Whenever I spend vacation at my parents’ house, I end up reading a few books. During the first two days, I read Aliza Licht’s handbook for the ambitious professional. The second pair of days, I took out Danielle Fishel’s memoir.
A light read, I was initially dismayed that this book did not delve as deep into the juicy nuggets behind the scenes of the Boy Meets World set that I anticipated. Ms. Fishel addressed her own experience auditioning for the iconic role of Topanga Lawrence. A common trend throughout the book is that she does not hesitate to poke fun of herself. To not take oneself too seriously is one of my favorite traits a person can have. I always say if you cannot joke about yourself, you have no business making even the most lighthearted joke about another.
Other than her experience securing the role of Topanga, what else did it address? Fishel’s relationship with Lance Bass. I recall being so envious that Danielle Fishel got to go to her prom with the member of N’Sync! She recounts a few dates that are now “a-ha!” moments in regards to her ex-boyfriend’s sexual orientation. Something about a Celine Dion concert comes to mind. This is not at all a dig on Lance Bass. He was my favorite member of N’Sync then and now! I can only imagine the pain and struggle he experienced growing up in church-centered, mid-state Mississippi in the 1990s. Ms. Fishel has the best things to say about him and their friendship; her perspective was one of the most positive and beautiful ways I have ever heard an ex talk about a past relationship!
Would I read Normally This Would Be Cause for Concern… again? I would limit my re-reading to certain chapters. Would I recommend the reading for others? Yes, if you were a child of the 1990s.
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