DNA USA A Genetic Portrait of America

John Curless’s plummy voice and hint of a British accent add a gravitas to this book that could be off-putting. But soon you stop worrying that it might be dull, nerdy stuff and start picking your jaw up off the floor. Sykes uses the Y chromosome and mitochondrial DNA as evidence for some astonishing assertions. For instance, he believes that European genes appeared among Native Americans as early as 10,000 years ago. Race plays a major role in this book as you might imagine in any historical look at America. Through his use of tone, Curless manages to make you feel you’re right there making discoveries with the author. D.G. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2012]