Brainiac by Ken Jennings

JEOPARDY! followers know Ken as the 75-time winner. Ken’s experience changed his life from that of a bored, nerdy computer programmer to that of a happily fulfilled nerdy trivia/game writer. I read the book for JEOPARDY! info, but equally one can learn tons about trivia.

-Janice

Prisoner of Trebekistan: A Decade in Jeopardy! by Bob Harris

A super book for fans of JEOPARDY!. Bob Harris is a big winner of the past, and a comedian and writer as well. He answers many of the questions that the TV viewer wonders about, such as “do they study?” (duhh) and “how many shows are taped on one day?” (five). I skimmed the parts about Harris’s life, as interesting as it was, and focussed on his tips, techniques, and high emotions about the game.

-Janice

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

As irresistable as salted peanuts and lemonade, this novel is a real page-turner. I already am planning to see the movie when it’s released in 2009. That being said, the setting of a train-circus circa the 1930s is a bit thin … Gruen did her homework, but the reader yearns for more depth in both setting and character. All in all, this “must read” book is worth the time, and I’m eager to see a circus.

-Janice

The Years with Ross by James Thurber

A “must read” for aficionados of The New Yorker magazine! Writer/essayist/cartoonist James Thurber reminisces about the personality and leadership of the magazine’s founder, Harold Ross. A good companion to Brendan Gill’s memoir about the early years of The New Yorker, a once-unique icon of American periodicals.

-Janice

Careless in Red by Elizabeth George

Masterfully-crafted plot. Vivid setting. Good characterization. Recommended for a follower of this series.
-Janice