Funniest books ever?

[hermetic]

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?

[AZSkiffyGeek]

1. I don't know those particular books by Sedaris and Bryson

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]

4. I've really enjoyed Sedaris's work

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. Three books that made me laugh...

Noir - Christopher Moore
Dreaming of Babylon - Richard Brautigan
One for the Money - Janet Evanovich

[hermetic]

3. Thanks

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]

5. Lonesome Dove, by Larry McMurtry

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]

9. I never realized

there was humor to be found there. I always heard it was sad, so thanks for the tip.

[modrepub]

6. A Prayer for Own Meany?!?

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.

[hermetic]

10. I agree

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]

7. Anything by Terry Pratchett. He was brilliant. Always make me laugh.

Damn, I miss looking forward to a new Terry Pratchett book.

[hermetic]

11. Totally agree

[Midnight Writer]

8. John Barth -The Sotweed Factor and Gile's Goatboy. Thomas Berger-Little Big Man and Neighbors.

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]

13. Thanks for the suggestions

Little Big Man was cool.

[vanlassie]

12. The Jeeves and Wooster stories always slay me.

By PG Wodehouse. 😂😂🤣

[hermetic]

14. Oh, absolutely

I didn't even think about Wodehouse. SO funny.

[SheltieLover]

15. I've not read any of these! 😱

Ty for sharing this list! I'm always looking for humor, especially these days!

[bif]

16. "A Star is Bored"

by Carrie Fisher's Personal Assistant Byron Layne.

[hermetic]

17. LOL

Good title.

[bif]

18. Very funny book!

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

19. The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion.