ABOUT THE BOOK
"An insider's impassioned, worthwhile look at the impact of the secrets revealed by DNA testing." - KIRKUS REVIEWS
Genealogy is a fun hobby until the results of a consumer DNA test reveal a devastating secret.
NPE* A STORY GUIDE FOR UNEXPECTED DNA DISCOVERIES is an authentic resource for people uncovering a new identity, their loved ones, and genealogists who encounter NPEs in a family tree.
There is no more fundamental human need than to belong – first to a family, and then to others.
My story and research over three years provide information and support to guide readers. Relatable insights and true stories are presented that address the initial shock of discovery, suggestions about communications, new ethnicities, family recognitions and rejections, and the
history of illegitimacy.
NPEs are found in all races, religions, and socio-economic groups in every country where direct-to- consumer DNA tests are sold. As of 2022, over 45 million people worldwide have taken a test for genealogy or medical information. Recent projections estimate 10% will discover they are NPE (like me), find an NPE half-sibling, or unearth a parent's or grandparent's NPE.
* 'Non-Paternity Event' is a genetic genealogy term for a break in the family line/name, when ‘Dad’ is not your biological father. The common term used is Not Parent Expected to include the many circumstances and variables that make up the NPE community (consensual relationships,
sexual assault, donor conception, doctor-donor patient fraud, adoption, and infant trafficking).
"An insider's impassioned, worthwhile look at the impact of the secrets revealed by DNA testing." - KIRKUS REVIEWS
Genealogy is a fun hobby until the results of a consumer DNA test reveal a devastating secret.
NPE* A STORY GUIDE FOR UNEXPECTED DNA DISCOVERIES is an authentic resource for people uncovering a new identity, their loved ones, and genealogists who encounter NPEs in a family tree.
There is no more fundamental human need than to belong – first to a family, and then to others.
My story and research over three years provide information and support to guide readers. Relatable insights and true stories are presented that address the initial shock of discovery, suggestions about communications, new ethnicities, family recognitions and rejections, and the
history of illegitimacy.
NPEs are found in all races, religions, and socio-economic groups in every country where direct-to- consumer DNA tests are sold. As of 2022, over 45 million people worldwide have taken a test for genealogy or medical information. Recent projections estimate 10% will discover they are NPE (like me), find an NPE half-sibling, or unearth a parent's or grandparent's NPE.
* 'Non-Paternity Event' is a genetic genealogy term for a break in the family line/name, when ‘Dad’ is not your biological father. The common term used is Not Parent Expected to include the many circumstances and variables that make up the NPE community (consensual relationships,
sexual assault, donor conception, doctor-donor patient fraud, adoption, and infant trafficking).
Buy the Book
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OVER 52 WEEKS IN THE TOP 100 OF KINDLE E-BOOKS in the category of "GENEALOGY"
> Amazon / Kindle > Barnes & Noble / Nook > Apple Books > Google Play > Rakuten / Kobo Books
International e-Book on Amazon/Kindle (click on your country to order a digital copy)
> United Kingdom > Australia > Canada
And, available at all book stores by request through INGRAM BOOK DISTRIBUTORS
OVER 52 WEEKS IN THE TOP 100 OF KINDLE E-BOOKS in the category of "GENEALOGY"
> Amazon / Kindle > Barnes & Noble / Nook > Apple Books > Google Play > Rakuten / Kobo Books
International e-Book on Amazon/Kindle (click on your country to order a digital copy)
> United Kingdom > Australia > Canada
And, available at all book stores by request through INGRAM BOOK DISTRIBUTORS
MEDIA
News & Broadcast Media: USA TODAY
The Dallas Morning News
FOX 26 - Houston
Speaking Engagements: TEDxVillanovaU - March, 2024
("SPIT HAPPENS: I Lost My Identity and Found Empathy from a DNA test")
National Association of Adoptees & Parents (NAAP)
(national nonprofit - special event guest speaker)
UNTANGLING OUR ROOTS Summit
(national conference - keynote panel moderator and speaker)
DNAngels.org
(national organization - special event guest speaker)
Hiraeth Hope & Healing Retreats
(national nonprofit - inaugural book club event guest speaker)
Radio: EXTREME GENES (nationally syndicated show and podcast)
MPR News with Angela Davis (Minnesota Public Radio, The Morning Show)
Magazines: NEXT AVENUE (national magazine produced by Twin Cities PBS)
SLATE (national magazine)
SEVERANCE MAGAZINE
Podcasts: NPE STORIES with Lily Wood, host
DNA SURPRISES with Alexis Hourselt, host
EVERYTHING'S RELATIVE with Eve Sturges, LMFT, host
News & Broadcast Media: USA TODAY
The Dallas Morning News
FOX 26 - Houston
Speaking Engagements: TEDxVillanovaU - March, 2024
("SPIT HAPPENS: I Lost My Identity and Found Empathy from a DNA test")
National Association of Adoptees & Parents (NAAP)
(national nonprofit - special event guest speaker)
UNTANGLING OUR ROOTS Summit
(national conference - keynote panel moderator and speaker)
DNAngels.org
(national organization - special event guest speaker)
Hiraeth Hope & Healing Retreats
(national nonprofit - inaugural book club event guest speaker)
Radio: EXTREME GENES (nationally syndicated show and podcast)
MPR News with Angela Davis (Minnesota Public Radio, The Morning Show)
Magazines: NEXT AVENUE (national magazine produced by Twin Cities PBS)
SLATE (national magazine)
SEVERANCE MAGAZINE
Podcasts: NPE STORIES with Lily Wood, host
DNA SURPRISES with Alexis Hourselt, host
EVERYTHING'S RELATIVE with Eve Sturges, LMFT, host
