Book Meets World: The Definitive Inside Story of the Hit Sitcom Boy Meets World

by Danielle Fishel, Rider Strong, Will Friedle

Read by Danielle Fishel, Rider Strong, and Will Friedle—the authors and stars of the show!

The actors who played Topanga, Shawn, and Eric on Boy Meets World expand on their hit podcast, Pod Meets World, in a nostalgic behind-the-scenes history of the much-loved 90s sitcom, featuring untold stories and never-before-seen photos.

“I know Mr. Feeny would’ve given this book an A+. Good job, kids. Class dismissed!” —William Daniels, Mr. Feeny

Boy Meets World ran from 1993 to 2000, ushering its audience of tweens and teens into the new millennium. Over the course of its seven seasons, viewers fell in love with Cory Matthews and his friends and family—rooting for Topanga and Cory, brooding with Shawn, learning from Mr. Feeny, and laughing at the increasingly over-the-top character that was Eric. Today, the show continues to evoke warm feelings of nostalgia over a quarter of a century after it ended.

Building on their incredibly successful podcast, Pod Meets World, Danielle Fishel, Rider Strong, and Will Friedle are here to share what it was like behind the scenes of the hit sitcom. The three podcast co-hosts and former cast members revisited the show they grew up on by watching the episodes (most of them for the first time ever) and interviewing dozens of the people who worked on Boy Meets World. And now they’ve written down all the memories—from hidden lobsters to prank wars to on-set notes sessions to castings that almost happened, and so much more.

Reading Book Meets World is a glimpse behind the curtain from three friends who were there when it all happened, just as warm and funny an experience as watching the show for the very first time.
Behind-the-Scenes From inside jokes that showed up on screen to epic notes sessions to laughter and tears on set, rediscover this fan-favorite sitcom with inside stories pulled from Pod Meets World interviews of the cast and crew, as well as brand-new interviews exclusive to this book.Never-Before-Seen Through dozens of personal photos from the set, including some that have never been shared before, get a nostalgic and candid look behind the scenes.Heartwarming These three friends starred on Boy Meets World but only recently watched every episode for the first time. Their journey through the series they helped make is one of laughter, sweet memories, and even some tears. Join them as they rediscover and embrace the 90s sitcom so many love.

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook, Pop Culture, Adult, Memoir, Biography

247 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 10, 2026

About the author

An American actress and television personality best known for her role as Topanga Lawrence on the 1990s TV sitcom Boy Meets World. She is set to reprise the role for the upcoming 2014 spinoff Girl Meets World. She is also known for being the host of Style Network's The Dish. Fishel also appears in National Lampoon's Dorm Daze and its sequel, and was a spokesperson for NutriSystem. She is also a resident reporter on PopSugar, and their spin-off YouTube channel, PopSugar Girls Guide.

Reviews

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Must-Read for Fans of the Show!!!

Boy Meets World has always been one of my favorite TV shows of all time. They just don’t make shows like it anymore, with morals and lessons for kids, wrapped up in a well-acted and entertaining package. The first thing my husband said when he watched the show for the first time was, “wow, this show is deep.” It really is.

Anyway; this book is a deep dive into the show itself. How it got made, behind the scenes stories, funny anecdotes, and some skeletons in the closet as well. I really liked learning about everything that went into it. None of the three authors (and former cast members) pull their punches and aren’t afraid to bring up sensitive topics. The book discusses all 7 seasons of the show and the ups and downs of each season.

I loved the discussion of “And Then There Was Shawn”, one of the best episodes of the series. I also liked that the cast spoke to most of the cast and producers/directors involved (other than Ben Savage and series creator Michael Jacobs). Matthew Lawrence had some funny vignettes and I loved William Daniels and Bonnie Bartlett. Rider Strong has a great essay at the end as well.

If you love the show, you will enjoy this book. I can’t wait to see the finished copy, which I believe has pictures! (My ARC did not.)


Thank you to the publisher; Harlequin Trade Publishing, for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.



Pre-Review:

A book about one of my favorite TV shows of all time???

So excited!!!




And now, a GIF from one of my favorite episodes:

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing, HarperCollins and NetGalley for a free advanced reader copy of Book Meets World.

In 2015, I was introduced to the BMW-iverse after a kid I babysat for asked if we can watch some episodes of Girl Meets World. I was immediately hooked. Never mind that I was 17 years old watching a Disney Channel show—I saw myself in Maya Hart and decided I should watch Boy Meets World. Little did I know I would discover one of my favorite shows of all time and meet my absolute favorite TV character, Shawn Hunter (the blueprint). I’ve never identified with a fictional character more.

Boy Meets World is that rare show that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It has informed so much of my life, serving as the comfort series I always return to when I need a North Star.

For fans of Pod Meets World, this book functions more as a companion piece to the behind-the-scenes stories already shared on the podcast. Personally, I would have appreciated a much more in-depth retrospective; an oral history format would have worked well here. I did enjoy Rider Strong’s essay at the end and I wish we had more cast members had penned their thoughts for this book as well.

