The Answer Is . . .: Reflections on My Life

18% of people diagnosed with Stage IV Pancreatic Cancer live one year. Our Alex Trebek hit that mark last month. I say our AlexTrebek, because he is one of the most admired and respected of men. How many of us sit patiently night after night at 7pm, my time, anyway, and play Jeopardy right along with everyone else. When we guess the answer correctly. we cheer, big shoutout for us! Last night, we saw Alex in the first episode of Jeopardy, black hair, funny shirts, but oh, so wonderful. This is the Alex we remember. In this book, Alex answers questions we want to know. Each chapter starts as a question on Jeopardy. What is a Hobart? What is How Green Is My Valley? What is A Time For Tony?, What is The Fans?, Why did he continue his role on Jeopardy even though he felt miserable? What does he really think of the two players who made the most money, Ken Jennings and James Holzhauer. What are his thoughts on his wife, Jean, his children, and how he faces each day, particularly after his diagnosis of cancer? We have a glimpse into his life and his thinking process. He tells us things are tougher now. There are days when he isn’t sure he wants to go on, but he picks himself up and does his Jeopardy show, and for that period of time he can he fine. Alex is to me that wonderful person I met who brings some humor and fun and intelligence into my life once a day at 7pm. He is dependable and a lifeline during this pandemic. He is a symbol of something ‘normal’ in my life in these uncertain times. He has had a good life, and he writes like he talks, sure of himself, not wanting to be a burden, wanting to move on. He has had days of depression, but he moves along one step at a time, and so do we. His favorite spot at home is the swing. Keep swinging, Alex. Recommended. prisrob 07-21-2020

Bittersweet to read Trebek's memories and philosophy written when he knew his life was coming to an end. Some of the " chapters " were a paragraph long, others extended to a page and a half. Interestingly, there were some very profound thoughts and some themes that provided food for thought for the reader. What is courage? Does divorce always have to mean anger and recriminations? Is it enough to be really talented and good at what you do to succeed? He answers the question he found himself confronted with after he revealed his diagnosis--how did he want to be remembered? I'll leave it to other readers to hear it directly from him in his own words. As for me, his wish has been fulfilled.

Who doesn’t think they already know Alex Trebek? If you have watched Jeopardy over the years. you have seen his hair turn gray, then silver. You have seen him with his trademark mustache and without. You have seen him both validate and correct hundreds of contestants on this longest-running game show. So yes, you know Alex Trebek, but until he revealed his cancer diagnosis, most fans never looked beyond the outward appearance of the man that has been invited into our living rooms for 36 years. Now at age 80, he has decided to invite us into his living room, and I feel fortunate to have been given the chance. The memoir is told in an informal style, part chronological, part anecdotal. We learn that the childhood setting of this suave gentleman was a far cry from his current home in Los Angeles. Trebek was born in Canada and still shows great pride in his birthplace. He was the son of Ukrainian immigrants and although relations with his parents were at one time strained, he ultimately made peace with them. Despite the author’s fatal diagnosis, the book is uplifting. Alex Trebek is a man of many interests, great enthusiasm and reservoirs of love and gratitude. Reading his story is a lesson in how to make the most of your life. He will be greatly missed by all who have known him, even if only on TV.

For someone who doesn't watch the show Jeopardy and doesn't know much about Alex Trebek, I enjoyed reading this memoir. I finished reading this memoir in less than a week because of the short chapters. The memoir was packed with beautiful pictures capturing Alex's great moments from childhood to his last days. Even though the chapters were short, Alex succinctly shared important life lessons such as the importance of punctuality, encouragement, goals, problem solving, and more via his gifted storytelling ability. One of my favorite chapters was called "A Conscious" and Alex shared his views on modern politics which I deeply appreciate. Without being too political, Alex shared his thoughts on the root cause of today's problem in business and politics. I appreciated this because Alex used his clout and platform to send important wakeup messages and hopefully our nation or at least the readers will be triggered by this. As an example, he pointed out that "we're (United States) not a prophylactic society and we don't take steps beforehand to protect against problems that may come up", and indeed we're not. For fans of Alex, you read about the little things he enjoyed in life such as movies with father and son relationship, snickers and diet coke as breakfast, and his favorite animal - the Musk Ox; I found these little things comforting to read. I can tell Alex truly loved life and I recommend this book who is looking for a great memoir to read.

I’m not sure what I expected an autobiography of Alex Trebec to be, but whatever that was, the book is not. I think I expected more of a sensational recall of a boy from Sudbury, Canada who went on to great notoriety due to his long-lasting association with the game show Jeopardy. I found that his fans are far more impressed by him than he is/was of himself. Though Trebec was able to mingle with many Hollywood types in his many years in Los Angeles, he never regarded himself as anything special other than becoming a very good announcer and host of the longest-running game show in television. His involvement and giving with the world population of the sick and poor came as a complete surprise to me, I guess because he never clambered for publicity like many other famous types. When you finish this memoir, I think you will be left with a refreshing glimpse into the life of a humble, honest, and grateful man, who did the best he could with his time on this earth, and left it with little fear or regret. A very good read.

