Looking for a good laugh? Whether you’re in need of a pick-me-up or just love a good chuckle, these 20 books on humor are guaranteed to tickle your funny bone. From witty essays to laugh-out-loud memoirs, this list has something for everyone. Get ready to dive into the world of comedy and discover the best humor books that will have you laughing out loud in no time!
Less by Andrew Sean Greer is a delightful book about humor and self-discovery. The novel follows the adventures of Arthur Less, a middle-aged writer who embarks on a trip around the world to escape his problems, including his ex-boyfriend’s upcoming wedding. Throughout his journey, Less encounters a series of comical and unexpected events, leading to moments of self-reflection and growth. Greer’s writing is witty and lighthearted, making this a truly enjoyable humor book for readers looking for a charming and heartwarming story. With its clever humor and endearing protagonist, Less is a captivating novel that will keep readers entertained from beginning to end.
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman is a heartwarming and poignant novel about a socially awkward woman who leads a solitary life. Eleanor’s quirky and blunt personality, combined with her unique way of viewing the world, makes for a humorous and touching read. The story follows Eleanor as she navigates through life, facing unexpected challenges and forming unlikely connections along the way. Through her journey, the book explores themes of loneliness, mental health, and the power of human connection. With its blend of wit, charm, and emotional depth, this book on humor is a must-read for anyone looking for a touching and uplifting story that will leave them with a smile on their face.
Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple is a delightful book on humor that follows the story of Bernadette Fox, an eccentric and reclusive woman who disappears just before a family trip to Antarctica. Through a series of emails, letters, and documents, the reader gets to unravel the mystery of Bernadette’s disappearance and the events leading up to it. The novel is filled with witty dialogue, clever observations, and a unique narrative style that will keep readers laughing and engaged from start to finish. With its sharp wit and satirical take on the modern world, Where’d You Go, Bernadette is a must-read for anyone looking for a humorous and insightful story that will leave them thoroughly entertained.
The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion is a delightful book on humor that follows the story of Don Tillman, a socially awkward professor who embarks on a quest to find a wife through a scientific survey. As Don navigates the world of dating with his unconventional methods and lack of social skills, he meets Rosie, a spontaneous and free-spirited woman who turns his carefully planned life upside down. The novel is a heartwarming and hilarious exploration of human connection, love, and the unpredictability of life. With its endearing characters and witty dialogue, The Rosie Project is a charming and witty tale that will leave readers laughing and rooting for love to triumph. This humor book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a quirky and heartwarming love story.
Crazy Rich Asians is a hilarious book on humor that takes readers on a wild ride through the extravagant world of the super-rich in Singapore. Kevin Kwan’s clever and witty writing style brings to life the opulent lifestyles, outrageous family drama, and juicy gossip of the ultra-wealthy elite. The story follows Rachel Chu, an American-born Chinese professor who accompanies her boyfriend, Nick Young, to his home country for a wedding, only to discover that he comes from one of the wealthiest families in Asia. As Rachel navigates the treacherous waters of high society, she must contend with disapproving relatives, snobby socialites, and over-the-top antics. With its sharp satire and laugh-out-loud moments, Crazy Rich Asians is a must-read for anyone looking for a book about humor that will keep them entertained from start to finish.
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is a humorous and satirical science fiction novel by Douglas Adams. The story follows the adventures of an ordinary human, Arthur Dent, who is saved from Earth’s destruction by his friend Ford Prefect, an alien researcher for the titular “Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.” Together, they embark on a journey through space and encounter a host of bizarre and comedic characters, including the depressed robot Marvin and the two-headed, three-armed ex-President of the Galaxy, Zaphod Beeblebrox. Adams’ wit and irreverent take on the universe make this book a classic in the genre of humorous science fiction. The novel is a beloved humor book that continues to delight readers with its absurdity and sharp, clever humor.
Me Talk Pretty One Day is a hilarious and insightful memoir by David Sedaris. This humor book takes readers on a journey through Sedaris’s experiences living in France and struggling to learn French, as well as his childhood in North Carolina. Through his sharp wit and keen observations, Sedaris shares laugh-out-loud anecdotes about language barriers, cultural differences, and the absurdities of everyday life. With his trademark self-deprecating humor and candid storytelling, Sedaris crafts a delightful and relatable read that will have readers laughing on every page. Whether you’re a fan of memoirs, comedy, or simply looking for a book about humor, Me Talk Pretty One Day is sure to entertain and leave you with a smile on your face.