It’s difficult to ignore the absence of both Ben Savage and co-creator Michael Jacobs. My personal theory is that Jacobs has declined to participate in Pod Meets World out of cowardice. It’s no secret that several decisions made during Boy and Girl Meets World were in poor taste, and I believe the retrospective (and this book) would have been far stronger if we didn't have to treat Jacobs like an unreachable, mythological figure.

[Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Hanover Square Press for the #gifted copy in exchange for an honest review! #hiveinfluencer

The dream team of Danielle Fishel, Rider Strong, and Will Friedle (who play Topanga, Shawn, and Eric, respectively) share what life was like behind the scenes on the hit 90s sitcom Boy Meets World. This book builds upon the success of their podcast, Pod Meets World, and the dozens of interviews they’ve conducted along the way as they rewatch episodes of the show. The book highlights some particularly memorable moments of the show (the Feeny call, the Morgan swap, the celery poster, and, of course, “underpants!”). While the love was obvious on-screen, the vibes weren’t always aligned off-screen, and they share some of the harder parts (and personalities) of working on the show. It’s the perfect review for anyone nostalgic for the show!

Major confession: Boy Meets World was my absolute favorite show growing up. I was the prime demographic for that coming-of-age 90s sitcom and I religiously watched (and rewatched) every episode. This book was SUCH a treat! There are so many stories I had never heard, and certainly there was so much introspection into how the actors developed the characters and vice versa. There’s no sugarcoating some of the negatives of the show(runners) and many of the backstage concerns (racism, sexism, body shaming) raised many years later; this book leans into at least opening up some of those discussions rather than hiding away from them. Not to mention leaning into some of the show’s inconsistencies. Regardless, if you are/were a fan of the show, this is a relatively quick read that’ll have you wanting to rewatch some of your favorite episodes and maybe, just maybe, convince you to lean into the curtained hair look.

Reviewed as part of an #ARC from the publisher and via #NetGalley.

Read this book if you:
👨🏻‍🏫 have unwavering adoration of Mr. Feeny
📼 are nostalgic for the life lessons in 90s television
📺 will forever remember TGIF

Follow me on Instagram for more book reviews!

[Love_booksforlife Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true insider's look at a beloved TV show!
I loved watching Boy Meets World growing up and I tuned in to the podcast a few times. But putting all of this together into a book was perfect. I loved hearing all of the inside stories. There were some that made me a little sad for the young actors but I did love seeing how close Fishel, Strong, and Friedle are now.
This was narrated by all three authors and this might be my favorite part. The book is written mostly in third person, but still hearing their interviews feel like a conversation with them.

This is a perfect book for Boy Meets World fans!

thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy!

[Nicole Burke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Boy Meets World was my favorite show growing up so reading this book was a roller coaster of emotions for me. On one hand, this was nostalgic and made me want to re-watch it in order to find all of the Easter eggs and Literature references that I am sure I missed as a child. On the other hand, it made me sad to read about some of the things these actors endured behind the scenes and the emotions that they were going through during that period of their lives. All in all, it was enlightening to learn about some of the people that molded these actors and to learn of some of the injustices within the industry. I highly recommend to my fellow millenials.


Thank you HarperCollins and NetGalley for providing me with this advance reader's copy. All opinions are my own.

[librariSAM · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for providing access to an e-ARC! All opinions in this review are my own.

A little background: I grew up watching Boy Meets World re-runs. Anyone who has known me for a long time knows how much I love that show. I made it my whole personality for the longest time. I’ve watched every single episode multiple times. Eric was one of my first ever crushes; Cory and Topanga were my first ever “ship”; Shawn was one of the first characters in a show to make me ugly cry. My childhood wouldn’t have been the same if I hadn’t watched this show. I am more of a reader than a podcast-listener, so I was extremely excited to see that Will, Danielle and Rider were coming out with this book.

The writing flows very nicely and is very conversational. I love books that feel like the authors are having a chat with you about their memories. I find the framing of this book very interesting and well done. The cast looks back on the story as adults and while finding faults in many aspects and providing constructive criticism, they still show respect to the show that gave them so much in life. The show wasn’t perfect and that is why I find it even more interesting to look back on and analyze with a 2020s lens. I love hearing the opinions of the cast about their characters and plotlines while also getting insider information about what happened on set and in their personal lives. This novel is extremely well-balanced and informative while still being fun and goofy at times.

If you have any nostalgia for Boy Meets World this is a must read.

I am very excited to meet Will, Danielle and Rider and get my signed book next month in St. Louis!

[Read By Kyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an extremely weird book. It dances around the fact that 3 of the stars have no relationship with the main star of this show, and they clearly dont want to talk about it. They dont have to talk about it, but the route taken in the book seems so ...glaring? Tip-toeing? Awkward? Its like they felt they couldn't say anything about Ben Savage almost at all because they dont talk to him anymore.

The other weird thing about this book is that because it is basically a summary of them doing their podcast, there isn't really a lot of long form summarization that a project like a book demands. Throughout the whole book, Michael Jacobs is demonstrated to be a tyrant and narcissist. Near the end, they *kind of* talk about how they realized that as adults. But the reason its not fully addressed is because every Jacobs story is clearly an offhand remark in like, episode 11 of the podcast, then episode 14, or whatever. And because none of them ever sat down and discussed it all at once, its just kinda there. Its not bad, its just half formed.