I enjoyed the book immensely. It was well written and showed a side of Mr. Trebek that he was more than just a handsome host. He enjoyed his work, researched the subjects and loved communicating with the contestants and the audience. He took on the responsibility of making the show a hit. Details were important. He also shared being a husband and father to his children. Stories of his childhood and earlier in his career. Giving his fans wonderful memories and a legacy. A five star rating. You need to purchase this book.

This was an excellent book on the meaning of life, death, illness, appreciation, and living life to the fullest. To Know Alex is to love him and he was a fixture in my home for over 30 years. Loved reading his thoughts on things in life from marriage, bank accounts, to having kids, the meaning of educating yourself, and how to look at life and be grateful for what you have. This was a light and easy read and I felt that as I was reading this, it was being told to me through Alex. This was a gift to me from my late husband and I am glad I finally finished it. If you have a chance to read, I recommend it!❤️

Everyone’s favorite quiz show host, the late, great Alex Trebek, finally gave in and wrote a book about his life and career before succumbing to stage IV prostate cancer late last year. I thoroughly enjoyed reading his book, which I can describe in three words, alliteratively: candid, colorful, and cussing. And plenty of it. Though he wrote it after his cancer diagnosis, there’s little to no self-pity or woe-is-me to be found. He notes in the introduction that he didn’t set out to write a memoir, and though it technically is a memoir, I didn’t get the same vibe from it that a traditional memoir would typically give off. It was simply a fun read written by someone who was a lot more down to earth and easy going than I would’ve guessed, even after having watched him host mine and my dad’s favorite quiz show for 30 years. It’s the kind of book I think I’d write about myself (that is, if I had enough interesting life stories to write a book about myself), with everything presented in small tidbits, in a very conversational, almost random style. Easily readable within a couple of days, though I forcibly took my time in order to enjoy it a little longer.

Alex Trebek’s autobiography is the antithesis of the usual star write-up. He isn’t Mariah Carey so don’t go into it expecting lots of dirt or shade against other stars. Instead, Alex is a perfectly decent individual who reckons his life has been blessed - and that is what makes “The Answer Is” such a tonic. A man who has values, is humble, loves his family - and has some insightful things to say about his cancer prognosis. Yes, you will cry (I was in tears at the end) but it will also lift your spirits. How many other books can you say that about in 2020. A must-read.

You feel like you are having a conversation with Alex when reading this book. He shares the good times and the not so good times. Wonderful read. Would highly recommend it.

This is probably one of my favourite books. I don't read novels a lot but this one I read pretty much within a day. His life is just so awesome and the way he tells it with humour sarcasm, and -gasps- swearing, is the only type of writing style I can see working in an auto biography. I grew up watching jeopardy! With my parents in southern Ontario, and I included him on a project I did in grade one on Canada. It's hard knowing I may not get to see him everyday on my tv screen some day soon, but I can see myself turning to this book to get a laugh, and find comfort in times of hardship. The book itself is great quality. Softcover, thick pages etc. And has so many amazing pictures throughout Alex's life. If you like funny amazing autobiographies, or want to show love and support to a man who effected your life, I highly recommend this book for you!

Alex Trebek started hosting quiz and game shows for the CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) in Toronto in 1963. In 1973 he moved to Los Angeles, where he hosted a number of game and quiz shows, lasting a few months to a few years. In 1984 he became the host of Jeopardy! And has done so for 37 years, seeing himself not as a star but a person who makes the contestants comfortable and them to perform at their best. In “ The Answer Is...” Trebek reflects on his youth in Sudbury, Ontario, and his relationships with his parents, his ongoing relationship with his alma mater the University of Ottawa, his Canadian and American television careers, his involvement with World Vision and other charities and the impact they have had on his life. Throughout the retelling of his life story he presents his personal philosophy, his dismay with today’s politicians, the importance of education, the impact of COVID-19 on his family life and the United States. On March 6, 2019 he announced on Jeopardy! his cancer diagnosis and gradually we learn of the degree of pin he suffers. He hasn’t let it stop him from hosting but that is all he is able to do. This effort matches his views on the role of a host and his interactions with the contestants. He recently told his family that he was going to finish his current round of treatment and then look to a hospice for his final care. Trebek is not upfront and open as many personalities are in their autobiographies, he selects what he wants the reader to know and how it helped shape his personal philosophy. It is a gentle read, to be read thoughtfully. This allows you to appreciate his philosophical gems. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I loved reading this book and getting to know the man better. This is not an autobiography per se, telling a life story from start to finish. It’s story telling that feels as if you’re sitting with him, perhaps having a drink. A series of self-contained tales within a page or two, short stories recounting the events and incidents that influenced his life personally and professionally, real incite into Alex Trebek the person.