Wednesday, May 13, 2020

Over the Counter #450

What book caught my eye this week? (Not over the counter and under the scanner though!) An icon....

The Answer Is . . .Reflections on My Life by Alex Trebek.

From Simon and Schuster:

"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 Trebek’s 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 Ferrell’s 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."

(Over the Counter is a regular feature at A Bookworm's World. I've sadly come the realization that I cannot physically read every book that catches my interest as it crosses over the counter at the library. But...I can mention them and maybe one of them will catch your eye as well. See if your local library has them on their shelves!)

6 comments:

Ethan said...

This one would be very interesting. I'm sure he has a lot to reflect on over the course of his career. Especially with the health battle he has been in.

Luanne said...

He's a class act all round. I hope he's won the battle...

Patti V said...

I’m sure this is a great book!

Luanne said...

It doesn't come out until July Patti - maybe your library will order the e-audio book and you could listen to it? I am listening to so many more audiobooks nowadays.

Patti V said...

I feel the audiobooks are in my future!

Luanne said...

They account for at least half of my 'reading' now.