A Broken Tree: How DNA Exposed a Family's Secrets With a single blood test, a family is thrown into complete turmoil, questioning who they really are. But the surprises don’t end there. Each new revelation opens the door to yet another journey of discovery. Within a span of just 1 year, a family of 9 children discover that the identity of each child was nothing more than lies.
Join Stephen as he takes you on a real life journey unlike anything you’ve read before. Each new shocking discovery steals away a part of who each child thought they were. Over the course of 5 years Stephen and his siblings slowly piece together a new identity—one they had no idea was the real story of their family. |
Reviews for A Broken Tree
"I’ve spent well over 35 years reading genealogy-related books and articles. A Broken Tree, by Stephen 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.
"I’ve spent well over 35 years reading genealogy-related books and articles. A Broken Tree, by Stephen 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.
Leaves on the Lindon Tree: A Collection of Recollections from Senior Residents of Lindon City (Utah)
Leaves of the Lindon Tree is a collection of recollections, advice and life stories from 12 senior residents of Lindon, Utah. The youngest of these residents was 83 years old and the oldest was 94.
Each interview was transcribed and reformatted into an easy to read narrative, appearing as though the subject was speaking directly to the reader. It is a fascinating collection of life stories interwoven with humor, a sprinkle of trails and tragedy and a fascinating look into evidence of human resilience. Anyone who enjoys reading about the lives of others will find this book a fascinating read. |