#77. "The Answer Is... Reflections on My Life" by Alex Trebek

From the way that Alex Trebek writes his memoir, the reader wouldn't think that he was a cultural icon. The way that he phrases it is by noting that he isn't the star of the long-running Jeopardy!, but the host. In the simple word choice, he manages to change perception, believing that he's presenting others while trying to bring out their best selves. Not a page feels judgmental, reflecting a man who looks at the world as a place to explore and enjoy the fruits of knowledge and the stories of the world around him. For those who love watching him on TV every night, this will only make you admire him more as an everyman, willing to work hard for everything and learn from his mistakes. It's a charming, brisk read, and a perfect tribute to a man who made TV, and the world, a better place.

#76. "Under the Dome" by Stephen King

One of the greatest things about Stephen King as an author is that he knows how to sell a plot. Over the past few decades, he's managed to put his stamp on every crazy concept, finding a way to make them essential tales in our popular consciousness. With this in mind, it's easy to see what the appeal of "Under the Dome" was. Considering that he's done everything from possessed cars to evil clowns, the idea of condensing characters to a limited setting makes one think of how much potential King has. What will he do in showing a small town trapped from the outside world, doing everything to not fall apart? Well, it's a good enough book given his knack for briskly paced plotting. However, it's also one of his most disappointing by the end, never giving enough of a satisfying reason for its conclusion. For what it's worth, it's an engaging look into how King sees Obama-era political discourse. However, don't expect anything subtle or satisfying in who we're trapped with.