Why Not? Because I Said So Book Reviews and Author Interviews. : The Milkman’s Son: A Memoir of Family History, a DNA Mystery, and a Story of Paternal Love by Randy Lindsay: Book Review

Monday, March 9, 2020

The Milkman’s Son: A Memoir of Family History, a DNA Mystery, and a Story of Paternal Love by Randy Lindsay: Book Review

Product Details

Title: The Milkman’s Son: A Memoir of Family History, a DNA Mystery, and a Story of Paternal Love
Author: Randy Lindsay
Hardcover: 336 pages
Publisher: Shadow Mountain (March 3, 2020)
Genre: Memoirs
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1629727385
***I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own***

Book Summary
Raised in a family he bore little resemblance to, Randy was jokingly referred to as "the milkman’s son." This warm and candid memoir chronicles the unraveling of a family secret, which begins with Randy’s dad having dreams about deceased relatives urging him to complete their family tree. Randy agrees to help with the genealogy, but after his searching leads to a dead end, he takes a commercially available DNA test. The results reveal a possible genetic match to a sister, which begins a familial quest that forever changes the author’s life.

Featuring a cast of vivid characters, richly drawn from two distinct families, The Milkman’s Son reveals one man’s family tree, pulling back layers of new information as he gets closer to the truth—a biological father, siblings, and family members he never knew about.

This is a story of accepting, forgiving, reuniting, and, most importantly, it’s about the bonds that connect us and the unconditional love that makes us feel like we belong.

My Review
I was very excited to read this book, but I never realized how deeply Randy Lindsay's experience would affect me and draw me into his story. This book is packed full of emotions that the reader feels right along with the author. The thought of finding out your father is not your biological father was nothing short but life-changing for the author. His personal story is delivered in a humorous but also very loving way. There were many moments when you realized how one little thing, such as a DNA test, could change so many lives. I also felt with certainty God's hand in bringing Randy to both of his families.

The Milkman's Son was so compelling that I had a terrible time putting it down so I could sleep. I felt the urgency as Randy's story unfolded and wanting to see him find his ancestors from the Lindsay side and his birth family. I also thoroughly enjoyed the great meet up when he met his New Jersey family. I wish I could spend time with them! What wonderful people to show such love and acceptance. I also felt love for his Arizona family for their continued love, support, and acceptance towards Randy.

I also have a DNA story to share, but mine hasn't progressed like the author's story. I was adopted and I've known that all of my life. I did my DNA test to find out how "Italian" I was because I already knew my birth mother was but knew nothing about my birth father. It was with great surprise to know that I'm 95% Italian(Sicilian), so now I know that both of my birth parents were Italian. My shock came when a match came through saying a certain man and I were identified as "Parent & Child". I have reached out to him but have heard nothing back. Many people are my 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc. cousins but I've only heard back from one. This has made me a little sad, but I know that not everyone's story turns out like Randy's miraculous story. I love my family that raised me and I grew up with. Still, I'm not giving up hope of finding out more about this Italian side of me.

I'm hoping that The Milkman's Son will get others interested in their family history and searching out unknown or lost family members. As from Randy's experience, you can see the great joy that comes to families when all works out and lives become fuller having found each other. I loved this book and it is getting a 5-star rating from me.

Meet Author Randy Lindsay

RANDY LINDSAY is a world traveler. Which sounds impressive until you realize the worlds he visits exist only in his mind and on the pages of his novels. He claims to prefer this method of sightseeing because he can stop at any time, go to the kitchen, and indulge his ice cream addiction. When he isn't busy making things up he likes going to movies with his wife to watch what other people have made up and plays board games with his children who are in the habit of making up the rules as they go along.

WWW.RanTheStoryMan.com

If you want to learn more about this book, Randy's book signings, and more about the author, click on this link go to his Facebook page:

"The Milkman's Son"