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It Ended Badly
It Ended Badly: Thirteen of the Worst Breakups in History | Jennifer Wright
If you are lying in bed right now, a pint of ice cream in one hand, a bottle of scotch in the other, and this book clenched between your teeth (one tooth is missing from last night's bar fight), with tears streaming down your face over how much you loved, loved, loved your ex, let me commend you on how well you are coping. You could be doing so much worse. So much worse. You could be beheading your ex, or castrating strangers, or starting an exciting new life with a sex doll. YOU ARE A HERO. In It Ended Badly, New York Observer columnist Jennifer Wright guides you through thirteen of the worst breakups of notable figures in history-from Emperor Nero (sadist, murderer several times over), to Viennese artist Oskar Kokoschka (he of the aforementioned sex doll), to Norman Mailer (public stabbing). With her conversational tone and considerable wit, Wright digs deep into the archives to bring these terrible breakups to life. It's fun, pop history that educates, entertains, and really puts your own bad breakup behavior into perspective. It Ended Badly is for anyone who's loved and lost and maybe sent one too many ill-considered, late-night emails to their ex-reminding us that no matter how badly we've behaved, no one is as bad as Henry VIII.
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TheBookgeekFrau
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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Perfect 🖤📚🩷 2y
Eggs Excellent 👌🏼 💔👍🏼 2y
Shawna I loved this one. Entertaining and educational! 2y
TheBookgeekFrau @Shawna I'm hoping to get to it soon! 2y
29 likes4 comments
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AsYouWish
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Pickpick

Oh my stars! What a way to start February! I thought this book was going to be funny, it was not, it made me feel sad for the real life people that had to live through these breakups! And people were very creative with how they ended relationships: beheadings, slander, sending body hair, etc. I highly recommend this book to any one who loves history and loves a good breakup story.
💔💔💔💔💔

48 likes1 stack add
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Victoriahoperose
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Pickpick

Finished this book up while cooking today! I really enjoyed this one. It was about relationships through history and all the terrible ways that they ended. It was funny and well researched and very fun to read! Another one down for #24b4monday

Andrew65 Well done! 👏👏👏 5y
29 likes1 comment
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Victoriahoperose
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Starting at 0 with my audiobook while I cook and clean this morning. Hoping to make a dent in this one so I can start a new one! #24b4monday

Sunraven Nice to see someone else using the plain old iOS stopwatch. 😁 5y
Victoriahoperose @Sunraven I think it works great so far (until I mess it up lol)!!! 5y
Sunraven Right? I‘m totally waiting for that moment ... Crossing fingers that my waiting for it wards it off, haha! 5y
See All 7 Comments
BeansPage Girl everybody messes up their stopwatch. I mess up my stopwatch from time to time. No regrets just keep going!!! 💕🤗💕 5y
Victoriahoperose Thanks @TheReadingMermaid. Hopefully I can keep it straight lol ❤️❤️❤️ 5y
Andrew65 Good luck 👍😊, and thanks for playing along. 5y
allureofbeauty I have that but I haven‘t read it yet I hope it‘s good. 5y
21 likes7 comments
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MallenNC
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Kiki, do you love me?

If Kiki were in this book, you could bet not. This is a funny look at different famous couples from history.

#InMyFeelings #AMonthofSongs

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 💛💗🧡 6y
OriginalCyn620 I need to read this! 6y
MallenNC @OriginalCyn620 I listened to the audiobook and the lady‘s voice was perfect for it. The perfect sort of sarcastic tone. 6y
21 likes1 stack add3 comments
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PathfinderNicole
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Mehso-so

Was this book discussing 13 terrible breakups historically accurate? Nah. Was it a hilarious, fun ride? Definitely! I can overlook the mistakes the author made historically because she‘s not a historian and she‘s not claiming to be. A gossipy, lighthearted discussion of the breakups. I did come away learning some things and have have some things I‘d love to learn more about! Which, to me, is the point of these list type nonfiction stories.

