Answers in the Form of Questions: A Definitive History and Insider's Guide to Jeopardy!

by Claire McNear, Ken Jennings (Foreword)

What is the smartest, most celebrated game show of all time? In this insider’s guide, discover the rich history of Jeopardy! — the beloved game show that has shaped our culture and entertained audiences for years.

Jeopardy! is a lot of things: record-setting game show, beloved family tradition, and proving ground for many of North America’s best and brightest. Nearly four decades into its current edition, Jeopardy! now finds itself facing unprecedented change.This is the chronicle of how the show became a cross-generational touchstone and where it’s going next. ANSWERS IN THE FORM OF QUESTIONS dives deep behind the scenes, with longtime host Alex Trebek talking about his life and legacy and the show’s producers and writers explaining how they put together the nightly game. Readers will travel to bar trivia showdowns with the show’s biggest winners and training sessions with trivia whizzes prepping for their shot onstage. And they’ll discover new tales of the show’s most notable moments-like the time the Clue Crew almost slid off a glacier-and learn how celebrity cameos and Saturday Night Live spoofs built a television mainstay. ANSWERS IN THE FORM OF QUESTIONS looks to the past — and the future — to explain what Jeopardy! really is: a tradition unlike any other.

Genres: Nonfiction, Pop Culture, Audiobook, Tv, Trivia, History, Adult

272 pages, Hardcover

First published November 10, 2020

Reviews

[Carole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Answers in the Form of Questions: A Definitive History and Insider’s Guide to Jeopardy! by Claire McNear is everything you ever wanted to know about Jeopardy and even some information you did not find interesting. The book is full of details of the popular game show behind the scenes and on the stage. Extensive information about past contestants: the biggest winner, the longest winning streak, the biggest loser, etc. Whether you are fan or not, there are many tidbits that make the book worth reading. Recommended.

[Jill S · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is everything I didn't know I wanted it to be. McNear hits the tone exactly right in her writing - witty, smart, curious, and reverent of a gameshow that means something to so many people. It's also particularly meaningful to read this the week of Alex Trebek's death; a fitting tribute to a man whose life work had an immeasurable impact.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this well researched and written book about a favorite of mine, Jeopardy! It was bittersweet that Alex Trebek died just before I started the book, and I hope he got a chance to read it as well before he passed away. I have watched this game show for most of my life and was lucky enough to be a contestant many years ago. For those who compete at home, those who want to be on the show, and the remarkable folks who actually win their games, this book, packed with insider information and many wonderful anecdotes, is a very enjoyable read.