Also Michael Jacobs, the creator of the show, is truly the worst, he comes out looking incredibly bad in this.

The essay that Rider did at the end is fantastic, loved it.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh the nostalgia!!! Take me back! I loved returning back to Boy Meets World and listening to the actors who played Topanga, Shawn, and Eric talk about behind the scenes stories and letting us know how some things played out for several young actors. I loved listening to some untold stories and it was nice to hear from some of these beloved characters. I liked how it started from the very beginning of Boy Meets World till the very end. They also shared how things were done by the directors and cast.

Mr. Feeny…Tears, that final scene did it for me again.

If you loved Boy Meets World and would like to revisit this series and get several behind the scenes info be sure to get this one. Now, I’m off to go and rewatch this series and look for some of the easter eggs.

A very special thanks to Harlequin Audio +Harlequin Trade Publishing + HarperCollins +NetGalley for the gifted ALC.

[Sofia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so good and nostalgic, I loved reading about all the behind the scenes stories and learning about what it was like for them! I had no idea how toxic it was behind the scenes for boy meets world and girl meets world but I’m glad they’re paying it forward with their experiences and share it so others won’t have similar experiences. This book describes everything from their auditions, each seasons, the shows ending and what their life’s are like now.

I loved the show but I haven’t listened to the podcast that much and maybe I would have enjoyed parts of this book more if I was an avid podcast listener but I still enjoyed it!

Thank you netgalley and the publisher for an arc!

[Samantha Matherne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hearing what creating Boy Meets World (and later, Girl Meets World) was truly like for the main cast was a very enlightening experience. I really enjoyed learning more about the show from the perspectives of Fishel, Strong, and Friedle. The three reminiscence about the good times, the tough situations, and the lessons the show teaches its audience, both directly and through literature presented to the characters. They split the audiobook narration up nicely as well. I recommend this book for any fans of the original show who want an inside peak. The physical book has some great snapshots, too.

Thank you to Libro.fm and Hanover Square Press for early access to the audiobook.

[Courtney Keenum · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this ARC from Edelweiss (pub day is Nov. 10th)! As I have said in other similar book reviews, give me alllllllll the millennial nostalgia you can! Parts of this book were a bit disjointed, but I did love all the behind-the-scenes stories. It is such a shame that Ben Savage and Michael Jacobs did not want to be a part of it, but by the sound of their general attitudes during filming, it is clear to see why they distanced themselves. I would recommend this book for any fan of the show!

[Whitney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!

This book was a love letter to the show, and I would say THE definitive history. It was fun to hear it in the cast members' narratives, especially if you've already been familiar with the podcast. I had a lot of fun going down memory lane and learning the back story of some of the lingering questions I've had since the show ended all those years ago. Peak nostalgia, a must-read for any fans of the show who look back wistfully upon the TGIF era.

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Meets World by Danielle Fishel , Rider Strong , & Will Friedle
Rating (5/5) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I watched Boy Meets World every Friday night! Growing up I loved the TGIF “Thank Goodness It’s Funny” shows every Friday evening from 8pm - 10pm. This is a fan must read. ❤️ I loved reading about the cast and the behind the scenes.

[anovelaccount (Kayla) · Rating 5 out of 5]

My only complaint is that I wanted this to be at least double the length! Gimme more! Full review to come.

[Angela Hull]

Uh YES PLEASE!!!

[dearlyintrovert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you endlessly to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Available on here and on my blog, TheDearlyintrovert.

If you asked me about my favorite podcast that I listen to, the answer would easily be Pod Meets World. It’s not only the fact that as a 90s kid, I grew up watching Boy Meets World, or the deep dives into each episode and getting the inside scoop on what being on a hit TV show was really like. It’s the hilarious pre-show chatter and genuine conversations between lifelong friends that keeps bringing me back week after week. It truly feels like we’re all getting together on a Friday night to watch our favorite show—with a healthy amount of criticism, of course. So when I heard that Danielle, Rider, and Will were releasing a book, I could not have been more excited. As if it couldn’t get any better: Pod Meets World, in book form! A chronological account of the making of Boy Meets World. From day one of casting to that iconic final classroom scene in Feeny’s classroom where he utters those final lines that are etched onto every 90’s kid’s heart forever: “Dream. Try. Do Good.” This book takes you through it all. So strap in, because as they say, “Life’s hard, get a helmet.”

