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A review by apoppyinthewind
The Answer Is . . .: Reflections on My Life by Alex Trebek
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
5.0
I listened to the audiobook version which I would highly recommend though it’s worth noting the majority of the book is narrated by Ken Jennings with Alex jumping in for certain chapters. I personally didn’t mind this as I think it speaks to their friendship and, to be quite frank, Alex Trebek was obviously in the later stages of his treatment and diagnosis. It probably would have been hard for him to narrate the book completely on his own.
I think as a whole the book was bittersweet, touching, funny, and informative. While I knew Alex Trebek was a Canadian I didn’t know a whole lot about his career with radio and the CBC so I found those parts especially interesting.
The latter half of the book does deal with Alex Trebek’s diagnosis and his personal experience with his health, the effects of treatment, and facing mortality. I found it illuminating, relatable, and helpful in its vulnerability and honesty. I saw another reviewer remark that it’s less of a traditional memoir and more a conversation and a chance to say goodbye which I think is very apt.
I think as a whole the book was bittersweet, touching, funny, and informative. While I knew Alex Trebek was a Canadian I didn’t know a whole lot about his career with radio and the CBC so I found those parts especially interesting.
The latter half of the book does deal with Alex Trebek’s diagnosis and his personal experience with his health, the effects of treatment, and facing mortality. I found it illuminating, relatable, and helpful in its vulnerability and honesty. I saw another reviewer remark that it’s less of a traditional memoir and more a conversation and a chance to say goodbye which I think is very apt.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer, Death of parent, Medical content, and Terminal illness