[Bandit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Jeopardy. Completely and unreservedly. It isn’t just the best game show ever, it’s my favorite sport and by far the only one I’d consider worth watching. It has managed to stay on and stay relevant in a country that has grown increasingly anti intellectual without ever pandering to the unread unwashed or dolling itself up to compete with other hotter for a time but always inferior programs of similar nature. Jeopardy is smart, fun, good, unflashy and steady. Good qualities for a person or a tv show. I’ve watched it, even read about it, in Jeopardy’s best for my money champion Jennings’ Brainiac and another book dedicated to quiz shows and trivia in general, but this was a text dedicated exclusively to the game itself, facts, trivia, stats, numbers and, of course, the people behind it all. The show isn’t just hosted to perfection, it also has a dedicated team that’s been around for ages and then there are the players, the brainiacs and the maniacs whose dedication and, at times, obsession, drives them to get on the show and compete. The eternal trivia pursuit, if you will. And it’s really inspiring to read about, because despite the fact that there is a significant amount of money involved, at its base the show is about knowing things and showing that knowledge proudly, which is kinda awesome. Actually, the money thing is real and a lot of the book is dedicated to it, the betting strategies, the wagers and all that, but it’s never been the attractor for me and frankly there isn’t that much money in it comparing to other shows and the level of difficulty in playing. It’s about the sheer pleasure of knowing the right answer…or, in this case, the right question. Anyone who’s ever played any sort of competitive trivia game, even a pub quiz, should be familiar with it. It’s fun. So basically I knew a fair amount about Jeopardy and figured this was going to be like a revisit of sorts, a tour of a museum you like but have been to, but no…this book actually had lots of new to me and fascinating information, from genuinely quirky things like the bizarrely significant role Weird Al has played in making Jeopardy 2.0 version go live to some genuinely entertaining Jeopardy facts and statistics to solution to elimination of Kids Jeopardy to mustache obituary. There are stories about the greatest champions, carbon based and AI. Stories about astoundingly determined aspirants and once upon a timers. Stories about an entire community of trivia loving individuals. And, of course, a speculation on what’s next, because it appears that after decades of consistency, the show will soon have a new producer, audience coordinator and possibly a new…no, can’t go there yet, too sad. Actually, I haven’t watched Jeopardy in a while and this book has made me miss it terribly, so right now I’ve no idea what’s going on with the show, but it has my absolutely best wishes and hopes for a bright continuously excellent future. This was a lovely read, educational and entertaining, much like its subject. Recommended. Thanks Netgalley.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This next week is one that I'm not looking forward to. It is to be the final airing of original Alex Trebek hosted shows of Jeopardy!. I've watched Jeopardy! most of my life starting with the Art Fleming version in 1964. I have always wanted to be on Jeopardy! (and in a perverse manner, I succeeded and I claim to have been on more episodes than Ken Jennings. I've passed the test at least 3 times, but, alas...
This book is a behind the scenes look at what makes Jeopardy!. It includes a lot of visits with former Jeopardy! champions (most whose names I recognized) and staff. McNear has a whimsical way of writing that occasionally had me re-reading a sentence for comprehension. Still, a lot of interesting material - especially about the lengths Jeopardy!wannabes go to prepare for their appearances (study game theory, wagering, buzzer/light play, category statistics).
I wish the author had included a bibliography at the end since she referred to books previously written about the show or by champions. I didn't write them down as I came to them, so I'll have to go back and scan for titles.
Nevertheless, if you love Jeopardy! as much as I do, you'll enjoy this book.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

"There's no wheel, there are no Whammies. It's really just a matter of: Do you know the stuff or not?

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming behind-the-scenes tour of one of America’s most beloved game shows! I’m lightly beginning my journey of intending to try out for Jeopardy!, and this book was a good primer of what to expect in the audition process with a lot of fun bonus trivia thrown in. Thank you, Megan, for getting this for me as a birthday present! 💕

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exactly a year ago, in late November 2020, I received a phone call from a 310 area code. For many people who hope to be on Jeopardy!, this area code is a particularly auspicious one, as it’s associated with Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City.

"Hi, is this Cindy? This is Laura from Jeopardy!."

While I'd love to tell you that The Call ended up being the immediate start of my Jeopardy! journey, this wasn't the case. We were in the worst of a pandemic, I was living on the coast opposite of where the show is filmed, and there was no viable vaccination option at the time.

I turned it down.

While the folks at Jeopardy! were very understanding (bless them!) and even asked me when I'd feel comfortable flying out, I couldn't help but feel as if I had thrown away my shot. Between that and Alex Trebek's passing only a week ago, I was bereft at the thought of anything J!-related. I ordered Claire McNear's book in the hope that it would help fill that chasm of emotion.

Reader, it did.

---

The thing about Jeopardy! is that it is an institution that contains multitudes. For me (and many children of immigrants), Jeopardy! was one of the few shows my parents would allow me to watch as a kid. It was the backdrop of dinnertime. It was a childhood pasttime. It would later evolve into a weekday night tradition with my freshman dorm floor. Or 15 minutes of my life spent taking a tryout test every few years. Or a fleeting thought of "Hey, what if I tried out for the show?" from somebody who never once identified as telegenic or fame-chasing.

