The Answer Is . . . (Unabridged)
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4.2 • 178 Ratings
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- $14.99
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- $14.99
Publisher Description
Longtime Jeopardy! host and television icon Alex Trebek reflects on his life and career.
When he debuted as the host of Jeopardy! in 1984, Alex Trebek became something like a family member to millions of television viewers, bringing entertainment and education into their homes five nights a week. In 2019, he made the stunning announcement that he had been diagnosed with Stage IV 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 more than 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.
The book combines illuminating personal anecdotes with Trebek’s thoughts on a range of topics, including marriage, parenthood, education, success, spirituality, and philanthropy. Trebek also addresses the questions 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 Ferrell’s Saturday Night Live impersonation. The book uses a novel structure inspired by Jeopardy! and features dozens of never-before-seen photos that candidly capture Trebek over the years.
This wise, charming, and inspiring book is further evidence of why Trebek has long been considered one of the most beloved and respected figures in entertainment.
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
For 36 years, millions of Americans welcomed Alex Trebek into their homes every night. Turns out, there was a lot we didn’t know about the late Jeopardy! host. He loved horses. He was obsessively punctual. And he was seriously into swearing! Trebek wrote The Answer Is… after he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and he fills his earnest, plainspoken memoir with memorable anecdotes about his life and career. Trebek is a delightful storyteller, whether he’s reflecting on his three-day stint in military college or the time he spent five agonizing minutes conversing with Queen Elizabeth II. In each bite-size chapter, Trebek imparts nuggets of wisdom…like his recommendation that we all crack open a philosophy book now and then. Trebek’s deeply sincere introduction gave us a lump in our throat, while narrator Ken Jennings—a long-running Jeopardy! champ and close friend of the host—pays tribute to Trebek’s cadence and sense of humor. The Answer Is... overflows with warmth and gratitude—and a life well lived.
Customer Reviews
What is the perfect Audio Book?
The Answer is... THIS ONE
Yes everything about it is perfect. I’ve read the book myself already but getting to listen to Alex and Ken Jennings in my earbuds tell the story, brought tears to my eyes and warm feeling in my heart.
Knowing I can always laugh at how funny and down to earth he was.
I never got to see a live taping but he does say he doesn’t get to know the contestants anyway... so having this Audio Book, I feel I’m getting to know the real him and that’s non-regrettable.
Recommend 100% for any age, lover or non lover of Jeopardy!
More Ken than Alex
To start this review, I must say that I’m a huge fan of Jeopardy and Alex Trebek. Trebek was the voice of my childhood and early adulthood. When I saw that Trebek wrote and released an autobiography, I had to buy it. I first bought the E-book for my iPad. Later on, I got to listen to the audiobook of Alex Trebek’s autobiography.
While I totally understand the health issues that Trebek had went through had caused him to decide to enlist the help of Ken Jennings to read parts of the book, it turns out that Jennings reads through most of the book minus about three chapters. I really wanted to hear Alex Trebek tell me about his childhood, life in Canada, and his early broadcasting career. It’s weird hearing Jennings say “my mom and dad” for example and have it be about someone else’s parents.
Long story short, don’t get this audiobook expecting to hear Alex Trebek tell you about his life. I suggest getting the E-book or a physical book, and imagine Alex Trebek reading the words as you read his book.
Love this!
Having Alex’s voice to listen to makes this that much more beautiful!