Amy Schneider

Amy does a great job of bringing herself to life in the telling of this story. While her experiences on Jeopardy are the foundation of the book her personal reflections, particularly those dealing with her sexuality and growing up after what truly make the book both interesting and remarkable. While there are still many questions in my mind about what it means to be transgender and why it happens her book provides very human insights. Perhaps a central challenge of life for everyone is defining what it is to be human.… (mais)

Amy Schneider was a contestant on Jeopardy! and made history there, becoming the most successful woman on the show and second only to Ken Jennings' run for most consecutive wins. She also happens to be trans. This is her story, told as a series of essays, each starting with a question, and then telling a story (or a few) related to it.

From talking about her realization that she was trans to polyamory to the teachers that made a difference in her life, Amy leaves no subject taboo in this unique memoir. I was most interested in reading about the Jeopardy! experience, which is the final essay and arguably the smallest part of the book. I found the memoir a mixed bag, and the frank discussion of sexual experiences and drug use was frankly more than I bargained for, nor did I really care about Tarot. However, there are also some really interesting essays - for example, the one on ADD made me laugh because I could so completely relate and it illustrated the way in which my brain works so very well. I also really appreciated the author's note at the beginning in which she rather humbly states she is "open to being wrong, to reconsidering my beliefs. It is my hope that, in the future, I will come to disagree with, and perhaps even disavow, some of the statements I've made in these pages, because it is my hope that I will never stop learning." I like and admire that willingness to learn and improve. Whether you were a fan of Amy on Jeopardy! or not, if you're at all interested in her story, I do recommend it. But if, like me, you find yourself less interested in some essays - well, go ahead and skip some. It's written in such a way you can jump in and out, read what interests you, and not feel like you have to read every word front-to-back.… (mais)

Amy Schneider is the most successful woman ever to compete on Jeopardy!, winning 40 games. That total is second only to that of Ken Jennings. She is also the first openly trans person to be a Jeopardy! champion.

This book is not what I expected to read about a Jeopardy! champion That's what makes it so wonderful. Amy takes us along on her journey to figure out her true self with brutal honesty and, often, a sense of humour. We see Amy as brave, curious, willing to try new experiences -- all the things that would make her such a great champion. We also see her fears and doubts as she explores the world, and her inner self. I admired her brains on Jeopardy! And now, I also admire her spirit. She is an excellent role model for being yourself and being honest with yourself and others.… (mais)