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1. The Idiot by Elif Batuman (2017)
The Idiot, a novel by Elif Batuman, follows the love life of Selin, a student at Harvard in the 1990s. Despite the characters’ self-absorption and constant references to linguistics and Russian literature, Batuman’s writing manages to keep readers engaged.
She undercuts the characters’ pretentiousness with honest and humorous observations that never come across as mean-spirited. This allows readers to root for the characters until the end.
The novel’s ability to balance humor with sincerity has earned it praise from readers and critics alike. The Idiot was even picked by Esquire Editors, a testament to its popularity and literary merit.
2. Foreskin’s Lament: A Memoir by Shalom Auslander (2009)
Shalom Auslander’s memoir, Foreskin’s Lament, is a candid and humorous account of his upbringing in an ultra-Orthodox Jewish community in Monsey, New York. In this book, Auslander recounts his early familial and spiritual experiences with a feisty, hilarious, and occasionally apoplectic tone. He takes no prisoners, including the Big Man himself, as one reviewer noted that “This memoir makes The God Delusion look like a parish newsletter.”
If readers enjoy Foreskin’s Lament, they might try Auslander’s comic novel, Hope: A Tragedy, which features Anne Frank as a character, or his most recent book, Mother for Dinner, which explores the taboo topic of cannibalism. While not for the faint of heart, Auslander’s writing is undeniably good.
3. A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian by Marina Lewycka (2005)
Marina Lewycka’s novel, “A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian,” published in 2005, tells the story of an 84-year-old man named Nikolai who falls in love with a much younger Ukrainian woman named Valentina.
The novel follows the conflict between Nikolai’s daughters, Nadezhda and Vera, who are forced to reconcile after being estranged for some time, as they try to remove Valentina from their father’s life.
The novel’s title refers to Nikolai’s passion for collecting tractors, which is a metaphor for his attachment to his Ukrainian heritage. Lewycka uses humor to contrast the low farce of Nikolai’s obsession with tractors with the high poignancy of his experiences of famine, war, and terror. Overall, “A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian” is a compelling read that explores themes of family, heritage, and love.
4. The Adulterants by Joe Dunthorne (2018)
Joe Dunthorne’s 2018 novel, The Adulterants, showcases his ability to balance humor with control. The book revolves around a couple’s attempt to purchase a property during the 2011 London riots.
Dunthorne’s writing style is effortless, and his humor flows naturally throughout the book. The novel’s characters are relatable, and readers can easily empathize with their struggles.
Dunthorne’s writing is not only entertaining but also insightful, as he provides commentary on modern society’s obsession with property ownership. The Adulterants is a must-read for anyone looking for a humorous and thought-provoking novel.
5. Based on a True Story by Norm Macdonald (2016)
Norm Macdonald, a former cast member of Saturday Night Live and a well-known stand-up comedian in the US, has a cult following in America. However, he has not gained the same level of popularity in the UK.
Late-night talk show host David Letterman, who has shared a stage with some of the biggest comedians in the past four decades, describes Macdonald as “funny in a way that some people inhale and exhale”. Letterman also adds that he doesn’t know anyone who is funnier than Macdonald.
Macdonald’s first and only book, Based on a True Story, is a blend of memoir and fiction. It takes the reader on a journey from Macdonald’s childhood on a farm in rural Canada to the bright lights of Rockefeller Plaza and the low point of losing all his money at a Las Vegas craps table.
The book is understated, intelligent, and filled with Macdonald’s trademark folksy charm and wit. It’s an excellent introduction to a complex comedy legend.
6. And Away… by Bob Mortimer
Bob Mortimer’s recently released autobiography, And Away…, has already garnered attention from Esquire editors. The book chronicles Mortimer’s life, from his difficult childhood to his rise as a successful comedian. Mortimer’s ability to turn even the most mundane anecdotes into hilarious stories is on full display in the book.
Despite facing personal struggles such as the loss of his father at a young age and a battle with depression triggered by LSD use, Mortimer’s humor shines through in his writing. One of the standout stories in the book recounts how Mortimer rescued Jarvis Cocker from Michael Jackson’s security team at the 1995 Brit Awards.
Writing an engaging autobiography is no easy feat, but Mortimer has managed to deliver a compelling and funny account of his life. And Away… is a must-read for fans of British comedy and anyone looking for a good laugh.
7. Delete At Your Peril by Bob Servant (2007)
Delete At Your Peril is a hilarious book that is perfect for anyone who has a sense of humor and gets irritated by internet spammers and their scams. Bob Servant, a 62-year-old window cleaner and former cheeseburger kingpin of Dundee, takes on scammers and their promises of easy money, love, and employment.
