Origin: A Genetic History of the Americas

Anthropologist Raff (Univ. of Kansas) outlines what has been learned about the ancient peopling of the Americas. She is careful to lay out varying disagreeing theories and what the science and the interpretations of the research tell us about the possible routes ancient humans once took. Raff also goes into depth about how scientists need to honor these ancient humans in the manner that their currently living descendants deem appropriate. To the current native inhabitants of the Americas, DNA and bones are sacred, and we must include the descendants in conversations about the remains found and honor their wishes. The book delves deeper than a layperson might want to go, but they will be glad they did. Narrator Tanis Parenteau is an actress belonging to the Métis Nation of Alberta. Her narration style is bright and engaging, and her fluent pronunciation of Native and First people nations’ names lends honor to them and keeps the text moving coherently.