I enjoyed this biography of Trebek which came out on the same day as his official one! Belt and braces stuff and a thorough assessment of his life, putting in many of the details he left out from his memoir.

What a trip. I thought I knew who Alex was but wow. His life was crazy. And it is so crazy to see how much he has accomplished and looking back on his life. Highly recommend. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

It's hard to review biographies and autobiographies because I feel like I'm judging the subject's life. My disappointment in the book isn't from Alex's life, but rather in the chosen style. Written in third person, the book felt more like an interview than an autobiography. Alex is an eloquent and articulate speaker and I was hoping for his voice on the page. More "I thought" over "said Alex".

I watch Jeopardy with my family every single day and Alex Trebek is a beloved figure in my home. I was really excited to get to know him a little better by reading this book by Lisa Rogak. The book is written with compassion and there are plenty of things that I didn't know before. I recommend this book highly.

I've watched Jeopardy since I was a kid with host Art Fleming and continued to watch as Alex Trebek took the helm and am still watching. I was very interested to read more about Alex Trebek since he's in my living room most nights. He has always seemed like a kind, fatherly type of person to me and I've thought many times that he was the perfect choice for the Jeopardy host.

This biography delved into his roots and his younger years, then followed his career from the time he started in radio to hosting various game shows and then landing at Jeopardy. He's had a very interesting life and has had many friends and met many famous people over the years. It was nice to know of his many philanthropic pursuits. I was surprised to learn of his penchant for fixing things and collecting tools he might need.

Enjoyed the book and felt I know a lot more about my favorite game show host. I'm sad that he is battling with pancreatic cancer and dread that we will lost this icon sometime soon.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press through Netgalley for an advance copy of this book.

A linear recitation of one of, if not the most, iconic game show/quiz show host of all time. The book begins with a description of Trebek’s early years, the difficulty he experienced when his parents divorced, and follows him through his education and his long climb in the entertainment industry.
Based on the book, it would seem that with Trebek, what you see is what you get. He is an intelligent, charismatic individual with a deep commitment to helping others and to exploring life to its fullest. The most surprising things may be his more luddite tendencies; he eschews most technology although he does acknowledge knowing how to work his wife’s computer.
There were some other surprises, his love of Wuthering Heights, his workaholic nature, his quick wit which rarely gets featured on Jeopardy. He comes across in the book as a self-effacing man, grateful for all he has, but not seeing himself as anything particularly special.
Being a long-time watcher of Jeopardy, I admit to some curiosity about the man who has so successfully helmed the show for decades. This book did not disappoint, nor did it sensationalize what Trebek has done. The book is, like the man, a direct telling of his story without much fanfare and no apparent embellishment. Overall, it was an enjoyable read, made more so because he is shown to be a genuinely nice guy in a time when nice guys seem to be somewhat lacking.
I enjoyed learning about his deep-seated interest in helping others which has translated into numerous philanthropic activities over the years. Many years ago I heard the verse, “To whom much is given, much will be required” (Luke 12:14). After reading the book, those words seem a propos to Trebek and his approach to life.
I would like to thank St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced digital read copy of this book. I am delighted to provide an unbiased review of the book and recommend it to anyone who wants to learn a little more about a good person who happens to be famous.

Alex Trebek is well known for being a Jeopardy game host for over 30 years. I myself have watched it more than I can count, I even play the mobile game along with Wheel of Fortune. I loved hearing about his life and his career. He is just an average american like everyone one else. It is sad that he is dealing with Pancreatic cancer, but he is not giving up without a fight. The author did a good job talking about his life, But I would love to read his memoir, that way I can read the emotions beyond his words. I am sure there would be a lot of similarities. I am grateful that Netgalley let me read this in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for an ARC in exchange for an honest book review.
Alex Trebek has been a welcomed part of the lives of countless Jeopardy fans for thirty-six years providing the answers to a myriad of questions that we have tried to answer from our living rooms.
From his Ontario, Canada upbringing, to his disc jockey days for the Canadian Broadcasting Company to becoming the host of Jeopardy in 1984, Trebek shares his reflections with honesty and humor. He provides insights into his personal life. His love for Jeanne, his wife and soulmate and for his grown children, Emily and Matthew. He remains a father figure to Nicky, the daughter of his first wife with whom he had an amicable divorce.
We catch a glimpse of backstage Jeopardy moments with contestants like Ken Jennings (who narrates the audiobook by the way). Alex provides thoughts and opinions on a variety of subjects, parenting, spirituality, marriage, education, to name a few.
Alex has survived several health concerns but none greater than his Stage IV Pancreatic cancer diagnosis. He writes with candor about the challenges of his treatment. when he announced his diagnosis he was completely shocked at the outpouring of love and good wishes he received. This is a man who is loved much more than he imagined.
After reading this inspiring book it is evident why Alex Trebek is well respected and admired and I am left with the question, Can anyone ever replace this wonderful man?
Highly recommended.