Answers in the Form of Questions touches upon all these facets of the show and then some. What many don't realize is that Jeopardy! is not only more than the sum of its parts, but that its community runs deep. There's the community of contestants who have gone through the very unique and adrenaline-inducing experience of being on the show. There's the entire infrastructure of the show, such as how the buzzer works to the audition process and why The Call is known as The Call to the producers who make the show happen. There are the clue archives, the literature on how to study for the show, the wagering strategy, the message boards, and the Facebook groups. There are the emotions all-too-familiar to former contestants: the elation of The Call, the pre-game panic attacks, the grief of losing a game. Claire McNear does not miss a single beat when it comes to covering every idiosyncrasy of Jeopardy!. The work is clearly evident and feels as much as a labor of love as it does an insider look at the show; she has interviewed so many contestants and captured every part of that experience in all its shining past and present (and future!).

---

Reading the book made me feel like I hadn't turned down my tape date and in some ways, like I had already taped. It's obvious that Claire has a very thorough insider scoop on the show, but the wonderful thing about her writing is that it allows me, a reader, to feel like an insider too! I felt like I knew how the show worked, what to expect, and the wonderful community that would await me, if I ever became a contestant.

So when I got The Call again in August 2021, I had to accept.

[Dave Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

RIP Alex Trebek. Man, fuck 2020. This is an incredibly detailed, observant, thoughtful and funny (sometimes very!) book. Super-duper behind-the-scenes, maybe even more detailed than the average reader might want or expect, and maybe kind of inside baseball-y (like the chapter on wagering and game theory and stuff), but that's what you want from the exploration of a sub-culture. I'm a big fan of Ken Jennings' Brainiac from WAY back, and this one is even more dialed-in in its Jeopardy!-specificity. And even thought it came out before Alex Trebek's passing, it's still very current, reflecting on the GOAT Tournament and the All-Stars games from last year, the divisive but compelling phenomenon that is James Holzhauer, the recent retirement of the longtime executive producer (who knew?), etc.

I'm a trivia nut, even a trivia obsessive at times, but something less than a Jeopardy! super-fan. I don't watch it every night like clockwork, and even though I DVR it I tend to go weeks without watching. I tried out in 2007 as a 22 year old graduate student - not much of an appealing backstory there - but would like to audition again and would really like the chance to be on the show and win some money though! This book has lots of helpful information for aspiring contestants like me in terms of research, strategy, books, etc., and the descriptions of Trivia Nationals in Vegas and the bar in Santa Monica that welcomes all these Jeopardy! alums for trivia night were strangely exciting! Highly recommended for J! super-fans and those occupying the several tiers of fandom below that one.

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any fan of Jeopardy will absolutely love this book. An excellent overview of the show’s creation, contestants, strategy, tournaments, and most famous moments. McNear writes in a fun and engaging style. The book is never dry, even when she writes about the more complex elements of betting strategy. She interviews plenty of Jeopardy’s best contestants including Brad Rutter, Ken Jennings, James Holzhauer, Buzzy Cohen, Roger Craig, and more. Her interview with Alex Trebek is made even more poignant since his passing. Highly recommend this book!

[Kari · Rating 5 out of 5]

After nearly four decades, Jeopardy is a game show that has found its way into almost every heart and home. Especially with the recently passed host, Alex Trebek whose familiar face and household name felt almost like part of the family. This book goes in depth & behind the scenes with this record setting game that has shaped our culture and entertained us for endless hours.

[Kai]

Yeah I mean you probably are only looking at this book if you like jeopardy enough to read this book. Clear, light, fun, well-researched dive into the depths of the best show on TV.

[Leslie ☆︎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfectly straightforward and digestible. A lovely ode to the nerds of North America!

[Allen Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://www.themaineedge.com/buzz/ans...

This multi-generationally beloved game show has been on the air since 1984 in its current incarnation and is viewed by many as the current gold standard in the genre.

What is “Jeopardy!”

For millions of people, “Jeopardy!” is a staple, a shared syndicated moment of intellectual rigor and high financial stakes. A combination of encyclopedic trivia knowledge, quick reaction time and the … courage … of a gambler. For 22ish minutes a day, five days a week – “Jeopardy!” is there.