The book’s humor stems from Bob’s outrageous demands and the way he pulls the spammers into his own crazy, mundane, and out-of-register world.
Readers will find themselves laughing out loud and quoting sections of the book repeatedly to their friends. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants a good laugh and a break from the monotony of daily life.
8. Vile Bodies by Evelyn Waugh (1930)
In Vile Bodies, Evelyn Waugh satirizes the society of his time, which is obsessed with gossip and decadence. The novel, which Waugh himself described as “a welter of sex and snobbery written simply in the hope of selling some copies,” is a hilarious and unflinching portrayal of a society traumatized by war and financial catastrophe.
Despite this, the characters are unable to resist the lure of further and deeper cataclysms. Waugh’s writing is always humane, and his commentary on the society of his time remains relevant today. Vile Bodies is a must-read for anyone interested in satire and social commentary.
9. The Timewaster Letters by Robin Cooper (2004)
Robin Cooper, the alter ego of BAFTA-nominated comedy writer Robert Popper, is known for his many absurd but hilarious letters. In his book “The Timewaster Letters,” Cooper sends outrageous requests and ridiculous drawings to various organizations, including the National Cavity Insulation Association, where he offers his services as their “Poet in Residence.”
Cooper also designs scarecrows made from beef, based on Roman themes such as “the Storming of Thebes” and “Brutus Avenged.” Additionally, he organizes a surprise clarinet party for his wife. The book is a collection of these letters that will leave readers laughing out loud. Cooper’s unique sense of humor and creativity make “The Timewaster Letters” a must-read for anyone looking for a good laugh.
10. The Collected Dorothy Parker by Dorothy Parker
The Collected Dorothy Parker is a compilation of poems, short stories, reviews, and essays that showcase Parker’s wit. As one of the great Jazz Age humorists, she had an unmatched ability to sharpen her sardonic outlook on almost anything. The collection was picked by Esquire editors and is an excellent representation of Parker’s work.
However, readers will also notice a river of sadness and yearning lurking just under the surface of her stories. The female characters at the heart of her stories tend to grin in a slightly glassy-eyed way, attempting to make no waves despite being cramped by the societal strictures of their time.
11. Love in A Cold Climate by Nancy Mitford (1949)
Love, family, and sexuality are masterfully intertwined in Nancy Mitford’s 1949 novel “Love in A Cold Climate.” The novel’s impact lies in the stark contrast between what characters say and what they actually think. It reads like the work of a bored housewife and is a must-read for those who enjoy a juicy family drama.
12. Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris (2000)
Me Talk Pretty One Day is a collection of humorous essays by David Sedaris, published in 2000. The book is divided into two parts, the first of which recounts Sedaris’ experiences growing up in North Carolina and moving to New York City. The second part focuses on his move to France and his struggles to learn the language and adapt to the culture.
Sedaris’ witty and irreverent writing style shines through in this book, making it a must-read for fans of comedic literature. One of the most memorable quotes from the book comes from his French teacher, who tells him, “Every day spent with you is like having a caesarean section.”
13. My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite (2018)
In Oyinkan Braithwaite’s novel, “My Sister, the Serial Killer,” the story revolves around two sisters, Korede and Ayoola, who live in Lagos, Nigeria. Ayoola has a habit of killing her boyfriends, and Korede always comes to her aid to clean up the mess. The book moves at a fast pace, with a thrilling plot and dark humor.
The author’s writing style is punchy and energetic, making for an engaging read. Overall, “My Sister, the Serial Killer” is a unique and captivating novel that explores the complexities of sisterhood and the consequences of one’s actions.
14. The Pumpkin Eater by Penelope Mortimer
The Pumpkin Eater is a semi-autobiographical novel by Penelope Mortimer. The story revolves around an unnamed woman who is married to an architect, Jake Armitage, and has an uncertain number of children. The woman describes her perfect life with her family living in a mansion above the city. However, she soon starts losing her grip on herself and collapses in Harrod’s.
The novel has a bleak and acerbic tone, and it dissects the emptiness which married life filled the protagonist with. Despite its unsettling feel, The Pumpkin Eater is uniquely and acidly funny, making it an acquired taste for readers.
Mortimer was surprised by the first bit of good press she received for the book and promptly vomited. The novel was picked by Esquire Editors and is a must-read for those who enjoy dark humor and semi-autobiographical works.
