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The Answer Is . . .
The Answer Is . . .: Reflections on My Life | Alex Trebek
91 posts | 70 read | 38 to read
Longtime Jeopardy! host and television icon Alex Trebek reflects on his life and career. Since debuting as the host of Jeopardy! in 1984, Alex Trebek has been something like a family member to millions of television viewers, bringing entertainment and education into their homes five nights a week. Last year, he made the stunning announcement that he had been diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer. What followed was an incredible outpouring of love and kindness. Social media was flooded with messages of support, and the Jeopardy! studio received boxes of cards and letters offering guidance, encouragement, and prayers. For over three decades, Trebek had resisted countless appeals to write a book about his life. Yet he was moved so much by all the goodwill, he felt compelled to finally share his story. I want people to know a little more about the person they have been cheering on for the past year, he writes in The Answer Is: Reflections on My Life. The book combines illuminating personal anecdotes with Trebeks thoughts on a range of topics, including marriage, parenthood, education, success, spirituality, and philanthropy. Trebek also addresses the questions he gets asked most often by Jeopardy! fans, such as what prompted him to shave his signature mustache, his insights on legendary players like Ken Jennings and James Holzhauer, and his opinion of Will Ferrells Saturday Night Live impersonation. The book uses a novel structure inspired by Jeopardy!, with each chapter title in the form of a question, and features dozens of never-before-seen photos that candidly capture Trebek over the years. This wise, charming, and inspiring book is further evidence why Trebek has long been considered one of the most beloved and respected figures in entertainment.
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ncayea
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Pickpick

This was a quick and pleasant read. Brief descriptions of highlights in his career.

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Rachel.Rencher
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When Alex Trebek died, it honestly felt like losing an old friend. I always hoped that I'd make it on Jeopardy and meet him one day. 😔
I didn't even know he'd published a memoir until I found it at the book sale today. I'm very excited to read more about his life.

EclecticBookLover It's a lovely book, and he was a beautiful human being. It's such a good read. 2y
72 likes3 stack adds1 comment
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TheRiehlDeal
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I was scrolling through my audiobook nonfiction tag on Libby today and noticed that my local library and the New York Public Library are no longer carrying this. Does anyone else‘s library no longer have any copies??

wanderinglynn My libraries still have it. 🤷🏼‍♀️ 2y
Leftcoastzen Weird ,Phoenix public library has audio , ebook , traditional book. 2y
20 likes2 comments
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sdbruening
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Pickpick

Definitely sad to listen to, but it was also quite funny and entertaining. Enlightening on parts of Alex Trebek‘s life and behind the scenes of Jeopardy. He did not tell it like a straight-up autobiography, but a collection of stories that he remembers from his life in chronological order, mostly. Upstanding, impressive, and missed person!

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bookishnerd
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Pickpick

I did this one on audio and liked that. It was like a conversation. I am not sure I would have enjoyed it as much reading it. Jeopardy is just nostalgia. I grew up watching Alex Trebek host and was sad when he passed away. It was nice to hear about what he thought was important to tell as he neared his last days.

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Mollyanna
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My favorite book from January. Alex seemed to be a genuine person just trying to do his best…

#12booksof2021

Andrew65 Good choice. 3y
Mollyanna @Andrew65 Thank you ☺️ 3y
26 likes2 comments
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Addison_Reads
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Mehso-so

#BookSpinBingo @TheAromaofBooks

I love Alex Trebek and I enjoyed reading this, but overall it was just okay. It's a collection of highlights from his life, some funny, some sad, and some just boring.

I did love the photos included though.

TheAromaofBooks Great progress!!! 3y
30 likes1 comment
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KCofKaysville
Mehso-so

OK biography. Just mainly has highlights of his life and game show career. I did not like some of his self-deprecating humor, but I liked his remarks on his his wife and kids and his charitable trips to Africa. He mentions Ken Jennings and other Jeopardy champs. He was reconciled to his fate and appreciated his life.

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KCofKaysville
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I'm starting a biography of Alex Trebek. I'm not a Jeopardy fanatic but I have enjoyed it now and then and miss him.

