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3.87 AVERAGE
3.87 AVERAGE
informative
reflective
medium-paced
informative
medium-paced
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
I read multiple books at a time–at least one fiction and one non-fiction. At the same time that I started reading The Peacekeeper, I also started reading Origin by Jennifer Raff. The Peacekeeper is a novel that takes place in an alternative present where North America was never colonized. Origin is about the peopling of North America. It is written by a biological anthropologist–she uses genetics to study our ancient human past. It turned out to be a good pairing.
In this book the author presents both the archeological and genetic evidence for how and when humans first arrived in the Americas. I found the addition of the genetic evidence fascinating. While I might have thought that genetics would have unambiguously narrowed the possibilities, this does not seem to be the case. It brings some clarity but also some questions and therefore some dispute. Raff is open and transparent about this dispute, doing her best to simply present what the evidence could mean as well as pointing to what most archeologists believe.
What I most appreciated about this book is that it is sensitive to what the genetic research means to indigenous peoples. Tribes consider the DNA and bodies of their ancestors to be sacred. Scientists and archeologists have not always respected this. Raff discusses at length in the latter part of the book how this has hampered research and the trust needed between indigenous peoples and the scientific community that are required to perform it. All in all this book is a wonderful introduction and foundation for understanding the current state of genetic archeology in the Americas as it continues to develop.
informative
reflective
slow-paced
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Interesting reading. The sensitivity to culture was a bit overdone, but the first half dozen times were noteworthy. Perhaps a little more explanation of why certain things are such sore points with indigenous peoples - a little more about their culture could have explained better. But some of the results of the research were fascinating. An explanation of the migratory records and the mention of the Y population gene were interesting. But the migratory information could have been better presented and I would have liked to learn more about other points. But a light introduction to the subject of first settlements. The author is not an archaeologist, but studies ancient DNA.
I almost quit with the recurring sensitivity stuff, but persevered and found the information in the book good.
I almost quit with the recurring sensitivity stuff, but persevered and found the information in the book good.
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
challenging
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Excellent presentation of what we know about genetic identities of Native Americans. I’m convinced by their argument that Clovis culture wasn’t the beginning.
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Came for the science, stayed for the excellent debunking of racist theories and unethical geneticists.
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced