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What I Think Happened: An Underresearched History of the Western World
A book of comedic personal essays about the history of the western world – a “femmoir” in which the author reconfigures famous and infamous historical events and personalities from her perspective as a feminist, a comedian, and a “failed academic.” Sly, self effacing, and wickedly funny, these essays offer a bright new take on learning about history.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 16, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 3, 2017
Canadian comedic actress dishes about the never-ending, confusing saga of the British Empire, 'history dads,' alternatives to mentioning Hitler in an argument, and - in possibly my favorite chapter - an imaginary, R-rated panel interview with America's founding fathers. (Just who the hell was John Jay, anyway? LOL) And then, to wrap it up with a bow on top, she writes about gaining a love of history from her father (who sounds like quite a character) during a trip to the Gettysburg battlefields. Ms. Rosen, I would not mind a sequel.
December 2, 2017
This was amazing and I loved every word of it. I loved it so much that halfway through reading my library copy I went out and bought a copy to keep. Just fantastic.
October 25, 2017
There are certain historical events that I don't find particularly enthralling. Yet I found this book delightful and funny and actually made me want to learn more about stuff I normally would ignore. I particularly felt a personal agreement with Rosen's interlude about how stupid it was the way Jane Grey was treated. 5 out of 5 stars for me!
February 18, 2020
I laughed. A lot.
This is a fun way to get a pretty decent overview of British (and a bit of European and American) history! If you want deeper knowledge or find it too light (both tone and/or information wise) then I dare say there are PLENTY of heavy, drily written tomes out there for you to read! ;) (I kinda love those too tbh)
I can’t say I learned a lot of new things, but there are some fun facts and anecdotes in here, and while some chapters dragged a little (I didn’t love when the focus turned to her/family/friends instead of history, and actually skimmed the last one) I had a great time reading it, and would definitely read another if she decided to write one!
This is a fun way to get a pretty decent overview of British (and a bit of European and American) history! If you want deeper knowledge or find it too light (both tone and/or information wise) then I dare say there are PLENTY of heavy, drily written tomes out there for you to read! ;) (I kinda love those too tbh)
I can’t say I learned a lot of new things, but there are some fun facts and anecdotes in here, and while some chapters dragged a little (I didn’t love when the focus turned to her/family/friends instead of history, and actually skimmed the last one) I had a great time reading it, and would definitely read another if she decided to write one!
January 17, 2018
In which the author gives us the lite version of the history of the british empire. Plus Napoleon, who she really loves. She's a comedian (I love laughing), she loves history, especially that of the British Monarchy (I do too!) so this was a perfect read for me.
January 13, 2020
Reading this book is like reading about stealing a car, joyriding it around, and then wrecking it.
The start about taking on large but eventually doomed intellectual history project has the anxiety of breaking into and hotwiring a car, cringe-inducing and self-involved, but still a great setup and still pretty funny. The main body of the book genuinely funny and quick, jumping between topics and breaking up larger sections, keeping it loose, cruising around history looking for fun. Only at the end do you we reckon with the consequences, which grates the book to a halt as the conflicting surfaces of sincerity and comedy collide in shmaltzy and preachy sparks as the author can no longer manage the (w)reckless spectacle.
The start about taking on large but eventually doomed intellectual history project has the anxiety of breaking into and hotwiring a car, cringe-inducing and self-involved, but still a great setup and still pretty funny. The main body of the book genuinely funny and quick, jumping between topics and breaking up larger sections, keeping it loose, cruising around history looking for fun. Only at the end do you we reckon with the consequences, which grates the book to a halt as the conflicting surfaces of sincerity and comedy collide in shmaltzy and preachy sparks as the author can no longer manage the (w)reckless spectacle.
November 29, 2017
I won this book in a LitHub giveaway and I've never been more delighted to win anything in my life. The chapter about the modern philosophers baseball team had me dying; drunk Evany Rosen is as funny as drunk me thinks I am which is really an accomplishment tbh. And also the chapter about going to Gettysburg with her dad made me cry ok that's all.
