Description, i.e., the blurb …
Genealogists, especially those of us who aren’t professional genealogists, always feel we either don’t have enough time or we didn’t wisely use the time. Jennifer Dondero must live in my house somewhere near my genealogy office because she has MY issues down to a “T”. This book is all about getting us “occasional” genealogists to focus our time and energies in the right direction. WITHOUT telling us we have to do exactly like she does. So before I even write my review, I highly recommend this book. The full title is “Essential Skills for The Occasional Genealogist: Beyond-beginner Genealogy Skills for Busy Family Historians”.
My review …
Jennifer (I feel I can call her that since I was a Beta reviewer of “Essential Skills…”) uses a story format between Jenni and her friend Gene about various skills. Don’t skip over these stories. Within them are all sorts of tidbits and how-tos, even templates.
If I had been the author’s age when she got into genealogy, I think I would have done what she did — become a certified genealogist. I first learned of The Occasional Genealogist via her blog and participated in a pre-launch use of one of her courses. I have found her to be so giving and open to helping.
I highly recommend this book. A beginner would be able to use it as well but it is 100% down this genealogist’s alley. I am far from a beginner at genealogy. I guess I might be intermediate or lower advanced level. But get “rabbit trailed” all the time.
I purchased the Kindle version and put the “hard-copy” version on my Christmas wishlist. No, you don’t need both and for me, I would rather have a printed reference when I’m working with my online genealogy. But having it in Kindle format will be handy when I’m at the library, etc.
This book has JUST been published (27 Oct 2023) and today (2 Nov ’23) it is #1 New Release in Research Reference Books on Amazon. Way to go Jennifer! I won’t free up much time for genealogy until after Christmas when I’ll start using my “present” — I’ve been a very good girl this year so I know I’ll get it.
My worst genealogy fault — not using a Research Log. Maybe Jennifer can FINALLY get me using one.
Rating: 5 stars
Cover: Exactly right. If you know her blog, you’ll instantly recognize it.
Pages: 240
Publish Date: 27 Oct 2023
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