The Soul of the Family Tree
Ancestors, Stories, and the Spirits We Inherit
by Lori Erickson
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Pub Date Aug 24 2021 | Archive Date Mar 24 2023
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Description
“Readers may find themselves ordering their own DNA testing kit upon finishing this.”
—Publishers Weekly
“The Soul of the Family Tree posits that a spiritual grounding in one’s family history can combat ‘historical amnesia’ and nurture a sense of belonging.”
—Foreword Reviews
Using genealogy research and DNA testing, Lori Erickson embarks upon a quest to find her spiritual DNA as she invites us to consider how the spirits of our ancestors can guide us today.
Growing up in a passionately Norwegian-American Iowa town, Lori Erickson rolled her eyes at traditions like Nordic Fest and steaming pots of rømmegrøt. But like many Americans, she eventually felt drawn to genealogy, the "quintessential hobby of middle age." Her quest to know more about the Vikings and immigrants who perch in her family tree led her to visit Norse settlements and reenactments, medieval villages and modern museums, her picturesque hometown and her ancestor's farm on the fjords.
Along the way, Erickson discovers how her soul has been shaped by her ancestors and finds unexpected spiritual guides among the seafaring Vikings and her hardscrabble immigrant forebears. Erickson’s far-ranging journeys and spiritual musings show us how researching family history can be a powerful tool for inner growth. Travel with Erickson in The Soul of the Family Tree to learn how the spirits of your ancestral past can guide you today.
A Note From the Publisher
• Author’s trademark blend of down-to-earth travel writing with a spiritual twist.
• An invitation for readers to consider the spiritual dimension of family history to explore their personal identity and deepen their own spiritual connections.
• Written by one of America’s top travel writers specializing in spiritual journeys.
• Author’s own spiritual dabbling across different faith traditions mean that the book will appeal beyond those who identify as Christian.
• Will leverage author’s previous media connections including the Los Angeles Times, National Geographic Traveler, USA Today, and Travel + Leisure, among others.
• Genealogy Roadshow (PBS) has expressed interest in the book.
Advance Praise
“In this shrewd memoir, Erickson (Holy Rover) details how researching her Norwegian American heritage led to deep personal reflection. The modern ability to investigate one’s ancestry using DNA, she argues, can be more than just biology… Readers may find themselves ordering their own DNA testing kit upon finishing this.”
—Publishers Weekly
“Erickson traces the ‘spiritual DNA’ of her Norwegian ancestors, investigating how their heritage influenced their cultural practices and religious beliefs, especially in the Midwestern United States…. The Soul of the Family Tree posits that a spiritual grounding in one’s family history can combat ‘historical amnesia’ and nurture a sense of belonging.”
—Foreword Reviews
“Captivating. . . . I literally could not put this one down! Not only
did I learn a great deal, I found the book to be very fascinating and
entertaining. While I am not personally of Scandinavian descent,
I now want to visit important places described in the book and I
want to start researching the stories of my own ancestors. Highly
recommended!”
—BRIAN ALLAIN,
Founder of Writing for Your Life
and How to Heal Our Divides
“Lori Erickson not only has the adventurous spirit of her Viking
ancestors, but a sparkling sense of humor not generally associated with
Olaf the Stout or Ivar the Boneless. Deftly navigating the promises
and perils of DNA testing, ancient sagas, family lore, historical
reenactments, homelands, hometowns, and stupid graffiti left behind
by your ancestors, The Soul of the Family Tree takes us on a journey into
human identity that’s both fun and profound.”
—SCOTT SAMUELSON,
author of The Deepest Human Life and
Seven Ways of Looking at Pointless Suffering
“Enthusiastic, intelligent, and willing to put on a funny Viking
skirt and laugh at herself, Lori is the perfect guide for this kind of
journey. She asks the questions we would be asking, and then she
trots off to the next destination filled with boundless energy. . . .
This truly entertaining book will be of special interest to anyone
thinking of researching their own family tree or to anyone who’s
ever looked at a map and dreamed, ‘So where do I come from,
really?’”
—JUNE MELBY,
author of My Family and Other Hazards: A Memoir
“Despite her digs at Swedes, Lori Erickson has put together a must
read for all fans of genealogy. Her journey is one that will inspire
everyone to dig in and experience the power of knowing their
ancestral roots.”
—BRIAN GERARD,
pastor and winner of Swedish-American
reality show Allt för Sverige, Season One
Marketing Plan
• Targeted outreach to relevant audiences including those interested in genealogy, travel writing, spirituality, and Norse and Viking history and culture.
• National publicity campaign and outreach to Norwegian countries.
• Extensive indie bookstore ARC mailing and LibraryThing giveaway for Indie Next and LibraryReads nominations.
• Dedicated e-blasts to reading groups to encourage book club adoption.
• Targeted publicity to mainstream and Christian media across TV, print, online, radio, and podcasts.
• Marketing & publicity contact: edrumheller@wjkbooks.com
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9780664267032 |
| PRICE | $22.00 (USD) |
| PAGES | 220 |
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