I genuinely enjoyed my time with this book. Having been an active listener of the podcast from the jump and hearing all of the stories and insider details over the years, it is structurally very satisfying to have it all organized in a chronological narrative. It definitely saves me having to jump around to different podcast episodes wondering, “Now, what episode was that where they mentioned this..?” Now, listeners of the podcast can experience the entire story from beginning to end and feel like a fly on the wall to everything that transpired over the whole run of the show. And there was a lot that took place both on and off set, both personal and in terms of writing, storytelling, and characters. I will say very transparently, if you are someone who is coming from Pod Meets World and jumping into this book, there isn’t going to be a whole lot that feels new. Now, I can’t fully keep a tally of what was mentioned on the podcast versus what was mentioned in this book. I think there are probably a few details here and there that felt new to me or that I don’t remember being discussed on the podcast—some that were quite shocking to learn, even. So there is still some exclusive insights you can get from this book, even if you’ve listened to the podcast. But I would say that 90% of this book won’t feel like anything new to a Pod Meets World fan, as they’re details we’ve already learned. But to the average reader who has never listened to an episode of Pod Meets World, I definitely think they’ll get a lot out of reading this book.

On that note, my only other real critique of this book would be that I just wish we had gotten a little bit more. You definitely get a lot of insight and behind the scenes stories from reading this book, but at times it felt a bit… surface-level? Especially since there are SO many perspectives from all walks of life that made up Boy Meets World—cast, writers, producers, directors, extras, props department, and other crew members—there’s so many voices that we could’ve heard from, but it felt like we were only just barely skimming the surface a lot of the time or only getting a basic summary and then moving onto the next thing. Or sometimes there would just be random gaps that I wish we would’ve gotten more information about. More to the story that I knew was there. An example of this is when the book touches on how the role for Topanga, formerly played by Bonnie Morgan, had now been recast to Danielle Fishel. In the book, it’s completely glossed over as to why Bonnie was fired, presented as barely anything more than an afterthought. Simply, Bonnie was out, and Danielle was in, with zero explanation. Moving on. Meanwhile, the real reason that Bonnie was let go is so much more crushing that it feels almost like a disservice not to address it—or the heartfelt, healing reunion that Bonnie and Danielle would have decades later on the podcast, two actors tied by the same role but who have so much profound love and respect for one another. These were the kind of missed opportunities that I felt the book occasionally suffered from that go that much deeper than just the surface-level information that are in the book.

There would definitely be room in the book to include some of these deeper, more emotional stories because as it is, some of the chapters in this book were verrrry short. As short as 2-3 pages at times, to the point where I thought, “Does this one minute detail need to have its own chapter? Surely, we can just squeeze this into an already existing chapter.” So structurally, that was a bit odd at times, having such short chapters dedicated to topics that honestly could’ve been summed up in a small paragraph in a much larger chapter.

Final thoughts:
If you’re someone who grew up watching Boy Meets World and are interested in a written history of the show, straight from the people who were there, I think this will be a great read for you. Especially if you’ve never listened to Pod Meets World, you’ll learn a lot about what happened on the show when the cameras weren’t rolling: tensions that grew on set, various casting and writing decisions, and each cast member’s relationship with the show while embarking on their own journeys growing with, then growing apart from the show to figure out who they really are. This book really is a great exploration of all of that and ends on a deeply reflective note that I think readers will find to be a satisfying ending. For fans of Pod Meets World, I think if anything, they’ll wish there had been more in-depth stories. They’ll wish this heartfelt interview with this or that Boy Meets World alumni would have made it in. As it is, it does read a bit surface-level and even clinical, like every other book that could’ve been written about a television show where you compile interviews and various accounts from the people who were there.

I think that’s what it boils down to, is that this doesn’t feel like a book written by Danielle, Rider, and Will. It feels like this could’ve been written by anyone tasked with publishing a written history of Boy Meets World. Which is fine, if this is the narrative and the approach you want to go with your book. But seeing as this is a passion project between Danielle, Rider, and Will specifically, I do wish this had a bit more of a personal touch to it and more heart. But if you’re not too particular, this book still does a fine job of taking you through the highs and lows of one of the most beloved sitcoms to come out of 90s.

[holli chance · Rating 1 out of 5]

i was soo excited to read this book to the point where i kept checking netgalley to see if it was available to request yet, and squealed when i was approved. i’d recently finished reading a behind-the-scenes book about the show ‘new girl,’ which was so fun & insightful & engaging, with an overall positive vibe throughout the book. this one turned out to be the opposite, and it’s the first time i’ve ever actually regretted reading a book.

i wouldn’t recommend this read for fans of ‘boy meets world,’ especially if you grew up loving the show. the vast majority of this book is the authors talking about their negative experiences on set; which is understandable, especially in the case of child actors. but the entire tone of this book was incredibly depressing, lacking in humor, and i gained very little insight about the show itself, and only a tiny bit of insight about danielle, rider, and will as people.

for the record, i’m not a podcast person. i didn’t know these three have a podcast until i saw the cover of this book. so maybe the information in this book would be more interesting to their listeners, but honestly, it felt like the entire 250 or so pages were just there to plug the podcast. which seems weird, since every time it was mentioned, it was in terms of how successful the podcast is. it also makes me wonder how much of what danielle, rider, and will said in this book was also said during a recording of their podcast that the listeners may have already heard. even though i’d not heard any of these stories, i still feel like reading this book was not only a waste of time, but it’s also colored my view of ‘boy meets world,’ which had been a steady top 5 favorite show of mine for pretty much my entire life.