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PathfinderNicole
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Get to enjoy a quiet lunch with book while Rox is at the groomers and the husband and kiddo are at the Y for homeschool gym & swim!

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Simona
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Pickpick

I don‘t know if those were the worst breakups in history, but definitely they ended very badly. Author takes us through the time, from Nero (he was the worst) to the modern times with the Debbie Reynolds and Eddie Fisher. This book is a nice combination of some facts from history, interesting personalities, few gossips and witty remarks. Perfect audiobook for boring households chores.

#Nonfiction2019 #SomethingThatTurnedOutUnexpectedly

61 likes1 stack add
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MallenNC
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There‘s a lot of #heartache in this book but it‘s told in a snarky way. The audiobook was fun. #literarylove

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Looks cute!! 💗💜💙❤️ 6y
vkois88 Oh my gosh lol it sounds amazing! #Stacked 6y
31 likes2 comments
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tracy.anne8
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Pickpick

This was a fun audiobook. I liked the authors other book, Get Well Soon, and her sense of humor. This one did not disappoint. I hadn't heard of most of the people in the book but that made it more fun to listen to. This was also my first book finished for the year. #audiobook #scribd #nonfiction #read

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howjessicareads
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I‘m loving this one on audio! So funny. 😂😂 #currentlyreading

CoffeeK8 This was great on audio! 6y
i.z.booknook This sounds brilliant! 😂😂😂 6y
CouronneDhiver Found this one at the library today 👍🏽 (no Friyay?) 6y
howjessicareads @CouronneDhiver OH MY GOSH I FORGOT AGAIN. 😂😂🤷🏼‍♀️ 6y
howjessicareads @CoffeeK8 @TheAliceEvers - it is brilliant! I read 2/3 in print and then finished on audio. 🙂 6y
68 likes6 stack adds5 comments
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tracy.anne8
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I attempted to start the book on the left as my next audiobook. I hadn't read a book in this series in a while. I had to give it up however due to the narrator. She was absolutely awful and made Peabody sound like a talking baboon. I decided to start the book on the right instead. I enjoyed the author's other book, Get Well Soon. So far the narrator is much more enjoyable! #audiobook #scribd #nonfiction

23 likes1 stack add
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MallenNC
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Pickpick

This was a really fun audiobook experience. The narrator had just the right snarky (when called for) tone. It was a quick run through of several "breakups" in history. The ones I liked the most were those with which I wasn't familiar already. #nonfiction2018 #audibooks

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sammisho
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Pickpick

This was a great, fun, entertaining non fiction book about the most disastrous break ups in history. While the author is funny and sarcastic, it also took a serious look in gender roles and society expectations.

Jilly6183 I don't do a lot of nonfiction but this sounds fun! 6y
sammisho @Jilly6183 I can only do NF on audio. I try to read at least one a month. 6y
Jilly6183 @sammisho Oh that's a good idea! I tried fiction on audio and hated it because it felt like bad theater. But I could see it being a good alternative format for nonfiction. 6y
sammisho @Jilly6183 you aren't listening to the right audio books!!! 6y
37 likes3 stack adds4 comments
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MoniqueChristine

I went through a break-up this year. It‘s been coming for a while but it‘s still a huge blow to have a 7 year relationship just thrown away. All the garbage associated with this parting of ways with my former partner meant that my reading, reviewing, and mental health really suffered this year. But I‘m happy to say I‘m starting to move forward. Looking forward to getting back to some serious reading 😁

emtobiasz I‘m sorry to hear that— the end of a relationship that long is always tough, even when it‘s for the better. Glad you‘re looking on the bright side and ready for more reading time! ❤️ 6y
MoniqueChristine Thank you for your kind words. It‘s much appreciated. I‘m very happy I have family to support me and books to keep me distracted. I know I‘ll be okay and that this will pass 🙂 6y
CouronneDhiver That‘s really hard... I‘m so sorry. But very pleased to hear that you‘re moving ahead in a positive way. What‘s next on your reading list? 6y
MoniqueChristine @CouronneDhiver thank you I really appreciate that 🙂 I‘m trying very hard to move on. I‘m currently reading Rooms by Lauren Oliver (new author for me) and just bought Pride by Zoboi, so that‘ll be next. I‘m very excited for Pride as I like the angle she‘s taking on the Pride & Prejudice story. 6y
10 likes4 comments
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nikirtehsuxlol
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Buddhism .... Swifties .... you can find inspiration anywhere, really.

