Book Review / I was Saved by the Bell by Peter Engel

Peter Engel, one of the most prolific producers in television with more than 1,000 episodes produced under his banner, single handedly created the teen sitcom with Saved By The Bell, which he executive produced through all of its many incarnations, and which led to his many other teen series. As if defining and conquering the teen arena wasn't enough, Peter produced the iconic Last Comic Standing, enabling the discovery of an entirely new, fresh generation of comedians.

Peter’s work was inspired by his own personal journey that took him through the injustices of the 1950s; meeting JFK and working for his election in 1960, with the catastrophic letdown that followed; his dream in the 1970s of making “important” television; his loves, marriages, family, and faith; and, in the 1990s and 2000s, finding his greatest success where he least expected it. Along the way, Peter encountered some of the most iconic personalities of his times.

I Was Saved by the Bell is the chronicle of Peter’s amazing journey. His stories will make you laugh, cry, and want them never to end. Together, they are a master class on life from the perspective of a man who grew up during a time of great uncertainty and came of age in an era of hope and promise. With the ups and downs of the decades as a backdrop, Peter opens his heart and shares the experiences of his own good times, bad times, reflection, redemption, and, ultimately, joy and satisfaction of a life lived the only way he could—with passion.

Published:     15th November 2016
Publisher:  Top Hat Words
Goodreads :  Click here
Series or Stand-Alone:  Stand Alone, Non-Fiction
Source:  Review Copy from Publisher
 

MY REVIEW

First of all I have to admit that I am completely bias when it comes to Peter Engel, not that I know him or have met him in any way but purely by the fact that two of my favourite TV shows of all time are Saved by the Bell and California Dreams, both of which I would have never known had it not have been for Peter Engel.

I always find it fascinating when reading about other people's lives that it never usually is how you  think it is.  I had thought that a big time producer would have had all the best luck and quite a happy live but sadly that was not always the case for Peter Engel.  There were parts of Peter's story that I found heartbreaking but equally I found parts to be really uplifting, especially when he has a change of perspective on life and religion.  I also liked the fact that even though the main reason I picked this up was because of Saved by the Bell this book didn't concentrate on it longer than it needed to be.  It was interesting to learn more about the producer of the show rather than the show itself. 

For fans of any of his shows including Saved by the Bell, California Dreams, Hang time, City Guys and many more, this is a book not to be missed.