i do understand why a good chunk of what the authors remember about their time on-set was traumatic, at least when a certain one of the co-creators was there. he sounds like an absolutely horrible person to work for whether you’re a kid, teen, or adult. so it makes sense that there would be negative memories associated with that kind of atmosphere. i definitely agree that danielle had every right to set boundaries about physical contact when a lot of the cast and crew reunited for ‘girl meets world,’ & it’s frustrating to know how much pushback she got because of it, or how much gossip the adults around her did in regard to it when there were young girls on the set looking up to these people, girls who danielle was also trying to protect. when i read that section of the book, though, it felt almost as if the writing was cautiously dancing around there having been a potential incident that led her to setting this boundary in the first place, almost as if implying her television-husband might’ve made her feel uncomfortable while being very careful of word choice to not outright say as much. i hope i’m wrong, for her sake, but the wording was vague & confusing so it was hard to tell if that was intentional or not.

on a lesser note, speaking of word choice, this is a difficult read even without it ruining one of the best ‘90s shows. i admit that having 3 different authors talking about their true life experiences all in 3rd person can be a difficult thing to format without having the additional challenge of discussing a fictional character vs. the actor portraying them (ie., topanga vs. danielle). that said, it occurred more than once where they’d mention, for example, both ben & cory in the same paragraph then continue referencing him as just that— “he/him/his” without making it clear if the “he” is ben or cory. i realize this is an advanced copy and therefore not fully edited yet, but i imagine most books would go through at least a couple rounds of editing before being available for arc readers and this book didn’t seem like it had. one of the most glaring examples of that is, in a quick reference to actor dan aykroyd, they spelled his last name wrong. and no, it’s not an easy one to spell, but it took me 3 seconds just now to google it to make sure i got it right and it’s weird to me that none of the authors, ghostwriter, nor editors did that.

there’s a “glossary” at the back of the book explaining terms i assume danielle, rider, and will use on their podcast; i think they were going for funny with the definitions but they all fell flat. they kept mentioning how much fun the three of them have together and how hilarious their podcast has become, and yet throughout the course of the book i think the only funny bits were lee norris talking about being recognized as minkus while running through the airport, & at the end, when friedle thanked his dog because she’s cute. in fact, friedle was in general the only refreshing voice in this book. danielle & rider kept giving me the feeling they’ve spent far too much time reading into & overanalyzing every single moment of ‘boy meets world’ that they’ve ruined it for themselves, and maybe without even realizing it?

so many of us millennials grew up looking forward to tgif all week, & with everything this book talks about mainly in regard to cory & topanga’s relationship (along with some other not-easily-noticed problematic traits about other characters as well) is upsetting. i’m not saying the authors are wrong or that the cory/topanga relationship was healthy (honestly, i’ve not watched the earlier episodes of the show as an adult so i can’t speak to that), but i feel like it did the fans a disservice. discussing their own, in-real-life personal experiences both on the set and growing up off of it is one (very valid) thing, as is letting us know how toxic of a person they were working for—catharsis and all. but taking it to the level of coloring our perception of the characters we loved, wanted to be like (or be with, lol), and their various relationships with each other—including that chet might’ve been an abusive father—felt like something more suited to keep on the podcast where people know what to expect in that regard.

thank you to the authors, netgalley, & the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Aislin Spurgeon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is based on an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This review may contain spoilers.


I don’t think I could ever adequately explain just how much Boy Meets World means to me. It’s one of those shows that has been a constant in my life for as long as I can remember, and no matter how many times I watch it, I never seem to get tired of it. I grew up coming home from school and watching reruns every afternoon, and when I received the complete series on DVD for Christmas one year, you better believe those discs were played on repeat! These days, I’ve traded my DVDs for Disney+, but I still find myself rewatching the entire series every once in a while. It’s the definition of a comfort show for me, and I don’t think that will ever change.

To put my love for this show into perspective, I decorated my college graduation cap with a hand-painted portrait of Mr. Feeny and his famous final words to his students, proudly displayed that same quote in my classroom throughout my teaching career, and still find myself quoting the show on a daily basis (even if most people have absolutely no idea what I’m referencing ). So, naturally, when Danielle Fishel, Rider Strong, and Will Friedle launched Pod Meets World, I was thrilled! I’ve been a faithful listener ever since, and getting to revisit my favorite episodes while hearing the stories behind them has only made me appreciate the show that much more.

Needless to say, when I learned that the trio was releasing a book, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it!

Book Meets World takes readers behind the scenes of the beloved sitcom, exploring everything from casting decisions and memorable episodes to the relationships, challenges, and experiences that shaped the show throughout its seven-season run. I especially appreciated that the book doesn’t shy away from discussing some of the more difficult aspects of working on the series. As much as I adore Boy Meets World, it’s interesting to revisit something so closely tied to my childhood through the perspectives of the people who actually lived it.

My only real critique is that, as someone who listens to Pod Meets World every single week, I was already familiar with the majority of the stories shared throughout the book. There weren’t many moments that genuinely surprised me, but I also don’t necessarily consider that a bad thing! I enjoyed having so many of those stories brought together in one place, and the book was well-written, entertaining, and full of the nostalgia that made me fall in love with the show in the first place. I do think readers who haven’t listened to the podcast will get even more out of it, simply because so much of the behind-the-scenes information will be completely new to them.

