AJ Jacobs, born on March 20, 1968, in New York City, was raised in a Jewish household with a father who was an attorney. Growing up in the bustling city, Jacobs developed a curiosity for knowledge and a desire to push the boundaries of conventional thinking.
After completing his education, Jacobs embarked on a career in journalism, where he gained a reputation for his immersive style of reporting. He delved into various unique and challenging experiences to uncover new perspectives and insights.
One of his early projects involved reading all 32 volumes of the Encyclopedia Britannica, demonstrating his commitment to intellectual exploration. Jacobs' willingness to immerse himself in new worlds led to his foray into "stunt journalism," where he would tackle extreme challenges in the pursuit of understanding.
In 2005, Jacobs published his first book, "The Know-It-All," chronicling his journey of reading the entire Encyclopedia Britannica. The book was well-received and showcased Jacobs' wit and humor as he navigated the vast world of knowledge.
His subsequent works included "The Year of Living Biblically," published in 2007. In this memoir, Jacobs detailed his year-long experiment of following every rule in the Bible, a project that challenged his beliefs and tested his dedication to living a moral life. The book resonated with readers and sparked conversations about faith, spirituality, and the human experience.
Following the success of "The Year of Living Biblically," Jacobs continued to explore unconventional topics in his writing. "The Guinea Pig Diaries," published in 2010, delved into his various experiments and experiences, further solidifying his reputation as a daring and thought-provoking author.
Notably, Jacobs' work caught the attention of Hollywood, with Brad Pitt agreeing to produce a movie adaptation of "The Year of Living Biblically." The project promised to bring Jacobs' insightful and humorous storytelling to a broader audience.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Jacobs is a devoted family man, sharing his life with his wife Julie and their three sons. Together, they navigate the joys and challenges of parenthood, finding inspiration and fulfillment in their shared experiences.
As AJ Jacobs continues to push the boundaries of traditional journalism and storytelling, he remains a captivating figure in the literary world, inspiring readers to question their beliefs, explore new perspectives, and embrace the complexity of the human experience.
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