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Bookwormjillk
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Pickpick

Just a feel good book from a great guy. Loved learning about his love of swearing. For some reason it made me giggle. I thought this might be depressing, but actually found it uplifting.

rabbitprincess He swears with such poise! 😄 3y
CaramelLunacy I will have to get this on audio! Alex and Jeopardy was such a big part of my life 3y
thebookienook I have been thinking about picking this one up! 3y
53 likes1 stack add4 comments
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perfectsinner
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Mehso-so

Pretty good

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ahomelibrary
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Pickpick

I listened to the audio version of this book by Jeopardy host Alex Trebek (RIP) and narrated primarily by contestant Ken Jennings. It was an interesting collection of stories. The ones which have had a lasting impact on me were the short excerpts narrated by Trebek. It was haunting & depressing, but at the same time inspirational and humbling. A great, albeit short, listen. Not all about the show. Read like a end of life convo. #audiobook #memoir

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MonicaLoves2Read
Pickpick

I have always watched Jeopardy since it came back on the air in 1984. First with my grandma, then college friends and now with my husband. Where I live it comes on at 4:30 p.m. and don't expect me to do anything during that 30 minutes 🤗

I enjoyed this memoir by Alex Trebek. The chapters are super short and had my husband not been on vacation this week, I would have finished it quicker. I laughed from time to time and cried from time to time.

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Twainy
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Pickpick

🎧 This was such a touching collection of stories. ❤️

Each chapter is titled, “the answer is __” or “who or what is __” and they range from his childhood, work life, family life, his illness, all the way to 2020‘s Covid-19. They‘re all short and easily digestible.

The narrator is the Jeopardy champion that won 74 games & Alex himself reads the intro & several select chapters.

I loved the book, it reminded me of my grandma. ❤️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

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thebookpimp
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Pickpick

This was one of the best memoirs I've ever read and I enjoyed every minute of it. Alex Trebek was the first celebrity death I'd ever cried over and I mourned again when I finished the book.

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Mollyanna
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Pickpick

First, I just want to say, I love Jeopardy! This is Alex‘s notes on life and they were at times poignant, funny, insightful and inspiring. Alex is not a writer and this book is simply conversational, but it works so well. Alex‘s personality definitely comes through, and I enjoyed spending the time with him.

This satisfies the #Booked2021 author‘s first name (A, B, C)

Cinfhen What a wonderful choice ❤️🎧🙌🏻 4y
Mollyanna @Cinfhen Thanks 😊 4y
27 likes2 comments
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GingerAntics
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I‘ve seen so many wonderful posts about Alex Trebek‘s book, I had to get it. I also now, officially, have Clanlands in every format available. Anything I can do to support this endeavour and encourage a second season (possibly with hour long episodes).
#AlexTrebek #TheAnswerIs #SamHeughan #GrahamMcTavish #Clanlands #MenInKilts

rabbitprincess Yay Alex Trebek! Also, I got Clanlands from the library and am looking forward to it! 4y
GingerAntics @rabbitprincess if they have the audiobook, that‘s the best!!! Sam and Graham do it together, and it‘s just a hoot. I laughed so much, sometimes until I cried. 4y
15 likes2 comments
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AvidReader25
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Pickpick

This is a must read for anyone who loves Jeopardy. Trebek shares anecdotes from his life and career along with advice and reflections on his dire cancer diagnosis. It‘s told with his trademark dry sense of humor and this narrated both by him and by Ken Jennings. It was the perfect short read during a remote weekend get away. Very entertaining and interesting if you‘re already a fan. He seems like such a down-to-earth individual, despite his fame.