Ultimately, Book Meets World was a really fun trip down memory lane, and I thoroughly enjoyed revisiting a show that has meant so much to me over the years. Whether you’ve followed the podcast from the beginning or you’re simply someone who grew up alongside Cory, Shawn, Topanga, and Eric, there’s something special about getting to see the series through the eyes of the people who helped bring it to life.

And if you’ll excuse me, I think I’m due for another rewatch!

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing for providing me with an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC of Book Meets World in exchange for my little review!

I grew up when Boy Meets World was airing in syndication daily. It was popular on ABC Family and the Disney Channel, and I felt like I knew these characters as if they were my own personal friends. Back then you didn’t have streaming or even DVR and were entirely at the mercy of what felt like pure luck, at best random happenstance. You would get excited when one of your favorite episodes was on. You would watch some episodes too much and others not enough. Either way, it was a permanent fixture in your childhood and on your TV. Boy meets Boy Meets World.

I was invested in Cory and Topanga. I was in love with Shawn. I found Eric at times annoying and at times endearing, particularly in any scenes with Feeny. When I saw that this book was coming out, it felt nostalgic and bittersweet. I’m so happy Fishel, Strong and Friedle can see the long lasting significance of their work and the way it continues to resonate. I’m always curious about behind the scenes stories (and Book Meets World doesn’t shy away from the challenging moments). And of course we all know that Ben Savage ghosted his castmates, distancing himself entirely from this history. The proverbial boy has left the building. And we might be better for it.

I thought I was in for some fun stories, a chronological record of creating such a popular show, and some pop culture analysis. I got all that, but I also got a lot of blunt, read-worthy honesty from this trio of actors/writers about the frustrations with young stardom, lack of proper character development in scripts, clashes with the volatile creator, and more. Creative decisions that felt immense when I was a child were made carelessly, and the then child-actors frequently suffered through the exhausting responsibility of managing the moods of adults who failed them. The revival gets a chapter too, and nothing seems to have improved on that end. There’s still a lot of fondness and nostalgia here, but the rose colored glasses are off. I hope it's healing. Class dismissed.

[Jarrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

A big thanks to Harliquin Trade Publishing, Harper Collins, and Net Galley for the Arc of this book.

If you’re of a certain age, you grew up watching the TGIF block on ABC. If you are in you mid 30s to early 40s, you remember certain block of shows that ran from 1991 to 2000, then you watched what might be the best version of that block’s lineup that included the iconic Family Matters, the heartwarmingly funny Step by Step and Sabrina the Teenage Witch, which is the only show to feature a sassy black cat that was a former human. However, out of all those shows, there is none more relatable than Boy Meets World, which ran from 1993 to 2000 and followed the life of Corey Matthews and his friends and family. What might be one of the best shows to show what it was like for a millennial to grow up and go to college and eventually raise a family, garnered a cult following and to this day, it is loved by its fan base.

When three of the starts started a podcast to discuss the show, they didn’t realize how big it was until their base came out in full force and loved the podcast as much as they loved the show. The book that came from said podcast does add more to it too.

From the start, you can tell that Book Meets World was going to more than just a behind the scenes book, it was going to tell the entire story of BMW from concept to finish to the spinoff of GMW. The book is well written, while a little slow at times, and gave more insight into what went into getting the show off the ground and how it lasted seven seasons. There were a lot off great behind the scene stories that were collected from the podcast, like what happened to the first Morgan, Corey and Eric’s little sister, and why she really disappeared.

While the average reader might be bored with this book, mostly because it seems that most of the stories came from the podcast that inspired it, for fans of the show who never listened to the podcast will be interested in it and love the fact that they included things, like all the books that were mentioned on the show, in it.

[Mariah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boy Meets World was everyone’s favorite show throughout the 90s. A pleasure to be able to get the narrative straight from the actors as adults. This is a prefect blend of summarizing their time spent on set, their reactions to some dated material, and how production treated their actors. If you are a fan of the show then there may be some cool facts in here you already know – but in this narrative they go into depth. You really get to understand how they were feeling when they were playing the character and what they think of how the characters were written.
I appreciate hearing their creative process and how they have grown to constructively critique their time spent on the show. In the narrative they rewatched every episode and were able to cringe, laugh, and reflect. I appreciate that they include as many perspectives as they can from other actors. They also included information about Angela’s character and why we did not get to see her in the series finale. And of course there is a lot of discussion about the slasher episode. I appreciate the insight and it shows how childhood actors are treated throughout the process. That is most pivotal piece of this narrative.
The actors are taking conversations they have had on their podcast and creating a discussion around it. I appreciated the essay and the way they can look at themselves and the show critically. This is a nostalgic read, but it also goes into the depths of why some of them stepped away from acting or chose an acting career that was quite different from Boy Meets World. Definitely worth the read during the holiday season this year. Thank you Harlequin Trade Publishing and Netgalley for this advanced digital copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

For reviews, tarot readings, and recommendations, visit my blog https://brujerialibrary.wordpress.com/

[Katie L · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing - @htpbooks, HarperCollins, and NetGalley for allowing me access to an Advanced Reader Copy of Book Meets World.