Claire McNear has been writing about “Jeopardy!” for years. However, her new book “Answers in the Form of Questions: A Definitive History and Insider’s Guide to Jeopardy!” delves far deeper than she ever has gone before. Through a wealth of interviews – including over 100 contestants – and significant behind-the-scenes access, McNear offers up a closer examination of the beloved game show than any we’ve seen before.

And count McNear among those who love the show. There’s simply no way that a charming, thoughtful paean such as this one could be composed by someone without a deep and abiding affection for the program. It is a love letter to one of the few remaining monocultural stalwarts, a show that appeals to viewers of all ages and backgrounds.

We get the nuts and bolts stuff, of course. McNear takes us to the Sony soundstage in Culver City, giving readers a look at the logistics, introducing us to the myriad figures who make sure that the gears keep turning. We meet producers and clue writers, all while a picture is painted of what it means to be in that room.

She also takes us into the audition process, laying out the circumstances with remarkable accuracy and a healthy dose of self-deprecation – she has to be talked into kinda-sorta participating due to her perceived trivia liabilities, but winds up enjoying herself (thanks in no small part to the relentless whirlwind of positive energy known as Maggie Speak). McNear also dives deep into the community that surrounds the show – particularly the robust alumni network that has bloomed via social media platforms – and takes us along as she visits a few other trivia touchstones, visiting the National Trivia Championships and making the obligatory pilgrimage to the legendary trivia night at O’Brien’s in Los Angeles.

We’re walked through the training regimens – or lack thereof – undertaken by contestants who have gotten the call (or are simply awaiting a call they’re sure is coming). Tips and tricks from some of the greats are offered. Binging episodes, taking online quizzes on sites like Sporcle, buzzer simulators – there are lots of ways to prep. There’s also a great chapter about the math side of actual play, rife with game theory and noted strategies like the Forrest Bounce and the high-stakes attitude of recent steamroller James Holzhauer.

McNear explores the cultural impact of the show as well. Weird Al’s auspiciously-timed parody “I Lost on Jeopardy,” a tune that was released mere months before the 1984 relaunch of the show. The legendary “Cheers” episode where Cliff Clavin went on the show. The recurring SNL sketch “Celebrity Jeopardy,” featuring Will Ferrell as host Alex Trebek.

Speaking of Trebek, McNear speaks with him as well; while this chapter rings bittersweetly due to the host’s recent passing, there’s no question that McNear captures his essence. He so clearly adored his job, and that love for what he did was what made him the very best. Reading this section may well elicit both smiles and tears, but it is wonderfully indicative of who the man was and really brings to light the reasons so many feel such closeness to him.

There have been efforts in the past to capture the breadth of the “Jeopardy!” experience, but none have even approached the level of success achieved by “Answers in the Form of Questions.” McNear is a dynamite writer, which certainly helps, but the key to this book’s particular excellence is her passion for the subject. You can’t write about anything with this kind of care without loving it; there’s a joie de vivre bubbling beneath the surface of every page.

It’s worth noting that McNear does a phenomenal job of capturing the contestant experience, really giving us a soup-to-nuts examination of the process from test to audition to selection to taping. As someone who has been through that process, I can speak to its truth – a LOT of memories bubbled up as I read. And as a critic, I can speak to the quality of the writing – it engages in just the right ways. I’ve never read anyone who so thoroughly and accurately evokes the vibe of what it’s like to be on that stage, part of that scene.

And sure, there’s plenty of stuff here from the big names. Ken Jennings, James Holzhauer – you can’t tell the story of “Jeopardy!” without them. But it’s the conversations with other contestants, the folks who just won a couple of games (or none at all) or who played in the pre-internet days, that really shine. Those people have had their lives changed by the show just like those who were made millionaires – mine certainly was. Perhaps not economically, but certainly emotionally.

