Book Review: Normally This Would Be Cause for Concern

Recently, I have been in a bit of a reading rut. I’ve been having trouble getting in to a book and just sitting and reading for long stretches of time (a big reason I was not able to complete the hefty reading challenge I set for myself last year). However, if I had picked up this book before the end of the year I would have been at least one book closer to my challenge because I am one that LOVES to read books about other people’s lives.

Normally This Would Be Cause for Concern: Tales of Calamity and Unrelenting Awkwardness by Danielle Fishel did not disappoint. Released in 2016, I didn’t come across this book until 2022 because of the new podcast of which the author is a host: Pod Meets World a re-watch podcast of the ABC show Boy Meets World with original cast members which includes Fishel as Topanga.

Boy Meets World is quintessential 90’s TGIF-era and the name Topanga is synonymous with this show. My favorite story she told was her time on MTV’s Say What Karaoke, ahhh nostalgia. However, she stated that there is no video of it on the internet, of course someone realized this could not stand and uploaded video evidence this did in fact happen exactly 23 years ago today (weird coincidence). To refresh your memory, here is Fishel rapping faster than Busta Rhymes.

While Pod Meets World brought me to the book initially, Danielle Fishel kept me there with her humor and charm. This book is so relatable and funny that I ripped through it in a matter of a few hours (perfect to get anyone out of a reading rut). If you are looking for a deep dive into all things Boy Meets World, I recommend listening to Pod Meets World immediately. If you are looking for a collection of stories about a girl figuring out life on her terms, go find this book immediately.

This book was everything my 90’s loving heart wanted and if you are also a child of the 90’s go find this book! As always, let’s read, share, and repeat.