After a contestant wrote “We love you, Alex ” as his Final Jeopardy answer, fans around the world quickly chimed in to proclaim their own love and support for beloved Jeopardy host Alex Trebek. In the wake of his devastating cancer diagnosis, the moment provided the perfect opportunity to reflect on what the show–and the man–meant to them. Millions of devoted viewers have long considered Alex … viewers have long considered Alex Trebek to be a part of their daily lives ever since he began hosting the show in 1984. Now, bestselling biographer Lisa Rogak gives readers a look at Trebek’s early life, his career, and his personal life throughout the years, drawing on many sources to tell his full story for the first time.
There are many surprises, like the fact that Trebek was almost 50 when he discovered that he had a half brother, as well as the revelation that for a short time he actually dreamed of becoming a priest. The native Canadian also struggled with depression after the failure of his first marriage, and for years afterward he despaired of ever having a family of his own, until he met the woman who would become his soulmate.
Who Is Alex Trebek? is the first biography of the much-loved game show host, and as such, celebrates the man who has created a remarkable legacy that will live on in popular culture for generations to come.more
When I was half the way into this book, I was hoping it would end soon. Once I start a book, I commit to finish it.
I usually read fiction, but have watched Jeopardy for so many years and was interested in what Alex would write about his life. I was disappointed that this book is someone writing about his life, with an occasional quote from Alex. I suppose I could have looked into that fact prior to reading, but I did not.
I believe that Alex has lived an amazing life, and I certainly do not want my review to be viewed as a rating on his life at all. I just did not care for the writer’s style, or the impressions I had from reading this book. If I write about my thoughts while reading this book, it would come off very negative, so I will not go further into my opinion.
I think I would have enjoyed this book so much more if Alex himself had written it, instead of feeling as if I read a narration of his life (without much emotion but many opinions).
I want to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for allowing me to read the Advanced Reader Copy. My review is my own opinion not influenced by receiving the ARC.
Jeopardy has always been my favorite game show. Actually, it’s the only one I watch. I watched it even before Alex Trebek was the host but I like it so much more after he came on board. I’ve always thought well of him, even thought he was a little sexy. He just seemed like such a nice guy. After reading this biography, he really ‘is’ a nice guy.
Well written and not bogged down with boring and unnecessary details, it held my attention and interest throughout. It gave me understanding about someone I’d admired for decades. And it was so exciting to read about the behind the scenes at Jeopardy. I know I just felt so bad when Alex was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer a while back and to see how he has pushed through this and still keep going with a great attitude speaks volumes about him. Well done!
*My thanks to St. Martin’s Press for a copy of this book. The review is my own opinion.
I requested an ARC of this book, and all opinions are my own.
I have always been a huge fan of Jeopardy!, and even fancied myself a little bit in love with Alex Trebek growing up. That is why I knew I had to read this book as soon as I saw it on the list of available titles.
Having been a huge fan-girl for most of my life, I knew a good deal of what was in the book, but what I found most fascinating was the glimpses of the man behind the podium, so to speak. The man who can’t fit a car in his garage because of all the tools & equipment; the man who came late to love, but took full advantage when it finally came his way. These are the shades of Alex that I am thrilled to have met.
And I am not going to lie – learning more about how the Jeopardy! clues are created was really interesting.
Overall, it was more of an overview rather than an in-depth dive into the life of Alex Trebek, but it was a great read nonetheless.
I was going to go with 4.5 stars so I waited a day to write my review.
Now its a solid 5.
The life story of Alex Trebek is one of determination, hard work, success (with a little bit of luck), he is also Canadian and has dual citizenship . ( I too am Canadian and loved hearing about his early life in Canada)
Alex certainly did not get things handed to him , he worked for everything he has earned.
I must admit meeting his wife Jean was the luckiest day of his life.
You learn how Alex never stops giving back.
His fight with cancer is a well known one. My son has fought cancer for 12 years so I know how strong he and his family must be. To do so publicly must be twice as hard.
Alex Trebek will at some point leave behind a wonderful legacy, that most important part being his family.
I hated the book to end.
Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press , Thomas Dunne Books , for allowing me to spend a day in the world of Alex Trebek.