December 23, 2018
A book of somewhat revisionist historical essays written by a woman whose day job is stand-up comedian. The topics range from Napoleon to the history of cheese. You’ll learn some history by reading this book, but mostly you’ll laugh. As an example, here’s a few quips from my favorite chapter, the one about America’s “dumpiest” presidents.
-- On William Henry Harrison: “he decided the best way to prove to everyone that he wasn’t an ancient, uneducated, booze-soaked blowhard was to use his inaugural address to tell them so, forever.”
--On Warren Harding: “he would write to his paramour Carrie Phillips in ‘code’ – the code being to refer to his genitals as 'Jerry.'
-- And on Millard Fillmore: “embodies dumpiness in a way only a personality-less coat hanger who never actually got elected can.
There is a hint of feminism in Rosen’s history which mainly means the point is made at how badly certain male historical figures acted because they were guided by their penis. Henry VIII obviously fits that category. But we also learn that the painter Caravaggio and poet Lord Byron were the Bill Cosby and Woody Allen of their time.
Admittedly Rosen runs out of topics that she knows something about before this book runs out of pages. So the book, like a three-minute pop song, sort of winds down rather than ending. One of the last chapters is about filling out the starting lineup of a fantasy baseball team with famous philosophers.
This is a refreshing informal history, a breezy and fun read. And, if you’re stuck in a rut of reading too many of the same kind of book, this one is different.
-- On William Henry Harrison: “he decided the best way to prove to everyone that he wasn’t an ancient, uneducated, booze-soaked blowhard was to use his inaugural address to tell them so, forever.”
--On Warren Harding: “he would write to his paramour Carrie Phillips in ‘code’ – the code being to refer to his genitals as 'Jerry.'
-- And on Millard Fillmore: “embodies dumpiness in a way only a personality-less coat hanger who never actually got elected can.
There is a hint of feminism in Rosen’s history which mainly means the point is made at how badly certain male historical figures acted because they were guided by their penis. Henry VIII obviously fits that category. But we also learn that the painter Caravaggio and poet Lord Byron were the Bill Cosby and Woody Allen of their time.
Admittedly Rosen runs out of topics that she knows something about before this book runs out of pages. So the book, like a three-minute pop song, sort of winds down rather than ending. One of the last chapters is about filling out the starting lineup of a fantasy baseball team with famous philosophers.
This is a refreshing informal history, a breezy and fun read. And, if you’re stuck in a rut of reading too many of the same kind of book, this one is different.
June 17, 2018
If you only ever read one book about history, you should probably also read this book, so you’re going to need to read, at minimum, like, two history books. In the long run it’s going to be advisable to read even more history, and you really do need to include Rosen’s 100% entertaining summation of (at the very least) England’s history, because if you don’t, you’ll like let end up sad. Possibly better informed, but sad.
Listen. Even if all you get out of this book is better retorts (than “stop being Hitler about it”) to discourse on current events, *you will be further ahead*. I’m not sure what you’ll be further ahead OF, but if there’s one thing history has demonstrated time and time again, it’s that bringing up the rear generally sucks.
Also the chapter on Lady Grey.
Can you even give spoilers about books about history?
I have decided you cannot.
Evany Rosen understands the power of narrative, the importance of humour, and instinctively knows how to blend the two in a book that makes it seem like she’s sitting on your chesterfield and maybe you should move the wine glass. “What I Think Happened” is personally anecdotal (and therefore approachable), historically relevant (and at least partially accurate), and wildly entertaining.
It’s rather like “Drunk History” without the distracting hiccoughs and slurring.
A magnificent and worthwhile read.
Listen. Even if all you get out of this book is better retorts (than “stop being Hitler about it”) to discourse on current events, *you will be further ahead*. I’m not sure what you’ll be further ahead OF, but if there’s one thing history has demonstrated time and time again, it’s that bringing up the rear generally sucks.
Also the chapter on Lady Grey.
