Personal Genomics: DNA helps Michelle Obama discover white ancestral roots, provides window into history of slavery

One of the remarkable innovations brought on by the DNA revolution is the ability to trace our personal and family ancestries. Because of slavery, American blacks in particular have a complicated and fascinating history. The newly released “American Tapestry: The Story of the Black, White and Multiracial Ancestors of Michelle Obama” by Rachel Swarns, explains how the process works, and traces the many lineages of the First Lady. But the story is not without controversy–did the author get it right?

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• New insights into Michelle Obama’s roots, The New York Times
• Book review American Tapestry, The New York Times
• Book review podcast, The New York Times
• American Tapestry has holes in it, Huffington Post