“Answers in the Form of Questions” is a fantastic read for anyone who loves “Jeopardy!” It is heartfelt and hilarious, a well-reported and deeply-researched plunge into the world of everybody’s favorite question-and-answer (sorry – answer-and question) show. And while the circumstances of the moment may render it somewhat bittersweet, those seeking comfort could well find some within these pages.

This new book is an informative, entertaining and generally excellent look at the best game show in the world.

What is “Answers in the Form of Questions.”

[Kelly]

Definitely weird to read this post-Trebek, but enjoyable nonetheless. I found myself down some rabbit holes, including a delightful Canadian sketch featuring Eugene Levy as Alex, alongside John Candy and Catherine O'Hara as contestants on the show.

[Damon Rosenberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before reading this book, I considered myself a fairly big Jeopardy! fan; I tried watching whenever possible, and when I did, I was shouting answers at my TV (usually in vain). However, this opened my eyes to the crazy following Jeopardy! has. Numerous fan-run websites, archives, and Alex Trebek fan clubs run abound, apparently, and this book offered a glimpse to it all. As for the show itself, McNear does a great job of giving us a behind-the-scenes look at a show that’s been consistently churning out shows for almost four decades. From strategy to pop culture, the show’s history to its future, this book covered it all. Every chapter has a few short tidbits highlighting the best stories of Jeopardy! lore, which I found particularly entertaining. Overall, I’d suggest this to even the most casual Jeopardy! fan. Or, in the show’s form, “What is a good read?”

[Julian Hattem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't love this book more. A great read for any Jeopardy! fan as well as the casual viewer for whom this weird TV show has somehow been a constant but unexpected source of joy and entertainment.

[Monnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Category: Entertainment
Clue: A trip down memory lane
Answer: What is a book about Jeopardy!, my all-time favorite TV game show?

Fact is, my husband and I rarely miss it (for the record - and the benefit of various friends and family who might wonder what happened to us from 7:30 to 8 on a weeknight - if the phone rings when we're watching we refuse to answer).

You see, we go all the way back to the 1964 debut of the show with Art Fleming as the host and Don Pardo as the announcer. The current version is far more popular with viewers, with host Alex Trebek bounding on stage at the exuberant introduction of announcer Johnny Gilbert. Neither is exactly a spring chicken; Gilbert is well into his 90s (and still, IMHO, doing a bang-up job).

Despite being ecstatic over getting the chance, thanks to the publisher, to read and review a pre-release copy of this book, I figured I would already know most of what's in it. To some extent, I was right. But truth is, I learned a lot - most notably about such things as the importance of mastering buzzer ring-in timing, the process of becoming a contestant (don't for one second think it comes easy, or cheap) and what really happens behind the scenes. On top of that come insights from former champions - almost all of whom are familiar to those of us who watch religiously. From handlebar-mustached New York cop Frank Spangenberg to quirky bartender Austin Rogers to somewhat more conventional Brad Rutter and Ken Jennings and the phenomenal James Holzhauer, they're all in here - offering tidbits about their strategies and experiences. There's even a chapter on the show's very active Alumni Chapter and how Weird Al Yankovic influenced the show's revival (say WHAT)?

I wish I could reveal some of the details, but doing so would spoil it for others so I'll keep them to myself, recommend that you read the book for yourself and end with this:

Category: Adjectives
Clue: Word that best describes this book
Answer: What is delightful?

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining, insightful, and fun!

Answers in the Form of Questions is an informative, behind-the-scenes look into the game show Jeopardy and all the ins and outs that have made it one of the most popular shows on tv for the past three-and-half decades.

The writing is detailed and descriptive. And the novel is an enlightening tale about all the intricate details, rules, preparations, and skills needed to create, run and win at this nightly, challenging game of knowledge.

Overall, I found Answers in the Form of Questions to be a fascinating, light, well-researched novel by McNear that uses in-depth interviews with the creators, writers, contestants, and its infamous host, Alex Trebek to showcase why this show is one of the most beloved, successful trivia shows of all time.

Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Jennifer Schultz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quiz fans, pop culture mavens, and those that want an inside look into one of the most beloved and enduring quiz shows of its time.