Come-read-with-me Gorgeous 😍 4y
27 likes1 comment
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DieAReader
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Pickpick

#FabulousFebruary

This one was great for a full week of #audiocleaning 🧺 Book 2 of the Readathon. I‘m hoping to sneak one more in before the end of it🤞🏻📖

smalldogs_bigbooks2419 I borrowed this from the library shortly before he passed away, but I never got around to reading it before it was due again. Might need to try again. 4y
DieAReader @BookBudget19 It will be worth the read/listen when you get to it😉 4y
Andrew65 Well done 👏👏👏 4y
DieAReader @Andrew65 ☺️Thanks 4y
CoverToCoverGirl Such an elegant man. I need to read this one. 4y
36 likes5 comments
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CoffeeNBooks
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Pickpick

I absolutely loved this book! Thanks again, Amber, for the wonderful birthday present!
@AmberWB

AmberWB I‘m so glad you liked it!! 4y
97 likes1 stack add1 comment
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CoffeeNBooks
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Today's lunchtime reading. I'm absolutely loving this book so far! I can hear Alex's voice as I read it.

LeslieO I miss Alex. But I really think Ken Jennings is doing a great job. I hope he gets the gig permanently after the celeb guest host. 4y
CoffeeNBooks @LeslieO I think Ken is doing a great job, too! 4y
92 likes2 stack adds2 comments
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CoffeeNBooks
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Thank you so much, Amber! I started watching Jeopardy with my parents when I was in middle school, so I've been watching it, and listening to Alex Trebek read clues, for a very long time. I love that Ken Jennings thanks Alex at the end of each show now. I'm looking forward to reading this! Thank you so much for thinking of me on our birthday! 😀
@AmberWB

MicheleinPhilly I was so skeptical about Ken at first but I‘ve really come around to him. Still haven‘t managed to read this OR watch Alex‘s last week of shows yet. 😢 4y
Bakingbookworm I loved this book! I haven‘t watched Ken host but he did a good job narrating this audiobook (with a few chapters read by Alex himself). He was a proud Canadian and he is missed. 4y
GingerAntics 😢😢😢 I still can‘t imagine jeopardy without Alex. I want to read this book now, though. 4y
81 likes3 stack adds3 comments
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jmtrivera
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Pickpick

Trebek repeatedly says he doesn't see himself as the star of Jeopardy. But what makes him a good host also makes these stories so interesting. They give a picture of a good, intelligent, & witty man - a gentleman in the classic sense of the word. He is curious, eager to make a difference, devoted to his work & his family. I read the whole thing hearing his iconic voice in my head & I wouldn't mind having a copy to revisit favorite stories.

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actualdisneyprincess
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Pickpick

I am just a puddle of feelings. What a delightful, bittersweet read. 😭🥺💖 #theansweris #alextrebek #jeopardy #memoir #legend #legacy #gameshowhost #quizshow #pancreaticcancer #cancersucks

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actualdisneyprincess
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Yup. (Honestly, y‘all, this is the best and I‘m not going to sleep until I finish it.) 🥺💖😭 #theansweris #alextrebek #jeopardy #legend #legacy #gameshowhost #pancreaticcancer #cancersucks #memoir #partofthefamily #nightlyritual #gameshow #quizshow #trivia #restinpeace

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actualdisneyprincess
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I am just so charmed and so sad but also so grateful that we were lucky enough to have Alex. 🥺💖 I got to be in the audience for a taping of the College Championship about a decade ago, and it was easily one of the coolest experiences ever. #theansweris #alextrebek #jeopardy #legend #legacy #gameshowhost #pancreaticcancer #cancersucks

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actualdisneyprincess
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I‘m sad already. 😭 (Alex‘s last episode, and the post-show tribute, DESTROYED me.) Like so many others, I grew up watching Jeopardy, and playing along every night at 7pm with my parents and my grandpa, so Alex‘s passing was kind of like losing a member of the family. Rest easy, Mr. Trebek, and thank you for making the world a little bit smarter. 💖 #theansweris #alextrebek #legend #legacy #jeopardy #gameshowhost #pancreaticcancer #cancersucks

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cswaingiggles
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Mehso-so

Love it based on what it is but it isn‘t my favorite memoir ever. But given when he wrote this it‘s excellent.

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MeganMarieWrites
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Pickpick

Laughed. Cried. Cried some more. Alex had a way of spinning a story, and these stories offer insight and an intimate look into the life of America‘s favorite uncle. He will be truly missed.