Can you even give spoilers about books about history?
I have decided you cannot.
Evany Rosen understands the power of narrative, the importance of humour, and instinctively knows how to blend the two in a book that makes it seem like she’s sitting on your chesterfield and maybe you should move the wine glass. “What I Think Happened” is personally anecdotal (and therefore approachable), historically relevant (and at least partially accurate), and wildly entertaining.
It’s rather like “Drunk History” without the distracting hiccoughs and slurring.
A magnificent and worthwhile read.
December 27, 2018
This was a hilarious read. Rosen helps introduce readers to what can be some very dry material with a human interest pull. The only parts which were difficult for me to read ( and which the author sort-of-apologises for) were chapters where the author collaborated with her friend. The humour is still there, but it was difficult to follow. I would recommend this to everyone, especially for folks who find non-fiction history boring.
October 11, 2024
It's a trope, But we have tropes for a reason, This book is laugh out loud funny. Doesn't shy away from history by rather stares at it in awe of how ugly the world can be....and yet somehow doesn't depress you but rather has you on floor laughing. It's gotta be a tough rope to balance on but Evany Rosen does so with a cluelessness that underlines a lot of good freaking questions! History isn't pretty but in the right hands, like hers, it sure does go down lot easier without losing the bite.
March 22, 2018
I'm so glad I got past the twee footnotes of the intro and preface and got to the not so twee sorta informative footnotes of the actual text. Which was mostly great! This was a humorous and easily digestible take on a lot of already known some western history. It was fun to read, the end.
January 27, 2019
I really, truly, right hand to God, laughed and cried. It was a 90/10 split in favor of laughter, and the tears were for the loving, moving tribute to her father in the final chapter that put me in mind of my own beloved Pa, so even the crying was enjoyable. Loved it.
March 26, 2021
As a history major and comedy fan, it’s no surprise I loved this book. Actually laughed till I cried in some parts, very nearly a 5-star. This is my 2nd book to read from Robin’s Egg Press, and I’ve loved both, will definitely be looking for more.
November 9, 2017
One of the funniest books I’ve ever read.
January 18, 2018
3.5 stars.
February 28, 2018
Very fun!
September 10, 2018
3 1/2 stars
December 28, 2018
A gem. So funny, so smart, and the last chapter warmed my damn heart. A no-brainer five stars.
December 3, 2019
As insightful as it is hilarious. I recommend this to all my history-loving friends for a good laugh and a thoroughly enjoyable read!
May 30, 2020
The types of history dads and philosophy baseball teams were right up my alley.
March 21, 2021
Such a fun book!
March 26, 2021
Disappointing. Uninteresting.
August 18, 2021
Totally fun. Exactly what I'd do with my under-used history degree and niche historical obsessions... if I had thought of it first.
March 3, 2025
5⭐️
had so much fun with this one
had so much fun with this one
January 22, 2020
This book is like if you end up talking to your best friend about oddly-specific questions about British monarchs after two margaritas. It’s HILARIOUS, you skip over the boring parts, and your history buff BFF struts her stuff.
This was truly one of my favorite reads of the year. I have a tough time with reading pure history books, so the details plus the hilarious writing -- skimming, summarizing, yet including all the juiciest parts of each era -- makes for a very, very fun read that engaged me in subject matter I wouldn't normally read about.
Who knew a book about history could make me laugh so hard I had tears in my eyes multiple times?
Love this book so much. Sign me up instantly for whatever else Evany Rosen writes in the future.
This was truly one of my favorite reads of the year. I have a tough time with reading pure history books, so the details plus the hilarious writing -- skimming, summarizing, yet including all the juiciest parts of each era -- makes for a very, very fun read that engaged me in subject matter I wouldn't normally read about.
Who knew a book about history could make me laugh so hard I had tears in my eyes multiple times?
Love this book so much. Sign me up instantly for whatever else Evany Rosen writes in the future.
July 30, 2025
enjoyable and funny read
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December 11, 2018LOVED THIS ONE
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews