Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
What Could Possibly Go Wrong? summary
Brief summary
What Could Possibly Go Wrong? by Jodi Taylor is a humorous time-travel adventure that follows the chaos and mishaps of the historians at St. Mary's Institute of Historical Research. It's a wild ride full of unexpected twists and turns.
Topics
Table of Contents
What Could Possibly Go Wrong?
Summary of key ideas
Exploring the Unpredictable
In What Could Possibly Go Wrong? by Jodi Taylor, we are taken on a roller-coaster ride through time and history. The story revolves around Max, the protagonist and her team of historians who work for St Mary's Institute of Historical Research. Their job is to travel back in time to witness historical events, but not to interfere. However, as the title suggests, things rarely go as planned.
Max and her team are sent to witness the destruction of the Library of Alexandria, but end up saving some of the books, thus altering history. This leads to a series of events, including a deadly confrontation with a group of time-traveling villains. As if that wasn't enough, they also have to deal with a baby mammoth, a bomb, and a duplicitous Father of History.
Confronting Personal Challenges
On top of these external challenges, Max faces personal difficulties. She is dealing with a new husband, a demanding job, and the repercussions of her actions in the past. Her relationships with her colleagues are also tested, especially her friendship with Leon, who has a secret of his own. Despite the chaos, Max remains a strong and resilient character, determined to set things right.
Meanwhile, the team's leader, Dr. Bairstow, is facing his own problems. He is struggling to keep St Mary's afloat amidst budget cuts and political pressure. His attempts to secure funding lead to a disastrous open day, where the public gets a little too close to the truth about the Institute's time-traveling capabilities.
Struggling Against Time Itself
As the story progresses, the challenges only intensify. Max and her team are sent on increasingly dangerous missions, including a trip to the Stone Age where they have to face primitive hunters. They also find themselves in the middle of a war zone, trying to save a group of children from a devastating bombing raid. The team's resilience is tested to its limits as they struggle to survive in these hostile environments.
Despite the chaos and danger, there are moments of humor and camaraderie. Max and her team share a strong bond, and their banter provides some much-needed relief from the tension. Even in the face of overwhelming odds, they manage to pull together and support each other.
Confronting the Consequences
As the book draws to a close, the consequences of their actions start to catch up with Max and her team. They are accused of being time terrorists and are forced to go on the run. Dr. Bairstow is arrested, and St Mary's is shut down. The team is scattered, and their future looks bleak. However, Max refuses to give up, and with the help of her friends, she hatches a daring plan to set things right.
In conclusion, What Could Possibly Go Wrong? is a thrilling and unpredictable adventure through time. It's a story about resilience, friendship, and the consequences of our actions. Despite the chaos and danger, Max and her team never give up, and their determination to set things right is truly inspiring.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is What Could Possibly Go Wrong? about?
What Could Possibly Go Wrong? by Jodi Taylor is a thrilling time-travel adventure that follows the chaotic and hilarious escapades of the historians at St. Mary's Institute of Historical Research. As they attempt to study major historical events, everything that can go wrong does go wrong. From a dino-filled dinosaur era to a medieval castle under siege, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next.
What Could Possibly Go Wrong? Review
What Could Possibly Go Wrong? by Jodi Taylor (2021) is a delightful blend of humor, science fiction, and time travel that keeps readers entertained from start to finish. Here's why this book is worth a read:
- It offers a refreshing take on time travel, with unexpected twists and turns that keep readers engaged and intrigued.
- The characters are quirky and relatable, adding depth and humor to the storyline, making it a fun and enjoyable read.
- With its humorous and fast-paced narrative, the book never fails to provide entertainment and excitement, ensuring that boredom is never an option.
Who should read What Could Possibly Go Wrong??
Readers who enjoy humorous and quirky fiction
People who appreciate time travel and historical elements in their stories
Those looking for a light-hearted and entertaining read
Categories with What Could Possibly Go Wrong?
Book summaries like What Could Possibly Go Wrong?
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
32 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
What Could Possibly Go Wrong? FAQs
What is the main message of What Could Possibly Go Wrong?
Embracing chaos and unpredictability can lead to unexpected adventures and personal growth.
How long does it take to read What Could Possibly Go Wrong?
Reading time varies, but expect to spend a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is What Could Possibly Go Wrong a good book? Is it worth reading?
What Could Possibly Go Wrong is a delightful read with humor and heart, making it a worthwhile choice for anyone seeking a lighthearted escape.
Who is the author of What Could Possibly Go Wrong?
Jodi Taylor is the author of What Could Possibly Go Wrong.
What to read after What Could Possibly Go Wrong??
If you're wondering what to read next after What Could Possibly Go Wrong?, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller
- The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
- Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
- Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys, Judith L. Raiskin
- Just After Sunset by Stephen King
- Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri
- Hearts in Darkness by Laura Kaye
- Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Nunzio DeFilippis
- Side Jobs by Jim Butcher