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serenyty's review against another edition
4.0
Aggressively sobbing at this one. It’s not exactly the most eloquent book, nor is it a comprehensive biography. It really more than anything feels like the book that Alex wanted to write, getting out his memories and his thoughts before his passing. I don’t know if this is a book for folks who aren’t into Jeopardy and people who watched Alex Trebek every day, but for those of us who are it’s so nice to read Alex say what he wanted to say,
belwood303's review against another edition
4.0
I love biographies and this is an excellent example of how relatable and enjoyable it can be to read one. I didn't know so many of these things about Trebek and it was fun to learn about his life and his philosophy on life, just a fun read.
chinerman1024's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.0
carakupferman's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
tazladyok's review against another edition
4.0
This book was an interesting read. A look into the life of a man that many have watched host Jeopardy.
tidoublegarrr's review against another edition
4.0
Love watching Jeopardy and so sad that we lost Alex Trebek this year. He was such a private person so it was interesting to learn more about his background. The chapters are extremely short but like that he framed it as potpourri (and clearly he was writing while very ill). He was a humble guy for the amount of recognition he held.
jaminup's review against another edition
3.0
I had a very hard time only giving this book 3 stars, because I grew up adoring Alex Trebek, and I understand that when he finally wrote this, he was deep into his cancer diagnosis and treatment and was (as he admits himself) of diminished mental faculties. So I didn't want to give it only an ok rating and feel like I was somehow dissing one of my idols just after he died. The book is a little bit jumpy and disorganized and doesn't really flow and tell a story like most autobiographies.
But the truth is the quality of the book's writing doesn't diminish from how much I did enjoy hearing Alex's views on life. I just wish this book had been written a few years earlier so we could have gotten a more developed version of it. I will always love Alex Trebek, and if you are a fan of Jeopardy! I still recommend you read this book.
But the truth is the quality of the book's writing doesn't diminish from how much I did enjoy hearing Alex's views on life. I just wish this book had been written a few years earlier so we could have gotten a more developed version of it. I will always love Alex Trebek, and if you are a fan of Jeopardy! I still recommend you read this book.
branch_c's review against another edition
3.0
In the introduction, Alex Trebek makes it clear that he’s not a writer, has no interest in talking about himself, and had turned down multiple suggestions to write or agree to an autobiography over the years. That might give you an idea of what to expect from this book, and while I was prepared to be pleasantly surprised, for the most part the prediction is accurate.
Trebek is clearly a good guy, demonstrating and practicing empathy, philanthropy, and humility throughout his story. But to say that the writing is bland is an understatement. To be fair, he wrote this after his cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy treatments, so he was undoubtedly not at his best.
It’s a quick read, with each short chapter being a brief anecdote from Trebek’s life, or an interesting aspect of Jeopardy, or a focus on a particular contestant, all told in a mostly matter-of-fact way, with occasional attempts at dry humor.
I certainly did learn some things, and Jeopardy fans will likely find plenty of interest in the behind the scenes commentary about the show. Trebek also manages to convey a decent philosophy of life that served him well. So while the writing is largely lacking in style or elegance, I’m glad to have read it.
Trebek is clearly a good guy, demonstrating and practicing empathy, philanthropy, and humility throughout his story. But to say that the writing is bland is an understatement. To be fair, he wrote this after his cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy treatments, so he was undoubtedly not at his best.
It’s a quick read, with each short chapter being a brief anecdote from Trebek’s life, or an interesting aspect of Jeopardy, or a focus on a particular contestant, all told in a mostly matter-of-fact way, with occasional attempts at dry humor.
I certainly did learn some things, and Jeopardy fans will likely find plenty of interest in the behind the scenes commentary about the show. Trebek also manages to convey a decent philosophy of life that served him well. So while the writing is largely lacking in style or elegance, I’m glad to have read it.