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.
It was no surprise, since millions of devoted 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.
Lisa Rogak is an independent journalist with over three decades of experience in the biz. She’s written about everything from high-tech and cats to food and travel, and after all this time, she is still amazed that it’s possible to make a living by indulging her natural curiosity and asking total strangers really nosy questions…
Her books have twice appeared on the New York Times Bestsellers List, and have been nominated for the Edgar and Anthony Awards. Her newest books include Cats on the Job: 50 Fabulous Felines Who Purr, Mouse, and Even Sing for Their Supper, and The True Tails of Baker and Taylor: The Library Cats Who Left Their Pawprints on a Small Town . . . and the World, which she co-authored with Jan Louch, a retired librarian who cared for the world-famous Scottish Folds.
She lives in New Hampshire.
My Rating: 4 Stars
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.
Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books (St. Martin’s Press)
Publication Date: July 21, 2020
Genre: Biography
Length: 244 pages
Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Who-Alex-Trebek-Lisa-Rogak-ebook/dp/B084M1SM4C/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=who+is+alex+trebek&qid=1595426751&s=digital-text&sr=1-1
Simply Susan 
Thanks, Susan. I will have to see if the library has this one! I have admired him for a long time. Pancreatic cancer can be devastating. Our good friend was diagnosed about a month ago and passed away on Monday. Needless to say his family is shocked. Poor Sandy doesn’t know what to do yet. Glad there will be a reunion in Heaven! That’s something to hold on to.
Blessings!
LikeLike
I was pleasantly surprised at the writing. Most biographies bog the reader down with so much junk.
LikeLike