2017 Jul 31
Everyone needs a good laugh now and then, and a funny, laugh out loud book is certainly the way to go! Some authors seem to have a way with words, anecdotes, and wit that simply makes you giggle out loud while reading, even if you’re in public! As such, we have listed some of the best comedic books below.
1. The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared – Jonas Jonasson
The title of this book certainly gives away the basic plot, yet the surprises in this novel are continuous! On Allan Karlsson’s 100th birthday, his dreaded party is to begin. The Mayor, the press and many other people are going to be there. But Allan is not. As he escapes from his own bedroom window, his unique journey begins, involving criminals, murders, incompetent police, and a lot of money. Readers also learn more about the colourful history of Allan’s past life.
2. Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) – Mindy Kaling
Kaling’s amusing book is a tour of her life, sharing with readers her opinions on romance, friendship, and of course, Hollywood itself! From an obedient child of immigrant parents, an awkward teenager, to an Off-Broadway performer, playwright, writer, and actress, Kaling shares several hilarious tidbits about her journey through life and the intimidating world of Hollywood.
3. Bridget Jones’s Diary – Helen Fielding
This hilarious book by Helen Fielding is well-known for its popular on-screen adaptation. It follows a year in the life of a 30-something single woman, who aspires to lose 7 pounds, stop smoking, and develop inner poise. Of course, this quest for self-improvement does not always come easily or even successfully. Nevertheless, Bridget’s hilarious storytelling and attitude makes this a highly relatable novel.
4. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy – Douglas Adams
This incredibly popular novel is also a highly comic one! Seconds before the Earth is demolished, Arthur Dent is plucked off the planet by his friend Ford Prefect, a researcher for the revised edition of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy who, for the last fifteen years, has been posing as an out-of-work actor. Their hilarious journey through space along with a galaxy-full of other interesting travelers is documented here. Sci-fi fans will certainly love this one.
5. The Princess Bride – William Goldman
Goldman’s novel is rather popular, along with its movie adaptation. Nevertheless, many critics have found the book to be much more comical than the film. When William Goldman realized his father used to leave out the boring parts and only read the good parts of his favourite classic by S. Morgenstern, he reconstructs the ‘Good Parts Version’ himself. This book is filled with everything a fantasy needs, with the added element of comic humour.
6. Me Talk Pretty One Day – David Sedaris
This one certainly appears to be a fan-favourite. Sedaris has been called the funniest writer in America and many of his books are beloved by readers. Me Talk Pretty One Day truly stands out, encapsulating his move to Paris, many attempts to learn French from a sadistic teacher, and the delightful inspiration of his family as well. Filled with various anecdotes, this book is certainly an enjoyable one.
7. A Walk in the Woods – Bill Bryson
The Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine is a gorgeous hike, one which Bill Bryson and his companion have decided to undertake. The highly entertaining narration of Bryson is certainly enjoyable, along with the people (and bears!) he meets along the way. This classic will make either make you want to revisit the outdoors or stay inside forever!
8. Thank You, Jeeves – P. G. Wodehouse
Although this book is set in 1930’s England, it will always be a delight for contemporary audiences. Wodehouse is known for this eccentric characters, which are certainly included in his novel, Thank You, Jeeves. It is the first of his novels to feature the valet Jeeves, and his charge Bertie Wooster. Soon Jeeves resigns and Bertie becomes a countryside guest of his friend Chuffy, a peace which is shattered by the arrival of his ex-girlfriend. When emotions flare, new romances begin, and drama ensues, Jeeves is the only one who can stop it.
9. Catch-22 – Joseph Heller
Heller’s novel is a popular American one, and certainly an enjoyable reader. The protagonist, Yossarian, is caught in the midst of war and keeps having to create schemes to save himself from being another tragedy. His battle resides with his Colonel, and the complications of war and its many rules. It is a brutally honest novel about the absurdities of war and the other factors that accompany it.
10. Bossypants – Tina Fey
Before Tina Fey successfully captured the world of Hollywood, she had several dreams. One was that she was being chased through a local airport by her middle-school gym teacher. The second was her desire to be a comedian. Both of these dreams have come true. In Bossypants, Fey hilarious documents her life, its many ups and downs, and her various phases of it. This honest memoir is one of the rising to fame stories that is certainly worth reading.
11. Let’s Pretend This Never Happened (A Mostly True Memoir) – Jenny Lawson
A hilarious literary debut from the internet star and blogess Jenny Lawson, who realized that the most embarrassing moments of our lives are what truly define us. She writes of her bizarre childhood in Texas, awkward high school years, and her relationship with her husband. Her funny chapters also include pictures for proof. Lawson’s book is laugh out loud funny, so be wary of reading this in public!
12. Good Omens – Terry Pratchett & Neil Gaiman
