Ken Jennings

A friend read Ken Jennings' book Brainiac a few years back.  I trust this friend's judgment in books, so I decided to read it too.  I liked the book so much that I started following Ken Jennings' blog.  Who knew that Ken is really, really funny?

And then I felt compelled to send an e-mail to Ken Jennings.  (It's hard to say just Ken or just Jennings.  Try it.)  And guess what?  He e-mailed me back!  I was pleasantly surprised and completely entertained.  So I thought I'd post both my e-mail to him and his reply.  Cause they're fun.  Enjoy!

subject:  Dear Ken Jennings

Guaranteed:  This is the lamest e-mail I've ever sent someone I that don't know personally.

I wanted to tell you that I read your book and was pleasantly surprised that it was really good!  I had really, really low expectations; I didn't expect that "the guy who won on Jeopardy! so many times" would be funny and approachable, even if you are Mormon.  (During your run, my mother-in-law would ask, "Did you watch Jeopardy! last night?"  "No, why?  I never watch Jeopardy!"  "Ken Jennings is on, and he's Mormon!"  "So?"  She's taken, as are a lot of Mormons, with all things Mormon.  Ken Jennings, David Archelleta, that Republican guy that's possibly running for president (just spaced on his name).  They all must be good people because they're Mormon!)

Do you even read these e-mails?  Are you hounded by tons of fan mail and you just can't stay on top of it all?

I think your celebrity status is awesome, but also somewhat comical.  I feel the same way about my husband's aunt, Lisa Bearnson, who founded Creating Keepsakes magazine.  It's a scrapbooking magazine (for serious).  She's obviously a level or two below you in celebrity status since she's not a household name, but still, the people who know her are CRAZY about her.  I've witnessed a few of her encounters with obsessed fans and it's taught me that 1 - I'm happy I'm not a celebrity of any type, and 2 - people are crazy.

Which isn't to say you're not awesome.  You totally are.  But I'm awesome, too, right?  I'm just not awesome + rich.

And your blog is hilarious.  I've been recommending both your book and your blog to friends and family, which is strange, because I kind of hate trivia.  Trivia coupled with a sense of humor, though?  Can't beat it.

Thanks for being you, and for taking the time to read this e-mail, assuming you actually did.

Tamra Thacker

P.S.  Did you approve the use of that picture on the front of your book jacket?  Cause you look a little dazed in it.  Do you frequently look dazed?  Is that your preferred look?  Did I just try to insult Ken Jennings?

The next day he sent this reply:

Re:  Dear Ken Jennings

Tamra,
Thanks for your drunken email!  I am very glad you liked the book.

I'm afraid I have to correct you on one point however: rich, famous people like me and, uh, Lisa Beamson (taking your word for it on that one) are indeed awesomer than the rest of you.  That is how we got so rich and famous.  Hope this helps!

Best,
Ken

PS: No, I dislike the Jeopardy photo on the cover just as much as you do.  It was a last-minute addition at the publisher's insistence.