December 4, 2025
Introduction: In this article, Gena Philibert-Ortega shares some of the books she’s read in 2025 that helped with her genealogy research. Gena is a genealogist and author of the book “From the Family Kitchen.”
The year 2025 is almost behind us, which means, for some of us – including me – our annual reading goal is approaching. Every year, I participate in the Goodreads Reading Challenge by picking the number of books I want to read. This helps me focus on what I want to read as I navigate the year.
The site declares:
“Goodreads is the world’s largest site for readers and book recommendations. Our mission is to help readers discover books they love and get more out of reading. Goodreads launched in January 2007.”
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Goodreads is an app where you can follow authors and your friends, learn about books, and create virtual shelves to organize books that you want to read, have read, or even own. I use Goodreads to keep track of books I want to read and have read. This helps me have this information in one place that I can easily search at home, at bookstores, or at libraries.
In the Goodreads app, you can choose an annual reading goal. For the last few years, my goal has been the same: 80 books. And for the last few years, I have come up short. I usually end the year having read about 68 books.
But to be honest, I don’t care. In my opinion, what’s important is to read. This isn’t a competition; it’s a reminder of the importance of reading. At the end of the year, I can look back to see what I have read and how that has benefitted me. So, whether your goal is 5 books or 100, it’s a great way to track your reading.
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What Am I Reading?
As I write this, I have read 61 books. These books span fiction and non-fiction, though I read more non-fiction. They include graphic novels, true crime, mystery, historical fiction, and, of course, genealogy. I enjoy books that are either historical or demonstrate a research process that might apply to genealogy or historical research. But I also enjoy reading fiction as a “palate cleanser” after some of the non-fiction I read.
A few books that I have read that you might enjoy, and that are applicable to genealogy, include:
- Everything Is Tuberculosis: The History and Persistence of Our Deadliest Infection by John Green
Disease history books give us insight into the diseases our ancestors suffered and died from. This book isn’t just a history; it brings the disease into the modern day, but it is valuable to the family historian for the historical information it provides. It’s readable and not academic. I’ve found that the people I have recommended this book to who aren’t non-fiction readers enjoy it.
- Belonging: A German Reckons with History and Home by Nora Krug
This illustrated work tells the story of a German woman coming to terms with what her family participated in during World War II. She incorporates her illustrations with ephemera she finds in antique stores. I love the way she tells her family story and how she addresses a story that is difficult at best. This is a great example of how a family history could be told that is different from the typical family history narrative.
- The Color of Family: History, Race and the Politics of Ancestry by Michael O’Malley
History professor O’Malley’s father enjoyed genealogy, and one year came across some puzzling information about an Irish American ancestor in Virginia. Their marriage record listed their race as “mulatto.” This is a good example of why we need to explore history to understand the records better. I highly recommend this book and consider it a must-read. You can learn more about the story by watching a discussion the National Genealogical Society had with the author, on their YouTube channel.
- Telling Her Story: A Guide to Researching and Writing About Women in the Past by Sharon DeBartolo Carmack
This is an excellent guide for researching American female ancestors. It goes beyond researching female ancestors and spends time exploring how to write their story. I highly recommend this book for reading and reference. Don’t forget to explore the bibliography for other books that can help with your specific research.*
- 222 Cemeteries to See Before You Die by Loren Rhodes
I believe that your cemetery research is enhanced by learning more about different types of cemeteries in various locations. I read a lot of cemetery books, but this is a good book to start with.
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What Are YOU Reading?
Genealogy is a skill that is strengthened by education. Reading books, whether they are specific to genealogy or history, sociology, local history, or other subjects, will help you be a better researcher.
Let’s help each other: share what you have read and how you think it would benefit other genealogists in the comments below.
*I do know the author and provided comments on an earlier version of the book.
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Note on the header image: books and a cup of coffee. Credit: https://depositphotos.com/home.html