If you are fairly new to genealogy you may be enticed to purchase one of the many books promoted across the internet, in email, and in junk 'snail' mail. Please BEwArE! No, I haven't bought any of the books on my family, but my mom (she wanted to help) bought a "Brooks Family" book for me as a gift. Although it contains some very general info on the Brooks name (how much of which is true I can't say)the book is primarily a phone/address book of all Brooks families / persons in the US.

While this might assist in some way, especially if you have a VERY unique name (although those aren't usually offered) I would advise you to beware. At over $50, these books are a total waste of money for the serious researcher. (You can send a lot of document requests with return postage that would better serve your needs).

I hope this helps someone avoid being taken in, after all, we all want to know our roots, and making GOOD connections is vital.

Good Luck
Barbara