15. Such A Fun Age by Kiley Reid (2019)
Kiley Reid’s debut novel, “Such A Fun Age,” explores the complex dynamics of race, privilege, and power in contemporary America. The story revolves around Emira, a young black woman who works as a babysitter for Alix, a white blogger and entrepreneur.
One night, while at a supermarket with Alix’s three-year-old daughter, Emira is accused of kidnapping the child by a security guard, sparking a chain of events that exposes the deep-seated racial biases and prejudices of the people around her.
Reid’s writing style is sharp and witty, with a keen eye for detail and a knack for capturing the nuances of human behavior. Through Emira’s character, she offers a nuanced portrayal of the experiences of young black women in America, highlighting the challenges they face in navigating a world that is often hostile and unwelcoming.
Overall, “Such A Fun Age” is a thought-provoking and engaging read that offers a fresh perspective on issues of race and identity in contemporary America.
16. The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, Aged 13 ¾ by Sue Townsend (1982)
The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, Aged 13 ¾ is a novel by Sue Townsend that offers a glimpse into the mind of a teenage boy. Despite being written by a middle-aged woman, the novel is considered one of the most authentic depictions of a teenage boy’s thoughts and feelings.
Adrian Mole is a lonely suburban teenager who writes pseudointellectual observations about life, love, and current events in his diary. The novel is the first in a series of eight books that concludes with The Prostrate Years in 2009, five years before the author’s death. The series is a must-read for anyone seeking an entertaining and insightful look into the world of adolescence.
17. The Catcher In The Rye by J.D Salinger (1951)
The Catcher in the Rye is a novel by J.D Salinger that was published in 1951. The book is a coming-of-age story that follows the life of Holden Caulfield, a teenage boy who has been expelled from his prep school.
The novel is known for its accurate portrayal of the adolescent voice and its cynical yet warm and funny tone. The book covers themes such as innocence, alienation, and loss of innocence.
The protagonist’s slangy and wise-cracking voice captures the pretension, self-importance, heart-breaking sincerity, and misguided passion of adolescence. The novel has been hugely influential and is still widely read today.
18. The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid by Bill Bryson (2006)
The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid is a humorous memoir by Bill Bryson that reminisces about growing up in Des Moines, Iowa during the 1950s. Bryson’s writing style is witty, engaging, and nostalgic, which makes for an enjoyable read. The book captures the innocence and enthusiasm of a time when America was experiencing post-war prosperity and technological advancements.
Bryson’s anecdotes are hilarious and relatable, especially for those who grew up during the same era. He describes the fashion trends, such as flat-top haircuts for men, and the obsession with all things atomic, from cocktails to bombs. He also highlights the culinary innovations of the time, including spray-on mayonnaise, frozen salads, and liquid instant coffee in a spray can.
The set pieces in the book, such as Mr. Milton’s disastrous dive from the high board and the young Billy walking in on his parents having sex, are both cringe-worthy and hilarious. Bryson’s writing style makes the reader feel like they are right there with him, experiencing the same awkward and embarrassing moments.
19. The Bottle Factory Outing by Beryl Bainbridge (1974)
Beryl Bainbridge’s Booker Prize-nominated novel, The Bottle Factory Outing, is a darkly humorous tale of two bed-sit mates, Freda and Brenda, working in an Italian-run wine-bottling factory in London.
The novel is based on Bainbridge’s own experience of working in a warehouse job in the 1970s, where she had unlimited wine allowance. The story follows the two women’s lives as they take part in a team outing, which changes their lives forever.
20. A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole (1980)
A Confederacy of Dunces is a comedic masterpiece that follows the story of Ignatius J. Reilly, an obese savant, and his doomed attempts to integrate with society in New Orleans.
The novel was written by John Kennedy Toole in the early 60s, but it was not published until 1980, over a decade after his suicide in 1969. Despite the tragedy of Toole’s untimely death, the novel has become a beloved classic and was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 1981.
Ignatius J. Reilly is considered one of the greatest fictional creations in literature, and his absurdity and quixotic nature make for a hilarious and unforgettable read. A Confederacy of Dunces is a must-read for any lover of comedy and satire.
Summary
The world of literature is filled with many humorous books that have brought laughter to readers over the years. Some of the funniest books ever written include “Catch-22” by Joseph Heller, “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” by Douglas Adams, and “A Confederacy of Dunces” by John Kennedy Toole.
These books use satire, irony, and absurdity to make readers laugh and provide a break from the seriousness of everyday life. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic or a modern read, there’s a funny book out there for everyone.