As an avid Saved By The Bell fan, I knew I had to read Dustin Diamond’s tell-all book. It did come out several years ago, but I just recently got my hands on it. This certainly isn’t classic American literature by any stretch of the imagination, but it is an entertaining read for those who grew up with the show. But, be warned, he shares some apparent ‘truths’ that may alter the way you look at a favorite actor or the character they portray.
The book is separated into parts, and those are separated into chapters. But as you read it almost feels more like a conversation. It seemed like this free flow of thought; I imagine him talking aloud as someone types away every word that falls from his lips. Throughout Diamond seems to veer off topic, and start discussing things which don’t fit with the general theme of the book. One section is discussing Mark-Paul and Tiffani having lengthy closed door meetings with the producer. And the very next is him talking about his cat allergy and irritable elderly neighbors. But this is easily forgivable, he’s an actor not Ernest Hemingway.
Something which interested me was who received anonymity. At first it seems like he just wants to be this beacon of truth, shining light on all the celebrities who tucked away their indiscretions. But there are a few people who he leaves nameless. For example, he claims to have slept with over 2,000 women yet he only fully names one of them. I guess it doesn’t hurt that the one he goes into most detail about isn’t alive to read it. I just didn’t understand why he wouldn’t just be completely honest. You can’t set out to make this revealing book without revealing it all. Many of his stories that involved an anonymous character weren’t necessary in the first place. Personally I felt that having this sort of middle ground was a cop out. Either put everything on the table or leave it all a secret.
If you’re the kind of person who likes Hollywood gossip and the reality of what celebrities are like behind closed doors, than this is a must read. Though I must admit I don’t think I can ever look at Mario Lopez’s smiling face the same ever again. Same for you, Tiffani-Amber Thiessen. And Diamond does spend a good portion of this book reminding us all that he has been with a plethora of women. What is he expecting, a round of applause? He even writes a letter to all the women he left emotional scars on throughout his young adulthood. But the juiciest secrets behind the SBTB set made this book more than worth it in my eyes. Plus, you get a bonus drinking game at the end!
Dustin Diamond isn’t the first cast member I’d think of whose tell-all book I’d like to read. But he did dive into some nasty secrets that others may not have been so quick to share. The language can get a bit foul, and the imagery isn’t always so pleasant. But it’s a good read for when you’re stuck at home on a rainy day with nothing else to do. By this point I’m sure you could just find the juiciest tidbits on the internet, but I’m not about to spoil it for you. If anything this book is just a firm reminder that not everything is as it appears.
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