He is the best loved TV host on America’s favorite quiz show. And the question is “Who is Alex Trebek?” This quick, light, read about the man who is, arguably, the greatest TV host ever is a thumbnail sketch into the background and life of Alex Trebek. Complete with anecdotes and facts about the host of Jeopardy, this book will keep you entertained and provide a glimpse behind the scenes of the famed quiz show and Alex’s life. Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy, it was time well spent.

The face of the man who changed America for the better by being a Game show host! I grew up watching jeopardy with my Grandma after school. Everytime I hear the music I think of her and how mad she would get as I dumped the sand from shoes onto her freshly clean carpet. That is a good memory, and that is because of Alex Trebek. Getting to read his story through Lisa Rogak's writing was absolutely amazing. Knowing that he is just like us, and that even though he is famous he would still rather live life like a non- celebrity made me cherish him even more. His show, His face and him as a person is a stable to every American at one point or another. Rogak highlights the highs and lows of his life thus far, and does a beautiful job at it. Please read this book!

Who doesn't love Jeopardy and Alex? This is his life journey!
It is a well written, quick read and I learned many things about Jeopardy and what goes in to some of its production as well.
Anyone who enjoys their evening fix of Jeopardy with this gameshow host, will pour through the pages of this book.
How many stars would I give this book? What is "Definitely four stars for Alex"!

I tried. I REALLY tried. I wanted to like this book, having been a fan of Jeopardy and Alex Trebek since its 1982 restart. I worked my butt off to get on the show, and found him to be a nice enough guy, though a bit aloof to contestants (nicer to the audience). But the book? Very dry, and just could not hold my interest well.

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 loved this book!! I've been a Jeopardy/Trebek fan for years and it was a delight to learn more about this special man. It was gratifying to read that he is truly a wonderful human being. The book is well written and offers plenty of facts without ever being boring.

I pray that Alex beats his cancer and is with us for many more years.

Who Is Alex Trebek? by Lisa Rogak is a biography and also a history of the enduring quiz-show Jeopardy. This is an unauthorized biography which is being published on the same day as Alex Trebek’s own autobiography. This week also marks the 80th birthday of the much-loved and admired host of the popular Jeopardy. We learn of his early days in Sudbury, Canada, his boarding school days and his time at his alma mater, The University of Ottawa. Trebek’s natural charm and genuine interest in people made him a great candidate for his radio and television career. His personal and family life is also highlighted as well as his extensive philanthropy. The reader is also informed about Jeopardy behind-the-scenes: how questions are researched and chosen, how many people work there, who dresses Alex and how it has lasted from 1984 to now. All in all, it was a quick and interesting read. Alex Trebek is battling pancreatic cancer and has found great support in his audience. Jeopardy would not be the same without this charismatic host. Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I found this book to be a quick enjoyable read. I learn a lot of facts about both game shows and Alex Trebek. As a long time fan of Jeopardy I have filed away some of these facts to pass on to other Jeopardy loving friends. I gave this book a three star rating because I felt this book was more along the line of a long magazine article. Lots of fairly shallow facts strung together.
Thank you to Net Galley for sending an e copy of this book for my review.

Finally a biography about Alex Trebek!! I loved ;earning about his childhood, his education and personal life. But more importantly, his career and how he became the host of Jeopardy! This book has all that information and more and the author clearly did her research. Everyone wants to know more about Alex and support him now since he revealed his fight against pancreatic cancer but we have to wait for Alex's own book for that portion.

A solid, must read biography and highly recommended.

Thanks to Netgalley, Lisa Rogak and St Martin's Press Thomas Dunne Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review..

Available : 7/21/20

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.

Jeopardy is my all time favorite tv show so I was beyond excited to learn more about its host, Alex Trebek. I never gave much thought to his life story until his cancer announcement. This was a very respectful dignified biography. It’s not the most exciting read but it is very interesting. I loved finishing it as they aired Alex’s first episode of Jeopardy, and was it a wild flashback!!

This biography gives the reader background information on Alex Trebek that is surprising even for those that think they know him. I found it interesting that he found a half-brother when he was almost 50. For Jeopardy being a show that many people watch as a family, I found it interesting that Alex didn't want to start a family until meeting his current wife. These tidbits of unknown trivia make this such an enjoyable read.