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JessNevertheless
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Pretty decent for July stats I think. Mostly because I read 3 books this past weekend in the #reversereadathon. Gotta start catching up on those #litsyclassics too. I've got some long ones I still need to tackle. Tagged is my first 5 star read of the month. A hilarious audiobook about the worst breakups in history. #julystats

Andrew65 Well done 👏 6y
Reviewsbylola Awesome month 👏🏻👏🏻 6y
55 likes2 comments
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CoffeeK8
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Pickpick

This book was so funny, an interesting read about some serious tragedies accompanied by really funny asides from the author.

51 likes2 stack adds
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CoffeeK8
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The subtle sarcastic asides in this book are amazing! 😂

Daisey I enjoyed this book so much more than I expected because of the author‘s humor! 7y
46 likes2 stack adds2 comments
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tracyrowanreads
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Pickpick
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Daisey
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Just realized with all the chaos of a fun holiday weekend that I never tallied up my March stats, so here they are a few days late.

#MonthlyStats

Tadams4 Way to go! 7y
Daisey @Tadams4 Thanks!! 7y
Andrew65 Well done 👏👏👏 7y
JazzFeathers Wow! You did great! 7y
47 likes5 comments
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Daisey
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Pickpick

I listened to the rest of this book during my afternoon walk. It has received great reviews from a few people I trust, and I still enjoyed it more than expected. The author has a great sense of humor and makes the stories fascinating. She also includes some supportive commentary about dealing with breakups as she describes some of the most terrible ends to famous relationships in history.

#audiobook #nonfiction

46 likes3 stack adds
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Daisey
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This #audiobook is great so far! It‘s full of interesting information and the author‘s writing style is hilarious.

I originally saw it in a Litsy post (wish I could remember who to thank) and bought a copy for my cousin, whose name is actually Jennifer Wright, just as a fun book gift without really paying attention to ratings. She gave it an excellent review, and then I happened to see the audio available on #Hoopla.

#BlameLitsy #nonfiction

Daisey In scrolling through posts for the book, maybe it‘s @JenlovesJT47 I need to thank! 🤔 😊 7y
CocoReads I‘m not huge on audio but I may have to check it out on hoopla as well. Currently I‘m having a kitchen dance party while cooking dinner. I have to make cooking fun, right? 7y
Daisey @CocoReads Absolutely! It is really good on audio. 7y
JenlovesJT47 I loved this book! 7y
56 likes4 stack adds4 comments
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Shawna
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1. It Ended Badly by Jennifer Wright
2. Hag-Seed by Margaret Atwood
3. You Can‘t Touch My Hair by Phoebe Robinson
4. Sarah Pinborough (Behind Her Eyes)

🥂🎉

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kendrastephaniekaryn
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Bailedbailed

Not feeling this one, and I don't think I'm going to listen to the second half. Wright's other book, Get Well Soon, dove into more of the political and scientific side of things. This is just too gossipy for me.

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amreads
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I wanted to read something different after three back to back thrillers.

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Joanne5
Pickpick

Just finished. I'm pretty sure it was written for audio and it was an enjoyable listen. Oddly the chapter on Edith Wharton had a couple of poignant messages for me, same with the epilogue. Has a lot of interesting history bits so I'd recommend it to anyone who likes odd history as well as those suffering from a break up.