I have been a Boy Meets World fan since the very beginning. I watched each episode of the show as they first premiered. I have watched the show over several times since. As a child watching this, I related to the characters, the story lines, and felt like they were facing real life problems. As an adult, I introduced my own kids to Boy Meets World, and Girl Meets World, setting the expectation that they would be able to enjoy the show, while always learning a worth while life lesson in every episode. Growing with these characters, and the actors themselves, was a privilege.

Book Meets World is a companion to the podcast Pod Meets World, where the actors from the show get together, re-watch the series, and share their thoughts and feelings on both the episodes and behind the scenes. It really puts into perspective the challenges, joys, highs and lows they faced throughout their time on Boy Meets World. The book breaks down the entire process, from their first auditions, through each season, and to where the cast is are now.

It is an honest, enlightening telling of what the actors really went through on set, how their friendships and views delevoped over the years, and how their time on Boy Meets World has impacted their adult lives.

This book was such a fun and nostalgic trip through the lives of not only Danielle Fischel, Rider Strong, and Will Friedle, but also many other cast and crew members. I recommend this to all Boy Meets World fans.

[Meagan Irving · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the advanced copy of Book Meets World.

I watched Boy Meets World when it originally aired and stopped watching before the finale. I did watch some episodes of the final season. But at that point, the character of Rachel just annoyed me to no end (not the actress, but the writing for the character with how she was just a pretty face and had no substance) and I hated what they had done with dumbing down Eric so much. I guess you could say I was a big fan of earlier seasons and then became a casual viewer. I have not watched Girl Meets World or listened to the podcast.

This book was really well written and provided a lot of behind the scenes looks at how the production was run, what the actors experiences were with making the show, which adults really looked out for them during the seven seasons, and an analytical view of storylines. This book had the good, bad, and the ugly. They didn't hold back.

Reading this has encouraged me to watch certain episodes on Disney+ and to check out some of the other projects that Will, Danielle, and Rider have done recently.

I do wish that Ben had decided to participate in the writing of this book. It would have been interesting to see his take on things. I also wish they had discussed how fame at such a young age affected them personally. It wasn't really discussed in depth. Overall, this felt like a deep and analytical conversation with friends. It was written for everyone, from casual viewers and die hard fans that know where to find the lobster every time. I highly recommend if you're looking for a quick and fun read. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Tara Schmidt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Boy Meets World was a nostalgic trip down memory lane that brought back so many memories of a show that was a big part of growing up for many of us. One of the strongest aspects of the book was the behind-the-scenes information it provided. I enjoyed learning more about what went on off camera, the experiences of the cast, and the stories behind a show that became so meaningful to its audience. It offered plenty of interesting details and gave me a greater appreciation for the work and creativity that went into making the series. The book also highlighted some of the most memorable episodes, bringing back moments that made the show so special.

However, as much as I appreciated the nostalgia and informative content, I felt the book moved through the seasons too quickly. There was so much history, character development, and emotional depth to explore, but some parts felt more like a summary than a deep dive. For a show that touched on friendship, family, growing up, and life's important lessons, I found myself wishing the book captured more of the heart behind it all. I wanted to feel that same emotional connection I felt while watching the show, but at times, that element was missing. Overall, Boy Meets World was an enjoyable and informative read for longtime fans, especially those who love learning about what happened behind the scenes. It brought back plenty of fond memories, but I was left wanting a little more heart and a deeper reflection on what made the show so unforgettable.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Harlequin Audio and Hanover Square Press for the gifted ALC!

I so enjoyed this behind the scenes look into a really nostalgic show for me. I thought that Danielle Fishel, Rider Strong and Will Friedle did an amazing job narrating this and I was so hooked into every minute of it. From learning about how they initially got into the show to learning about their whole journey with it, the good and the bad, it was so interesting. Their narration was fantastic which really isn't surprising since they all have a successful podcast together as well.

Boy Meets World was probably one of the things I remember the most from growing up. It was a show my siblings and I watched every week and it was great. Looking back on it from an adult lens now, I could totally see the points that these 3 actors make about it. They mention that they would have loved more diversity in the cast, that they think they could have handled big issues a little better, and how the set wasn't always a great place to be. It was really eye opening. And the fact that Danielle had to fight so hard to just get paid a portion of what her male counterparts were making is insane to me. She was such a huge part of the show and she deserved so much better.

If you have the same nostalgia as I have for the show I think you'd really enjoy this short insight to it. I thought it was really interesting and gave me a new perspective on what I had watched growing up. This is out tomorrow November 10th!

*This ALC was given by Harlequin Audio and Hanover Square Press through NetGalley, all opinions are my own.*

[Chip Fallaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

    I won't sugarcoat my review of Book Meets World. It's odd. Some reviews claim this book is a "deep dive" into Boy Meets World. I'd argue it's a shallow wade into lukewarm water. The book speaks briefly to the writer's favorite (or most memorable) episodes while ignoring many others. It's almost like their memories of filming these episodes have vanished.

    As an aside - I love Boy Meets World. I watched it in high school, and most days as I got ready in college. It helped support my love for friends, family, teachers, and learning. This book tainted that perception slightly. It portrayed Michael Jacobs as a narcissist tyrant with little care of concern for the actor's well-being. It showed the actor's as begrudgingly acting with a "will-this-ever-end" mindset. It danced around concerning behaviors by adults, the fallout with Ben Savage, and the uncertain future of Pod Meets World. All the things that I think this book should address.

    On the bright side, I did learn some fun factual nuggets that hadn't been disclosed elsewhere. Favorite episodes, small stories, important non-cast members' names and contributions. And the writing style was fun - Laid back, conversational. Written by Eric and Shawn - Edited by Topanga if I had to guess based on their Boy Meets World characters alone. I gave the book three stars - It was okay.

    Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing, HarperCollins, NetGalley, and the authors for the Advanced Readers Copy.

[LateNightDadReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Meets World is a nostalgic, behind-the-scenes look at the beloved 1990s sitcom Boy Meets World, told by former cast members Danielle Fishel, Rider Strong, and Will Friedle. Building on their Pod Meets World podcast, the trio revisits the show's seven seasons, sharing untold stories, on-set memories, cast and crew interviews, and never-before-seen photographs that offer fans a glimpse into the making of a series that meant so much to a generation.

Growing up in the TGIF era, Boy Meets World was an absolute staple for me. I've rewatched the series a time or two, spent some time listening to the Pod Meets World podcast (though admittedly, I fell off along the way), and have even had the opportunity to meet Danielle Fishel and Will Friedle at conventions. Needless to say, I have a lot of nostalgia tied to this show, and I cannot wait for the day I get to watch it all over again with my son.

All of that being said, there wasn't a whole lot in Book Meets World that genuinely surprised me. Between the podcast and the many deep dives into the show over the years, a lot of the stories and behind-the-scenes details felt familiar rather than entirely new. But is it still fun spending a few hundred pages back in the world of Cory, Shawn, Topanga, and Eric? Absolutely. Sometimes the appeal isn't discovering something new; it's simply getting to revisit something you already love.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the free ARC in exchange for a review.

[Jessica Bellemore · Rating 5 out of 5]

A millennial media masterpiece.

Anyone who grew up in the 90s like me will recognize the three faces on the cover as Shawn, Topanga and Eric, part of the main cast of the iconic Boy Meets World.

The three actors are pulling back the curtain on what really happened on set, how quotable lines came to be, and how their lives’ were shaped by the TGIF staple.

Boy Meets World was a show that I eagerly awaited, alongside Sabrina the Teenage Witch, every Friday night with my whole family. It’s a show that I own every season of, and have rewatched as an adult numerous times.

Hearing more about what really happened behind the scenes was eye-opening to say the least, making me see the show in a much different light. As we learn more about the toxic environment that surrounds children's shows, these three actors are amazing advocates for changing the culture for the better.

Never forget: Believe in yourselves. Dream. Try. Do good.

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing I Hanover Square Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book for free in exchange for my honest review.

[Lindsay EBW · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review of Advanced Reader Copy from NetGalley

Hey 90s kids - take a dive into the nostalgia pool and curl up with this memoir from some of the cast - Book Meets World is a fast-paced, fascinating look at the development and progression of one of the biggest sitcoms of the 90s. The text is developed from the podcast in which cast members watch the series, episode by episode, and break everything down. The flow and description of the show’s history is engaging and thorough. Book Meets World was a delight for this fan to revisit some of the best moments from the show’s run. There are many harsh realities of being a child-star and this book does not hold back. Be ready to look behind the current and find less glamour, and some real trauma the cast shares with readers. The book finishes with a reflection from Rider Strong tying the podcast series “definitive” summary of the show with a personal touch. My only gripe is a lack of presence from Ben Savage - can you call a book “definitive” without input from the show’s creator or lead actor? I’m not sure. It’s enjoyable all the same!

[Danielle | daniellereadslikealot · Rating 4 out of 5]

And just like that, I’m twelve again writing “Mrs. Shawn Hunter” all over my notebook! What an absolute treat to read as a Boy Meets World fan! I loved getting the backstory for casting, story lines and the creative team that ran the show. You could really feel the complex feelings Danielle, Rider and Will had and continue to have about their iconic roles and having such big success so early on in their careers. There’s no bad mouthing anyone, just simple statements of their points of view as children and now adults on the work environment and cast relationships beyond the show. It was truly so wonderful to read about how certain moments and stories came to be. How they spoke about the very last scene of the series had me tearing up. It was also so cool to see how Girl Meets World and their eventual hit podcast made the show accessible to a whole new generation of fans and revived the love that “older” fans had for the series. I think any fan of the show and podcast will truly enjoy it. Now, excuse me while I start my rewatch!

Thank you to Hanover Square Press for the digital reader’s copy!