chrelaine's review against another edition
5.0
Easy to read. A little melancholy when you realize he is gone now. Just a great behind the scenes story about his life and career. I thoroughly enjoyed this memoir and finished it in 2 days. Anyone that is a fan of Jeopardy will enjoy learning how it came to be such a success from Alex's point of view.
jcpdiesel21's review against another edition
4.0
As far as celebrity memoirs go, this is not one of the very best that I've read or particularly revelatory, but it should be quite enjoyable for fans of Trebek. I've been watching Jeopardy! for as long as I can remember, and while I dismissed Trebek for coming across as a know-it-all when I was younger, I've grown to appreciate his incredible talent as a game show host over the years and have come to realize that he is a truly wonderful person inside and out upon finishing this book. The chapters are cleverly titled like the questions and answers featured on the show, and the audiobook was a real treat since it features narration by both Trebek and 74-day Jeopardy! champion Ken Jennings.
kstring's review against another edition
4.0
If you're going to read this, I recommend listening to the audiobook: Alex reads parts of it, and Ken Jennings chimes in for a part as well! The audiobook also adds some additional commentary.
I loved the format of this book! VERY short chapters full of little snippits of memories rather than a comprehensive birth-to-death biography. If I write a book one day, I want it to be in a similar format.
I loved the format of this book! VERY short chapters full of little snippits of memories rather than a comprehensive birth-to-death biography. If I write a book one day, I want it to be in a similar format.
jmullenbach's review against another edition
3.0
Trebek is so wholesome and refreshingly straightforward as a person and his book just confirms that in a very simple and enjoyable package with tons of short chapters and lots of pictures. It is kind of funny how there’s like no organization beyond some chronological ordering of the first chapters. And his choice of anecdotes is pretty enjoyably absurd sometimes. Fun read.
karimorton33's review against another edition
4.0
I loved learning more about Alex Trebek! This was a funny and serious book, and the end got me emotional. Perhaps timely that I finished it on the day when the last new Jeopardy episode with him as host aired.
It would have been great to have him read the whole thing, but I understand why that couldn't happen, and Ken Jennings was probably the second best person to have do it.
It would have been great to have him read the whole thing, but I understand why that couldn't happen, and Ken Jennings was probably the second best person to have do it.
pghreader's review against another edition
5.0
I listened to the audio version of this book and thoroughly enjoyed both Alex and Ken Jennings. What an interesting and wholesome life Alex Trebek lived.
I particularly enjoyed hearing about his family and their dynamics.
I particularly enjoyed hearing about his family and their dynamics.
rachel526's review against another edition
3.0
Getting to know the Alex Trebek I knew and loved was absolutely wonderful. He is not a writer, and the book itself is more like short stories about his entire life, but I think it provided him - and his fans - with much needed closure.
quinetta's review against another edition
4.0
Short and sweet. This was different than some other autobiographies but he was upfront and honest that this would be about snippets of various parts of his life. Overall, enjoyable read.
jmbrown99's review against another edition
2.0
If you loved the wit and playfulness that Alex Trebek brought to Jeopardy!, you will not find this memoir fulfilling or meaningful. It lacks substance. Instead of offering a glimpse behind the stoic façade of quiz show lore and SNL legend, this is a collection of “If I do ever write a book, I can’t leave out my bit about Frank Sinatra.” This book is not exciting, revealing, or deep.
Even the parts that shoot for depth end up sounding less than relatable. One of these misguided attempts is when Trebek talks about his WorldVision donations, which spirals into a caveat about donating to any/all charities. Or then saying, “My financial planner told me to start my own foundation, so I did.” Without any substantive reasoning - other than looking for a way around taxes, Trebek creates a foundation. No details about the foundation, who it supports, or what causes it champions.
When it’s clunky, it is super choppy and thoughts aren’t ever tidily wrapped up. I think Alex Trebek was a noteworthy individual, who should be celebrated for his contributions to television.
But also, you can do that without reading this book. I suggest that: do not read this.
Even the parts that shoot for depth end up sounding less than relatable. One of these misguided attempts is when Trebek talks about his WorldVision donations, which spirals into a caveat about donating to any/all charities. Or then saying, “My financial planner told me to start my own foundation, so I did.” Without any substantive reasoning - other than looking for a way around taxes, Trebek creates a foundation. No details about the foundation, who it supports, or what causes it champions.
When it’s clunky, it is super choppy and thoughts aren’t ever tidily wrapped up. I think Alex Trebek was a noteworthy individual, who should be celebrated for his contributions to television.
But also, you can do that without reading this book. I suggest that: do not read this.
karmen12's review against another edition
4.0
Listened as an audiobook. It was wonderfully told and I am glad I listened.