This book explores two contemporary combative views regarding the search for just families. These views arise from the conundrum of the family being seen as a supportive, nurturing “haven” versus a grievously unjust, harmful institution that violates the rights and freedoms of any individual family member. Triggered by anti-family movements, which have been inspired by the ideas of some theorists and writers, the book addresses the question: Is family destined to wither away? It challenges the radical idea that the solution to the problem of unjust families is their complete replacement by purportedly just anti-familial alternatives. Chhanda Gupta advances a distinct reformist and reconciliatory view that the expulsion of either side of the family-anti-family binary is not the answer. She seeks to syncretize the seemingly irreconcilable ideas propagated through that philosophical binary. Furthermore, she urges that the search for just families must find its answer in clarifying how the term “just” applies to the characters, behaviors, and attitudes of people who comprise actual families. The search is not for a perfectly just society or polity, or even for a perfectly just family. Instead it is a search for ways to redress the remediable injustices that occur in families, in order to benefit and uplift individuals and families and the societies in which they live.

Finding Family: My Search for Roots and the Secrets in My DNA is the highly suspenseful account of an adoptee trying to reclaim the biological family denied him by sealed birth records. This fascinating quest, including the author's landmark use of DNA testing, takes readers on an exhilarating roller-coaster ride and concludes with a twist that rivals anything Hollywood has to offer. In the vein of a classic mystery, Hill gathers the seemingly scant evidence surrounding the circumstances of his birth. As his resolve shores up, the author also avails of new friends, genealogists, the Internet, and the latest DNA tests in the new field of genetic genealogy. As he closes in on the truth of his ancestry, he is able to construct a living, breathing portrait of the young woman who was faced with the decision to forsake her rights to her child, and ultimately the man whose identity had remained hidden for decades. Finding Family offers guidance, insight, and motivation for anyone engaged in a similar mission, from ways to obtain information to the many networks that can facilitate adoption searches. The book includes a detailed guide to DNA and genetic genealogy and how they can produce irrefutable results in determining genetic connections and help adoptees bypass sealed records and similar stumbling blocks.

After the Civil War, African Americans placed poignant "information wanted" advertisements in newspapers, searching for missing family members. Inspired by the power of these ads, Heather Andrea Williams uses slave narratives, letters, interviews, public records, and diaries to guide readers back to devastating moments of family separation during slavery when people were sold away from parents, siblings, spouses, and children. Williams explores the heartbreaking stories of separation and the long, usually unsuccessful journeys toward reunification. Examining the interior lives of the enslaved and freedpeople as they tried to come to terms with great loss, Williams grounds their grief, fear, anger, longing, frustration, and hope in the history of American slavery and the domestic slave trade. Williams follows those who were separated, chronicles their searches, and documents the rare experience of reunion. She also explores the sympathy, indifference, hostility, or empathy expressed by whites about sundered black families. Williams shows how searches for family members in the post-Civil War era continue to reverberate in African American culture in the ongoing search for family history and connection across generations.

Finding Emma takes readers on a compelling genealogical journey of discovery ,beyond the names and dates on vital records, to reclaim the lost branches of the author's ancestry: one rooted in early Salem, Massachusetts, and the other in Ancient Acadia. Along the way, she spins a story of survival against the longest of odds-one that had been being buried for more than a century.

“A rapid-fire, real-life thriller.” —New York Times bestselling author M. William Phelps The lovely widow had confessed to the coldblooded murder of her husband. But Dorothy Marcic suspected a more sinister tale at the heart of her beloved uncle’s violent death. The brutal murder of LaVerne Stordock, a respected family man and former police detective, shocked his Wisconsin community. On the surface, the case seemed closed with the confession of Stordock’s wife, Suzanne. But the trail of secrets and lies that began with his death did not end with his widow’s insanity plea. Dorothy Marcic, a playwright, theatrical producer, and university professor, couldn’t put her doubts to rest. In 2014 she embarked on a two-year mission to uncover the truth. In the bestselling tradition of Ann Rule and M. William Phelps, With One Shot weaves a spellbinding tale of unmet justice and the truth behind a shocking family tragedy. “A riveting, personal story of the American justice system.” —Kaylie Jones, author of Lies My Mother Never Told Me “A gripping tale, well worth reading.” —Lawrence M. Miller, author of The Lean Coach “Marcic excavates new depths of perfidy, cruelty and lies.” —Randy Cohen, former Ethicist for The New York Times “A compelling read about a true family murder mystery marked by intrigue, betrayal and injustice.” —Leslie J. Mann, assistant prosecutor, Essex County, New Jersey

James Beard Award-winning author Laura Schenone undertakes a quest to retrieve her great grandmother's ravioli recipe, reuniting with relatives as she goes. In lyrical prose and delicious recipes, Schenone takes the reader on an unforgettable journey from the grit of New Jersey's industrial wastelands and the fast-paced disposable culture of its suburbs to the dramatically beautiful coast of Liguria--the family's homeland--with its pesto, smoked chestnuts, torte, and, most beloved of all, ravioli, the food of celebration and happiness. Schenone discovers the persistent importance of place, while offering a perceptive voice on immigration and ethnicity in its twilight. Along the way, she gives us the comedies and foibles of family life, a story of love and loss, a deeper understanding of the bonds between parents and children, and the mysteries of pasta, rolled into a perfect circle of gossamer dough.

Completely updated for today's search tactics and blockades, The Everything Family Tree Book has even more insight for the stumped! Whether you're searching in a grandparent's attic or through the most cryptic archiving systems, this book has brand-new chapters on what readers have been asking for: Genetics, DNA, and medical information Surname origins and naming Appendix on major genealogical repositories, libraries, and archives Systems for filing and organizing The latest computer software Land, probate, and estate records Chock-full of tips the competitors don't have, this is the one-stop resource for successful sleuthing!

"English Poor Law Policy" by Sidney Webb and Beatrice Webb is a seminal work that explores the evolution and impact of poor law policy in England. Drawing upon extensive research and social analysis, the authors provide a comprehensive examination of the laws, institutions, and policies aimed at addressing poverty and welfare. Through their meticulous study, the Webbs shed light on the historical context, political debates, and social implications of poor law policy, offering valuable insights into the challenges and debates surrounding poverty alleviation. "English Poor Law Policy" is a significant contribution to the field of social welfare and remains relevant in understanding the complexities of poverty and social assistance.

It all started because two people fell in love. Or in this case, six. Fall in love with the couples whose romances launched Samantha Chase’s most beloved family series. WAIT FOR ME: The Montgomerys Former NFL superstar Lucas Montgomery never expected Emma Taylor to come crashing into his world and bring back some life to his solitary existence. But all it takes is one snowy weekend for his carefully constructed world to be turned completely upside down. MADE FOR US: The Shaughnessy Aidan Shaughnessy has spent his whole life building walls around himself. But when a storm threatens the North Carolina coast he calls home, Aidan realizes that you have to make time for the things you really want, and if he waits too long, he may miss his chance with Zoe–the one woman who’s gotten past all his defenses. DARE ME: The Donovans One year ago, Ariana Donovan and Will Jameson shared one perfect day before going their separate ways. Now fate has brought them back together. Between old feelings and meddling family members around every corner, there’s a lot Arianna and Will have to overcome if they want this second chance at a happily ever after.