23 Funny Books: Comic Novels, Memoirs and Essays
Looking for a funny book? These 23 picks range from dry social satire to comic memoirs and illustrated essays. Start with Me Talk Pretty One Day for short personal stories, A Confederacy of Dunces for an eccentric comic novel, or Hyperbole and a Half for visual humor. Some selections mix comedy with grief, racism or depression. This is Part 1 of our 45-book collection; Part 2 adds 22 more choices.
1. "Such A Fun Age" by Kiley Reid:
Emira Tucker, a Black babysitter, is accused of kidnapping the white child in her care. Reid uses the aftermath to examine race, class and her employer’s self-image. Choose this for uncomfortable social satire and complicated relationships rather than light escapism.
2. "The Collected Dorothy Parker" by Dorothy Parker:
Dorothy Parker's sardonic outlook and dry humor shine through in this collection of poems, short stories, reviews, and essays. Her wit cuts through societal strictures while revealing the underlying sadness and yearning in her characters' lives.
3. "A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian" by Marina Lewycka:
In this hilarious and poignant story, two estranged sisters are brought together when their elderly father shacks up with a much younger Ukrainian woman. Lewycka expertly balances low farce and high poignancy, making it a perfect read for a wet weekend.
4. "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris:
David Sedaris' collection of essays takes readers on a humorous journey from his upbringing in North Carolina to his attempts to learn French in France. With his sharp observations and caustic humor, Sedaris delivers a truly entertaining read.
5. "The Pumpkin Eater" by Penelope Mortimer:
Penelope Mortimer's semi-autobiographical novel delves into the emptiness of married life through the eyes of a woman collapsing under societal pressures. Bleak, acerbic, and uniquely funny, this book is an acquired taste that leaves a lasting impression.
6. "And Away..." by Bob Mortimer:
Published in 2021, Bob Mortimer’s memoir combines stories from his life and comedy career with reflections following heart surgery. A good fit for readers who enjoy conversational anecdotes with an emotional undertow.
7. "The Idiot" by Elif Batuman:
Elif Batuman's novel follows student Selin and her self-absorbed peers at Harvard in the Nineties. Despite the potential for unbearable pretentiousness, Batuman undercuts her characters' pompousness with honesty and humor, making it an enjoyable read to the end.
8. "Foreskin's Lament: A Memoir" by Shalom Auslander:
Shalom Auslander's memoir explores his experiences growing up in an ultra-Orthodox Jewish community. With a feisty and hilarious account of his familial and spiritual journey, Auslander spares no one, including the Big Man himself.
9. "The Adulterants" by Joe Dunthorne:
Joe Dunthorne effortlessly combines lightness and control in this humorous novel about a couple trying to navigate the property ladder during the London riots. Dunthorne's writing makes it look easy, fooling readers with his comedic prowess.
10. "My Sister, the Serial Killer" by Oyinkan Braithwaite:
Set in Lagos, Nigeria, this thriller-paced novel brims with dark comic energy as long-suffering Korede helps her sister, Ayoola, clean up after her murderous tendencies. Braithwaite weaves humor seamlessly into a gripping narrative.
11. "The Catcher In The Rye" by J.D Salinger:
J.D. Salinger's iconic novel captures the hilarious yet poignant voice of an adolescent protagonist, railing against phoniness and navigating the complexities of life. Its humor and sincerity continue to resonate with readers.
12. "Love in A Cold Climate" by Nancy Mitford:
Nancy Mitford's novel explores love, family, and sexuality with a witty and satirical edge. The contrast between the characters' thoughts and their spoken words creates an irresistible blend of comedy and social commentary.
13. "Delete At Your Peril" by Bob Servant:
Bob Servant, Dundee's former cheeseburger kingpin, takes on internet spammers and their tiresome scams with outrageous demands and a crazy, mundane world. This hilarious book is a perfect gift for those annoyed by online scammers.
14. "The Timewaster Letters" by Robin Cooper:
Robin Cooper's collection of silly and outrageously funny letters showcases his imaginative antics, from organizing surprise clarinet parties to offering poetic services to unlikely organizations. Prepare to be amused by the absurdity.
15. "The Bottle Factory Outing" by Beryl Bainbridge:
Beryl Bainbridge's darkly humorous novel follows two unlucky-in-love women working in a wine-bottling factory. A team outing leads to life-changing events, creating a gripping narrative filled with both tragedy and hilarity.
16. "Based on a True Story" by Norm Macdonald:
Stand-up veteran Norm Macdonald shares his complicated life journey, blending memoir and fiction with his trademark folksy charm and wit. This intelligent and understated book introduces readers to the comedy legend.
17. "The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, Aged 13 ¾" by Sue Townsend:
Sue Townsend's humorous masterpiece offers an authentic portrayal of a teenage boy's hilariously hubristic mind. Adrian's pseudointellectual observations and self-delusions provide endless entertainment.
18. "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole:
Despite its tragic publication history, this comedic masterpiece follows the misadventures of the eccentric Ignatius J. Reilly in New Orleans. Toole's brilliant satire and unforgettable characters make it a must-read.
19. "Vile Bodies" by Evelyn Waugh:
Evelyn Waugh satirically dissects a society obsessed with gossip and decadence, teetering on the brink of further catastrophe. With biting humor and humanity, Waugh captures the essence of turbulent times.
20. "The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid" by Bill Bryson:
Bill Bryson revisits his childhood in Des Moines, Iowa, in this comic memoir of growing up in 1950s America. Choose it for nostalgic observations, family stories and the contrast between a child’s imagination and the adult world.
21. "The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy" by Laurence Sterne:
Laurence Sterne's novel is a masterclass in extended comedic storytelling. Through the digressions and distractions of the narrator, readers are treated to an entertaining and unorthodox tale that defies easy description.
22. "Then We Came To The End" by Joshua Ferris:
Joshua Ferris' novel delves into the absurdities of office life with a mix of humor and empathy. Centered around a group of employees facing layoffs, Ferris captures the intricacies of workplace dynamics with wit and insight.
23. "Hyperbole and a Half" by Allie Brosh:
Allie Brosh's brutally honest and hilarious collection of autobiographical stories and illustrations tackles depression and everyday experiences with her signature wit. Her unique blend of humor and vulnerability earned her a devoted following.
For short reading sessions, start with the essays in Me Talk Pretty One Day. For a longer comic novel, try A Confederacy of Dunces. If you prefer pictures and personal storytelling, choose Hyperbole and a Half. Continue with Part 2 of this collection for 22 more funny books, including absurdist science fiction and British comedy.