Fiction
Related: About this forumFunniest books ever?
The hardest thing we might ask from a book is to make us laugh. I don’t mean a huh-that’s-funny non-laugh. "I’m talking about something that actually makes you stifle snorts on the subway, that provokes a rumbling of hearty belly-laughs in Starbucks. Think about it: what was the last book you read that provoked that kind of response?"
This list was compiled by Katie Lee, an associate editor at Lit Hub. I hadn't even heard of some of them but those last two definitely made me laugh out loud, a lot. I am surprised Catch 22 isn't on there. YMMV, obviously.
How To Date Men When You Hate Men by Blythe Roberson
The Sellout by Paul Beatty
Calypso by David Sedaris
The Pisces by Melissa Broder
The Lost Continent by Bill Bryson
Less by Andrew Sean Greer
Made for Love by Alissa Nutting
Skippy Dies by Paul Murray
A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving
Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling
A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett
Read book summaries here:
https://getpocket.com/explore/item/13-books-that-will-actually-make-you-laugh-out-loud?
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AZSkiffyGeek
(12,685 posts)But in general they are hilarious writers (although Sedaris seems to be turning into a crank lately). Agree on Hitchhiker's Guide and Good Omens. Owen Meany and Confederacy of Dunces are great as well.
hermetic
(8,752 posts)Though I haven't yet read that particular one either. Sorry to hear he's turning into a crank, but it's getting difficult to find anyone who isn't. Myself included.
Ohiya
(2,504 posts)Noir - Christopher Moore
Dreaming of Babylon - Richard Brautigan
One for the Money - Janet Evanovich
Looking forward to hearing about others. I want to read funny stuff as much as possible these days.
Christopher Moore has a new book out in May: Razzmatazz It has the characters from Noir, which I also enjoyed. I signed up to attend a Zoom book signing and chat with him, and will get a signed copy of the book then.
Staph
(6,377 posts)In parts of this book, I cackled, in public, on an airplane. Of course, I also sobbed like a baby, so it's a lot like real life.
hermetic
(8,752 posts)there was humor to be found there. I always heard it was sad, so thanks for the tip.
modrepub
(3,716 posts)John Irving isn't a comedy writer as far as I'm concerned. By his own admission, he likes creating interesting characters and putting them through the most horrible situations. If anything he writes about tragic circumstances where your only option is to laugh, or you'd go insane crying.
I'll say of Owen Meany, it made me more respectful and understanding of people who have very strong faiths.
When I saw that on the list I was confused. I looked it up on Fiction Database and it certainly wasn't in the humor genre. But it did say it was Irving's most comic novel.
Biophilic
(5,277 posts)Damn, I miss looking forward to a new Terry Pratchett book.
hermetic
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Midnight Writer
(23,449 posts)and anything by Mark Twain or Voltaire.
"Ever" is a long time.
I confess the only books on the list I have read is Hitchhiker's Guide.
hermetic
(8,752 posts)vanlassie
(5,916 posts)By PG Wodehouse. 😂😂🤣
hermetic
(8,752 posts)I didn't even think about Wodehouse. SO funny.
SheltieLover
(62,616 posts)Ty for sharing this list! I'm always looking for humor, especially these days!
bif
(24,634 posts)by Carrie Fisher's Personal Assistant Byron Layne.
Good title.