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gcalabash
Panpan

A wonderful man with a less than mediocre book to describe a life that I‘m sure was more colorful than this reading.

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jmtrivera
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My game has been off in every way this week due to family health issues. But we're going home today, so I finally feel able to sit down and enjoy this more fully.

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jmtrivera
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@TheAromaofBooks I'm giving #BookSpin a try for January! Here's my list!

TheAromaofBooks Yay!! Glad to have you along!!! 4y
22 likes1 comment
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IamIamIam
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Pickpick

A wonderful glimpse into the man who spent many a night having dinner with our family, encouraging us to learn and be curious and who made it cool to be smart! Jumping on #Booked2021 with this for #Winter #ABCAuthors. @Cinfhen @BarbaraTheBibliophage @4thhouseontheleft

Cinfhen I definitely want to read this one ♥️ 4y
IamIamIam @Cinfhen I started it over the summer before he passed away and then I just couldn't go back to it. Thanks for giving me a reason to push forward! It was great and he really was a special human being!!! ❤ 4y
BarbaraTheBibliophage I‘m looking forward to your review. We loved Jeopardy and watched regularly for many years! Now we sometimes play on Alexa. 🙂 4y
See All 6 Comments
IamIamIam @BarbaraTheBibliophage Absolutely check this out! This is more of a collection of anecdotes about his life, career and family so there's not a ton of information to put in a review other than he really was just an incredible person with a wonderful work ethic and sense of unending positivity!! 4y
BarbaraTheBibliophage @IamIamIam I just found it on Scribd! 4y
IamIamIam @BarbaraTheBibliophage I can't wait to see what you think! 4y
33 likes6 comments
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IamIamIam
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Thought my reading year was over until I was surprised with a kidless day! A sleepover at Nanny & Pop Pop's and a book for Mom! I was going to get a jump on #Booked2021 because January is full of birthdays and I've got 2 meaty books staked out. Using this for #ABCAuthors, how cool is the question board for Jeopardy!? It still hurts reading this, though, and thinking how much I miss Alex Trebek!

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rabbitprincess
Pickpick

I am so grateful that Alex Trebek finally wrote his memoir. He was unable to read the whole audiobook himself, but Ken Jennings (former Jeopardy! champ) capably reads the bulk of it. Alex reads the most personal bits and breaks my heart 😭😭😭 Highly recommended.

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abookishbutterfly
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Pickpick

If you‘re looking for eloquent writing and natural flow, run away from this immediately! But if you just want to spend a little time getting to know who Trebek was beyond Jeopardy and you don‘t mind the choppiness, you‘re sure to enjoy this special last look at his life.

britt_brooke 😂 You‘re right about the style. 4y
48 likes2 comments
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NicoleCeBallos
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Pickpick

Alex Trebek was a really good person. I'm going to miss seeing him on Jeopardy!

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Monyca
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Listening to Alex Trebek and Ken Jennings while working on my Christmas cards! 🎄💌

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MatchlessMarie
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Pickpick

Finished this audio last night. I‘m glad he got a chance to tell his story even if it was something he didn‘t particularly want to do for a long time. Very down to earth and heartwarming memoir. #BookSpinBingo

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 4y
45 likes1 comment
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Nitpickyabouttrains
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Pickpick

Trebek wrote this when he already knew he was sick. He tells a good story, covers everything you want him to.

jmtrivera This one is on my TBR. I'm going to miss him. 4y
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MatchlessMarie
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rabbitprincess This was my favourite bit on audio 😂😂 4y
34 likes1 comment
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JenReadsAlot
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Pickpick
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 4y
27 likes1 stack add1 comment
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abookishbutterfly
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Plus my ebook and audiobook #decembertbr possibilities.

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LitLoverClare
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Pickpick

What is...the best biography I‘ve read all year! The late and legendary Alex Trebek‘s biography is like no other biography I‘ve read before. He was truly the most kind, humble, and selfless celebrity. His biography focuses on lessons he‘s learned, family, the charity work he‘s contributed to, his career on Jeopardy, and the contestants who have touched him on the show. I wish more people strived to be as humble and as kind as Trebek was! #jeopardy