Mitochondrial DNA, passed from mother to child, provides, upon close examination, a record of ancient migration patterns and family groupings. It is what links groups of human beings to each other and it is one of many genetic mysteries that motivated Harvard professor Gates to unravel the historical and genetic past of 12 celebrities, artists, and intellectuals in this follow-up to a previous examination of notable African-Americans. Based on the PBS series of the same name hosted by the author, the book is a deceptively breezy read that contains profound revelations on race, on biology vs. social constructs, and how ancestry can subtly (or resoundingly) manifest itself. There are surprises, Ohe finds a common ancestor between Queen Noor of Jordan and African-American academic Elizabeth Alexander; both are 37th great-granddaughters of Charlemagne, Oand in getting such subjects as Mike Nichols to open up about their pasts, he finds how powerfully the past informs the present. Gates offers a book stuffed with epiphanies that will spark curiosity among readers about their own ancestry as well as their possible connections to each other. (Aug.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

This book is based upon the recent PBS documentary of the same name. Gates (Alphonse Fletcher University Professor, Harvard; Tradition and the Black Atlantic) researches the ancestry of 12 famous Americans. Known for his passion for genealogy, Gates extends his interest outside his own expertise, with the help of scientists and genetics labs, offering each celebrity the vivid story of his/her family's history. Gates clearly explains the role of DNA in the research but does not overstress the reader with science. The true essence of his book is what he uncovers in each subject's ancestry. Gates's goal in looking into the heritage of people like Meryl Streep, Stephen Colbert, and Kristi Yamaguchi is to share information about the challenges and difficulties immigrants to the United States have endured in starting a new life in a new country. Gates also includes each individual's reflections on what he/she has learned in the process. Verdict In a time of volatile debate on immigration, Gates's book supports the idea that the United States is a nation built from the contributions of immigrants. The family histories here provide an inspiring and engaging read for genealogy buffs, students of American history, and fans of Gates's previous work.-Susan E. Montgomery, Rollins Coll. Lib., Winter Park, FL (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

The complex immigrant story of the United States viewed through extensive genetic and genealogical research into the backgrounds of 12 ethnically diverse, famous Americans.Renowned scholar Gates (African American Studies/Harvard Univ.; The Signifying Monkey, 2010, etc.), who narrated the recent PBS mini-series on which this book is based, selected people of accomplishment who interested him, including writers, a director, a chef, a musician, a comedian, a physician, a figure skater, even a queen. With the assistance of genealogical researchers and geneticists, he explored their very different backgrounds and shared his findings with his subjectsnot only about their named ancestors but also about what their genes revealed about their family trees. After an introduction and some explanatory notes about DNA testing, Gates offers 12 similarly structured chapters. First he briefly cites the subject's accomplishments, tells why he or she is part of the project and provides a brief biographical sketch. In the next section, the author puts the ancestors' personal stories into a broader historical context. Finally he tells each subject what the DNA tells him about the subject's ancestral lineage, where his ancestors probably lived in the distant past, how they are linked with others on the human family tree and what percentage of the subject's heritage is European, African or Asian/Native American. Each chapter concludes with the subject's reaction to the facts and the linkages that Gates has uncovered for theme.g., Mike Nichols was thrilled to learn that he is a distant cousin of Albert Einstein, and Malcolm Gladwell was stunned to learn that his mixed-race Jamaican ancestors were slave-owners. Other subjects include such luminaries as Meryl Streep, Yo-Yo Ma, Stephen Colbert, Mario Batali and Mehmet Oz.While the personal discoveries provide human interest in a sometimes tedious recitation of genealogical information and technical genetic data, it is the broader sweep of history and the causes and ramifications of human migrations that engage the reader and give the book its impact.]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.