The Sellout by Paul Beatty is a satirical novel that takes a humorous and irreverent look at race relations in America. The story follows an African-American man who tries to reinstate segregation and slavery in his Los Angeles neighborhood, resulting in a controversial Supreme Court case. Through a combination of wit, irony, and biting social commentary, Beatty explores the absurdities and contradictions of modern American society. This book on humor challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about racism and identity, while also delivering laugh-out-loud moments. Beatty’s unique writing style and sharp humor make The Sellout a thought-provoking and entertaining read, suitable for anyone looking for a thought-provoking and funny book about humor.
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman is a heartwarming and humorous novel that tells the story of a grumpy yet lovable man who finds new purpose in unexpected ways. This book on humor follows Ove, a curmudgeonly old man who is set in his ways and has a strict code of conduct. But when new neighbors move in next door and disrupt his solitary life, Ove is reluctantly pulled into their world and begins to rediscover the joy and laughter he thought he had lost. With its witty and endearing characters, this humor book offers a touching exploration of love, friendship, and the power of human connection. Backman’s clever storytelling and sharp wit make A Man Called Ove a delightful and heartwarming read for anyone in need of a good laugh.
The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared
by Jonas Jonasson
The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared is a hilarious and witty book on humor by Jonas Jonasson. The story follows the escapades of Allan Karlsson, a centenarian who decides to escape from his nursing home on his 100th birthday. As he embarks on a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns, Allan’s past encounters with world leaders and criminals are humorously revealed, making for a delightful and entertaining read. With its clever storytelling and sharp wit, this book about humor is sure to leave readers laughing out loud as they follow Allan’s extraordinary adventures.
The Importance of Being Earnest is a classic book about humor by Oscar Wilde. Set in the Victorian era, it follows the comedic misadventures of two friends, Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff, who lead double lives to escape the constraints of society. Filled with witty dialogue, mistaken identities, and social satire, the play explores themes of love, marriage, and the absurdity of social conventions. As the characters navigate their way through a series of hilarious misunderstandings, Wilde’s clever wit and sharp observations on the nature of society and human behavior shine through. The play is a timeless humor book that continues to entertain and amuse readers with its delightful humor and clever wordplay.
Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding is a humorous and witty book about a single woman navigating the ups and downs of life, love, and career in London. The story is presented in diary format, offering a candid and comical glimpse into Bridget’s daily experiences, mishaps, and romantic entanglements. With its clever and relatable insights into the challenges of modern womanhood, this book on humor has captivated readers around the world. Bridget’s endearing charm and her relatable struggles make this book about humor a delightful and entertaining read that will leave you laughing out loud and rooting for her every step of the way.
Good Omens is a satirical and witty collaboration between Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman, two masterful storytellers. This humorous book on humor follows the unlikely alliance between an angel and a demon, who team up to prevent the impending apocalypse. As they navigate through the chaos of the modern world, their antics and interactions are filled with absurdity and dry wit. The novel is a delightful blend of clever wordplay, absurd situations, and a touch of dark comedy, making it a must-read for fans of irreverent and whimsical storytelling. Good Omens is a prime example of a humor book that will leave readers chuckling at its clever and offbeat humor.
Bossypants by Tina Fey is a hilarious and insightful memoir that takes readers on a journey through the life of the talented comedian, writer, and actress. With wit and charm, Fey shares anecdotes from her childhood, her rise to fame on Saturday Night Live, and her experiences as the creator and star of 30 Rock. This book on humor is filled with laugh-out-loud moments and clever observations about the entertainment industry, motherhood, and the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated field. Fey’s self-deprecating humor and candid storytelling make Bossypants a must-read for anyone looking for a humorous and inspiring glimpse into the life of a comedic genius.