Answer: Who are the people that should read this book?

OK--so maybe that's an awkward way to open this review. But I couldn't resist! From the history of Jeopardy, to the impressive preparations contestants (and would-be contestants) take to have a chance at cracking a Daily Double, and more, this will definitely entertain Jeopardy's many fans.

Librarians and booksellers: Who doesn't love Jeopardy? This should do well.

Many thanks to Twelve and Edelweiss for a digital review copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Matt Layman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fantastic, start to finish. A real page-turner if you’re a fan of the show Jeopardy.

This book includes basically everything you’d want to know: behind-the-scenes of the show itself, contestants’ preparation, a history of the program, interviews with Alex Trebek and some of the show’s most well-known contestants, the show’s alumni network and more. It is interesting, informative, fun and funny.

It is just a terrific piece of journalism and a thoroughly enjoyable walk through the great big world of Jeopardy.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a definite "must-read" for any Jeopardy fan, filled with lots of inside information and trivia. Did you know that if not for Weird Al Yankovic's "I Lost on Jeopardy" parody video, there might not have been a revival of the game show?

[Katelynn Rhoton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made me realize how naïve I've been thinking I could actually make it on Jeopardy! one day.

[Kevidently · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read - or tried to read - books about Jeopardy! before. Ken Jennings' Brainiac was a highlight and made me like Jennings more than I had on his initial run of shows. I read Alex Trebek's book last year, which was far more breezy and light than I'd thought it would be. I've tried to read Bob Harris' Prisoner of Trebekistan, but I couldn't really get into it.

So here we come to Claire McNear, the first person to write a book on Jeopardy! (at least to my knowledge) without having actually appeared on the show. I don't know if the distance is a quality that makes a book like this work, but I'm not sure it hurts. What we get with Answers in the Form of Questions is somewhere in between Trebek's and Jennings' books - fairly light, with just enough meat on its bones to satisfy Jeopardy! die-hards.

When I was coming up as a reader, one of my favorite books about a subject I loved was The Stephen King Companion. It looked at highlights of King's career, offered some sidebars, made the whole phenomenon more accessible and approachable. That's pretty much what McNear does here. There's a sweeping overview of the show's history, how pop culture responded to it (current Jeopardy! might not exist without "Weird Al" Yankovic, WHAT), a little about Trebek, a lot about contestants - former, hopeful, and superstar alike.

Because McNear is an endearing writer, this is a comfortable book about a comfortable show. And because it was completed before both the pandemic and Trebek's death, so it's also a time capsule. Things may change for Jeopardy! in the coming years, but this book captures a time and a mindset about the show during Trebek's run. Recommended.

[Nina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun, breezy look behind the scenes of America's favorite game show. As a 2-time Jeopardy! champ, I can say that it is very well researched and accurate as far as the contestant experience goes, though some things have changed since my shows were taped - a shuttle to pick the contestants up at their hotel!? Back in the day we had to rely on the directions sent by the contestant coordinators and hope we didn't get lost.

My only quibble is that this book is heavily skewed towards the experiences of the past decade of Jeopardy! contestants, making the "definitive history" portion of the title not quite accurate.

I enjoyed reading this and being reminded of bits of this incredible experience that I'd forgotten or not thought about in many years and the lovely people I met while there - especially Maggie and Grant.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun look back at a classic show!

[Patrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

[Benjamin Moats · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lol not me being such a nerd that I already knew 95% of the things she mentioned in this book

[J.J. Lair · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is funny, warm, in-depth and an overall story of the show. It’s not a huge book. We get parodies, worst answers, contestants stories, how to get on the show. The passing of Alex Trebek. It even gets fairly current in the new host trials. Didn’t know that trial for a new host was so rigged.
I have a new found appreciation for the contestant who loses or doesn’t get much money because just to get on the show is very difficult. Just getting on the show is a triumph.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Christmas present from Alex. Brb gotta go study my presidents and geography.