In the Form of a Question: The Joys and Rewards of a Curious Life

4 4 out of 5 stars | 354 ratings

Price: 15.74

Last update: 05-19-2024


About this item

An inspirational and bold memoir from the most successful woman ever to compete on Jeopardy!—and an exploration of what it means to ask questions of the world and of yourself.

In eighth grade, Amy was voted “Most likely to appear on Jeopardy!” by her classmates. Decades later, this trailblazer finally got her chance. Not only did she walk away with $1.3 million while captivating the world with her impressive forty-game winning streak, but she made history and won an even greater prize—the joy of being herself on national television and blazing a trail for openly queer and transgender people around the world. Now, she shares her singular journey that led to becoming an unlikely icon and hero to millions. Her super power: Boundless curiosity and fearless questioning.

In the Form of a Question explores some of the innumerable topics that have fascinated Amy throughout her life—books and music, Tarot and astrology, popular culture and computers, sex and relationships—but they all share the same purpose: to illustrate, and celebrate, the results of a lifetime spent asking, why?


Top reviews from the United States

Portland Mom
5.0 out of 5 stars Review From a Jeopardy Fan and Ally
Reviewed in the United States on October 16, 2023
First, let me tell you I'm a huge Jeopardy fan! When Amy first came on the Jeopardy scene my family immediately found her charismatic and enjoyed watching her play, so it was no surprise to anyone that when this book "came out" (no pun intended but fun when that happens! lol) I had to read it.

This book is written in beautifully and in a way that feels like a conversation with a friend. The writing feels genuine, honest and authentic while also leaving room to acknowledge that others in her life may see the same events differently. I liked the way she brought you through the events of her life, describing them so you can see it in your minds eye. In this book Amy is funny, nerdy, complicated and human, she admits to mistakes, and celebrates triumphs all the same. *I will insert that I read this book from my own lens of being an ally of the LGBTQ+ community, if you don't describe yourself in this way this book may not appeal to you.
KSSeaBird
4.0 out of 5 stars Worthwhile read
Reviewed in the United States on October 14, 2023
I waited for this book to be published because I am a Jeopardy fan and loved watching Amy's run; loved seeing her on Jeopardy's Tournament of Champions. I am also an LGBTQ ally so I really looked forward to reading Amy's book.

The book is not especially well-written because Amy is not a writer. Some chapters are stream-of-conscientiousness which are hard to read; they didn't hold my attention. She included two chapters which I skipped entirely: How to Read Tarot Cards and something about someone named Daria -- a TV character, maybe?

I also found that I liked Amy less once I was into her book. That rarely happens with autobiographies. For me, it only happened one other time. (Barbara Bush. I had no opinion of the former First Lady when I picked up her memoirs. It wasn't long before I realized that she's one of "those parents." You know, who say "My child would never do that!" in spite of evidence to the contrary. George W has taken responsibility for his DUI arrest. Mom blames the CT police for unfairly picking on her son. Really??)

But I was determined to finish the book. This evening, I read the last three chapters at one sitting. The pages flew. Finally! Page-turner reading. I am now so glad that I hung in there.

I have always felt so much empathy (is it empathy or sympathy?) for trans people. I just can't imagine how hard it is to feel that you're in the wrong body. My heart always went out to trans people. And they are treated so badly by Internet trolls. And of course the laws of the past; police harassment of, hopefully, days gone by. (I love TALES OF THE CITY on Netflix based on Armistead Maupin's books.)

Toward the end, Amy shares with us how she struggled with going on Jeopardy as a woman when she has a man's voice. She shares with us that she had surgery to fix her receding hairline. Amy finally gets to the point, gets personal, lets herself be vulnerable. Brava! What courage it must have taken to introduce herself to a country of strangers via national TV.

I wish Amy continued good health, professional success and of course happiness. And, now that I've finished the book, I'm back to liking Amy again. But I doubt very much if I will buy her next book. And, yes, she alluded to writing another book. Sometimes, less is more.
Irene
3.0 out of 5 stars Mixed
Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2024
I felt inspired by Amy’s story. Very clear and she spares no details. On the other hand, although her narrative voice was authentic and consistent, in many passages, it was not to my complete liking. Plus, the footnotes were distracting and amateurish. If you want to make a witty comment, do it in the text.
L Williams NC
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2024
Schneider offers up a funny, surprising, candid, and honest self portrait. Her footnotes add a clever twist that make the book feel like a conversation.
caufeegal
4.0 out of 5 stars Amy’s Story
Reviewed in the United States on November 29, 2023
Amy does a great job of telling the story of her life. Sharing her heartaches & struggles must have been difficult because judgment is out there. Yet, she took that leap and told the story. Loved the footnotes, they made me laugh a bunch of times, it was like hearing a conversation.
ecosMyers
5.0 out of 5 stars Def' worth your time & $$ to read!
Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2024
I enjoyed Amy and marveled at her intellect plus her personal story. It is a top quality read & something that I am happy to say that I will add to my own personal home library. Many hardback books that I purchase are ones that I certainly enjoy, but I pass along to our Goodwill bookstores for a good cause. This book is one to treasure bec' I like when a book is entertaining plus exposes me to a way of life that I don't know a great deal about! I also thought highly of her initial introduction where she states that some sections are more geared to adults. I thought it was sweet of her to add that if you are a pre-teen or child, this book isn't for you but she will write something for that age group at some point. I felt that was a kind and caring example of Amy. Thank you to her if she or her publicist read here!

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