The Princess Bride by William Goldman is a classic adventure novel that combines romance, action, and humor. This beloved story follows the beautiful Buttercup, her true love Westley, and their quest to be reunited against all odds. Filled with swashbuckling sword fights, daring escapes, and witty banter, this book on humor is a delightful and entertaining read for all ages. Goldman’s clever writing style and knack for comedy make this humor book a timeless favorite. With its memorable characters and unforgettable moments, The Princess Bride is a book about humor that will leave you laughing and cheering until the very end.
Catch-22 by Joseph Heller is a satirical novel that delves into the absurdities of war and bureaucracy. Set during World War II, the story follows the experiences of Captain John Yossarian, a bombardier in the U.S. Army Air Forces. The novel is a clever and witty exploration of the paradoxes and contradictions inherent in the military system, as well as the futility and madness of war. With its dark and sardonic humor, the book is a thought-provoking commentary on the human condition and the absurdities of life. It is a classic example of a ‘humor book’, using irony, wit, and satire to highlight the irrationality of war and the flawed logic of authority. Catch-22 is a must-read for those who appreciate a thought-provoking and humorous take on serious subjects.
A Confederacy of Dunces is a hilarious and eccentric novel that follows the misadventures of Ignatius J. Reilly, an overweight, slovenly, and opinionated protagonist. Set in New Orleans, the book is a satire that pokes fun at various aspects of society, from academia to consumer culture. Ignatius’s larger-than-life personality and his outrageous escapades make for a truly entertaining read. With its sharp wit and colorful characters, A Confederacy of Dunces is a must-read for anyone looking for a book on humor that is both clever and uproariously funny. John Kennedy Toole’s posthumously published novel is a celebration of the absurdities of human existence, and its irreverent humor will leave readers in stitches.
The Diary of a Nobody is a classic humor book written by George Grossmith and Weedon Grossmith, first published in 1892. The diary follows the life of Charles Pooter, a lower-middle-class man living in Victorian London, as he navigates the trials and tribulations of everyday life. Pooter’s comically self-important and bumbling nature leads to a series of humorous misadventures, making the diary a delightful and entertaining read. The book on humor is filled with witty observations and ironic humor, providing a satirical commentary on social norms and conventions of the time. The Diary of a Nobody is a timeless humor book that continues to charm readers with its clever wit and amusing storytelling.
Three Men in a Boat, written by Jerome K. Jerome, is a classic humor book that follows the misadventures of three friends as they embark on a boating trip along the Thames. The book is filled with wit, satire, and comedy, making it a delightful read for anyone in need of a good laugh. Jerome’s clever storytelling and humorous anecdotes take the reader on a journey through the English countryside, as the three men encounter various mishaps and absurd situations. With its lighthearted tone and amusing observations, Three Men in a Boat is a timeless book about humor that continues to charm readers with its witty narrative and entertaining escapades.
Pride and Prejudice is a classic novel by Jane Austen that provides a witty and insightful look into the social norms and relationships of 19th century England. The book delves into the humorous and satirical portrayal of the societal expectations placed on women and the complexities of courtship and marriage. With clever dialogue and keen observations, Austen weaves a tale of love, misunderstandings, and personal growth. The protagonist, Elizabeth Bennet, challenges the conventions of her time with her intelligence and independence, making her a timeless and relatable character. Through its exploration of human nature and the follies of pride and prejudice, this novel continues to captivate readers with its sharp wit and timeless humor.
Conclusion
Humor is an essential part of our lives, and these 20 best books about humor are guaranteed to keep you laughing for hours on end. Whether you’re a fan of witty comedy, hilarious memoirs, or clever satire, there’s something for everyone on this list. So grab a copy of one of these books and get ready to lighten your mood and brighten your day with the power of laughter!
Which Humor book is best?
The best book on Humor can vary with personal preference, but three widely recommended titles are:
Each offers valuable insights and could be a great starting point.
What are the best books to learn about Humor?
For those looking to learn about Humor, there is a wealth of literature that can provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject. Some of the most highly recommended books include:
Each offers unique insights into the subject. While these books on the topic of Humor are highly regarded, it’s important to note that any list of ‘best’ books is subjective and reflects a range of opinions.
What are the best Humor books of all time?
Choosing the best Humor books of all time can vary depending on who you ask, but seven titles that are often celebrated include
