeteries, and poring over dusty records. Her quest takes her to various parts of the country, where she uncovers surprising stories and forgotten family members.
Discovering Family Secrets
As Jackson delves deeper into her family's history, she uncovers a wealth of stories and secrets. She learns about her great-great-grandfather, a Union soldier in the Civil War, and her great-grandfather, a bootlegger during Prohibition. She also discovers the tragic tale of her grandmother, who was abandoned by her mother and left to grow up in an orphanage.
However, not all the stories Jackson uncovers are pleasant. She uncovers evidence of mental illness and suicide in her family's past, leading her to confront difficult questions about the impact of these issues on her own life. Despite these challenges, Jackson remains committed to unearthing her family's history, recognizing the importance of understanding the past.
Embracing Diversity
Throughout her journey, Jackson also explores the broader history of the United States. She learns about the experiences of her ancestors, who hailed from various parts of the world, including Ireland, Scotland, and England. This exploration of her family's diverse heritage provides Jackson with a deeper understanding of her own identity and a greater appreciation for the multicultural fabric of American society.
As Jackson continues her research, she becomes increasingly involved in the genealogy community. She attends genealogy conferences, joins online forums, and connects with distant relatives. Through these interactions, she gains new insights into the power of shared heritage and the ways in which family history can bring people together.
Reflections on Family and Identity
By the end of Shaking the Family Tree, Jackson has unearthed a rich tapestry of family history. She has discovered remarkable individuals, tragic events, and surprising connections. However, her journey has also led her to reflect on the nature of family and identity.
Ultimately, Jackson comes to understand that family is not just about blood ties, but also about shared experiences, values, and connections. She recognizes the importance of preserving and honoring family history, not just for herself, but for future generations. In doing so, she finds a deeper sense of belonging and a greater appreciation for the diverse and complex nature of her family's past.
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What is Shaking the Family Tree about?
Shaking the Family Tree by Buzzy Jackson is a captivating exploration of genealogy and family history. Through her own personal journey, Jackson delves into the world of ancestral research, uncovering surprising and often poignant stories about her relatives. With humor and insight, she examines the ways in which our family trees shape our identities and offers a compelling case for the importance of knowing where we come from.
Shaking the Family Tree Review
Shaking the Family Tree (2010) explores the author's journey tracing her ancestry and delves into genealogy's fascinating world. Here's why this book is worth your time:
- Unveiling surprising family secrets and hidden stories, it shows how uncovering the past can profoundly impact our present lives.
- With its humorous tone and relatable experiences, it transforms what could be a dry topic into an engaging and entertaining read.
- The author's passionate quest to connect the dots across generations ensures a captivating narrative that keeps you hooked till the last page.
Who should read Shaking the Family Tree?
Individuals interested in uncovering their family history and genealogy
People who enjoy personal narratives and memoirs with a touch of humor
Readers who want to explore the complexities and surprises of their own familial connections
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Shaking the Family Tree FAQs
What is the main message of Shaking the Family Tree?
The main message of Shaking the Family Tree explores the intriguing journey of genealogy and its impact on identity.
How long does it take to read Shaking the Family Tree?
Reading Shaking the Family Tree takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in a matter of minutes.
Is Shaking the Family Tree a good book? Is it worth reading?
Shaking the Family Tree is a compelling read for those curious about their roots. It sheds light on the significance of our ancestry.
Who is the author of Shaking the Family Tree?
The author of Shaking the Family Tree is Buzzy Jackson.
What to read after Shaking the Family Tree?
If you're wondering what to read next after Shaking the Family Tree, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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- In Pursuit of the Unknown by Ian Stewart
- The Sleepwalkers by Christopher Clark
- I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
- A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
- ISIS by Michael Weiss and Hassan Hassan
- Bloodlands by Timothy Snyder
- Gutenberg the Geek by Jeff Jarvis
- The True Believer by Eric Hoffer
- Genome by Matt Ridley