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Joanne5

Just started on Audible. Good writing and I'm only on the first story of Nero's bad break up!

RaimeyGallant A belated welcome to Litsy! #LitsyWelcomeWagon And here's a compilation of Litsy tips that some of us put together:
http://litsy.com/p/aDJja2lMZFFY
7y
3 likes1 comment
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kissxxmyxxconverse
Mehso-so

It was funny and interesting, but forgettable in the end. I read it because it was on my tbr for several years 😂

tpixie At least it's done ✅ 7y
kissxxmyxxconverse @tpixie yes! Now I only have 693 books on my tbr 😂😂 7y
tpixie Lol. I feel your pain! 7y
6 likes3 comments
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JenlovesJT47
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Pickpick

I really loved this breezy book with brief glimpses into history I never knew about. I loved her sarcastic wit and writing style. It has whetted my appetite to learn more about some of the people talked about in this book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Recommended! #history

39 likes2 stack adds
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JenlovesJT47
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Yes! 🙌🏻 Can I get an amen ladies? #truthbomb

BekahB I really enjoyed this book! I'm planning on giving a copy to a friend as a birthday present next month! 7y
JenlovesJT47 @BekahB I'm really enjoying it so far! 7y
37 likes1 stack add2 comments
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JenlovesJT47
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I stumbled across this while looking for books about Debbie Reynolds. Anyone else read this? Looks interesting 🤔#libraryhaul

KerriNTurner Not read, but it's been on my TBR for a while. 7y
Shawna I just finished listening to this last week and really enjoyed it. 7y
45 likes1 stack add2 comments
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Shawna
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Pickpick

This was a great breakup book focusing on couples from Ancient Rome up to relatively present day. It was really good as an audiobook too. The humour reminded my of Mary Roach which is always a good thing.

Megabooks Sold! 7y
26 likes3 stack adds1 comment
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LadySarah
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Pickpick

Historical craziness, humor, and excellent research all wrapped up in a delightfully conversational tone.

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Bookworm83
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Pickpick

How has it taken me this long to realize the beauty of audiobooks?!?! This was my second and it has made my drive to work for the past few weeks so much more enjoyable.

If you've ever had a bad break up, this is the book for you. From Emperor Nero to Oscar Wilde to Edith Wharton to Debbie Reynolds...this book tells the stories of 13 break ups throughout history and all the crazy escapades that go along with them. I loved it! #biblioweekend

BekahB I thought this book was a lot of fun! I read a physical copy, but I bet the audio version was great. 😀 8y
Louise Just read the description of this book and HAD to add it to my TBR stack! Sounds hilarious, in the way Schadenfreude is strangely humorous! 8y
38 likes6 stack adds2 comments
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Bookworm83
Pickpick

How has it taken me this long to realize the beauty of audiobooks?!?! This was my second and it has made my drive to work for the past few weeks so much more enjoyable.

If you've ever had a bad break up, this is the book for you. From Emperor Nero to Oscar Wilde to Edith Wharton to Debbie Reynolds...this book tells the stories of 13 break ups throughout history and all the crazy escapades that go along with them. I loved it! #biblioweekend

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JenniferJR
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This feels like a fab gab sesh with my gal pals. What a dishy little read!

BekahB I really liked this book! 😀 8y
12 likes2 stack adds1 comment
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Koz
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Pickpick

This was absolutely hilarious. The breakups were sad (I didn't realize Norman Mailer was such a jackass and now am disappointed he was in an episode of the Gilmore Girls) but Wright's writing had me literally laughing out loud. Loved it!

1 like1 stack add
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passingfair
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Pickpick

Meant to read a chapter or two before bed last night and read the whole damn book. If you like your history breezy and gossipy, this is the book for you.

6 likes1 stack add
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passingfair
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This book is clearly going to be amazing.

Yossarian I believe Buddha and Taylor Swift together constitute the bedrock foundations of Eastern and Western culture. 9y
8 likes1 stack add1 comment