The Answer is...:Reflections on My Life by Alex Trebek

The Answer is...:Reflections on My Life by Alex Trebek-304 pages

I grew up watching Jeopardy! and I still catch it when I can. I don't get the opportunity to watch it often anymore, but I still very much enjoy it when I do. I've taken the online test a few times, but I've never gotten called for an audition. When I heard that this was coming out I immediately knew I would want to read it. A few reviews on Goodreads have knocked it for Trebek's writing not being as eloquent as his speaking, but he states in the Introduction to the book that his writing is not on par with his speaking. I feel this is an unfair criticism and I have enjoyed reading this book. I have learned a few things I didn't know about Trebek before, such as that his mother spent 36 hours in labor with him and wouldn't let him forget it during her 95 years on earth, his father was an immigrant to Canada from Ukraine, Trebek's given name is George Alexander Trebek (his dad's was George Edward Trebek, so that's why he started going by Alex), and so on. Also, he spent 3 days in military college, but quit because he decided it wasn't for him. Trebek shares his thoughts on some of the more notable contestants and his thoughts on the show and it's success over the years. Finally, I enjoyed a story he shared about meeting Queen Elizabeth II in a greeting line after a show he participated in while living in Canada. On the first night, he conversed with Her Majesty the Queen for about 5 minutes because Prince Philip was lingering behind and it's customary for them to leave together. Trebek thought he had a good, short conversation and a connection with the Queen. However, he was in a different greeting line the next night and the Queen didn't remember who he was or their conversation from the previous night. Finally, I find it very cool that we both sponsor (in his case now, sponsored) a child through World Vision. He also traveled to many different countries with World Vision and donated time and money to several other charities. It seems (from this book and having watched Jeopardy! many times over the years) that Trebek was a humble, kind, caring man and it would have been cool to meet him. 

 

Sworn to Protect by DiAnn Mills

Sworn to Protect by DiAnn Mills
(Call of Duty #2)
386 pages

"Border Patrol Agent Danika Morales has sworn to protect the southern borders of our nation, but that oath has cost her. Two years ago, her husband, Toby, was killed trying to help the very immigrants Danika was responsible for sending back to Mexico. His murder was never solved. But now, a recent string of attacks and arrests leads her to believe that someone in McAllen is profiting from sneaking undocumented immigrants into the country...and it may somehow be tied to Toby's death."  --from the publisher

I enjoyed the story and Mills' respectful treatment of this sensitive topic.

Immortal Irishman: The Irish Revolutionary who became an American Hero

By Timothy Egan

368 pages

Thomas Francis Meagher was born to an influent family from Waterford, Ireland. However, he chose to be the voice of his oppressed countrymen. He became an Irish nationalist and assisted in the Rebellion of 1848. He was subsequently convicted and sentenced to life in the penal colony in Australia. This was only the beginning of his extraordinary life. He continued to be a spokesman for the Irish, and those groups who were victimized, even after escaping from Australia and starting an amazing new life in America.