Humour me: A reading list of really funny books
Editor’s note: We wanted to shake up our Read section. So we turned to the coolest folks we know to suggest themes for reading lists—i.e you. As expected, we received quirky, smart, and delightfully surprising suggestions. This week, we have a list of the funniest books, regardless of genre—requested by Rachna.
Written by: Anannya Parekh, News Editor and in-house bibliophile.
About that crazy lead image: We asked the Shutterstock AI to create an appropriate image for a ‘funny bones’ reading list. We think it’s entirely apt and amusing.
Fiction
Dear Committee Members by Julie Schumacher: This funny-as-hell novel follows Jason Fitger—a lit professor at a small and not very distinguished liberal arts college—whose department is facing cuts while the Economics department is treated lavishly. Basically Fitger’s writing career, romantic life and star student are not headed in the right direction. He manages to find an outlet in a series of hilarious letters of recommendations he writes for his students and colleagues—each a masterpiece of high dudgeon and passive-aggression.
Go the F**k to Sleep by Adam Mansbach: This New York Times bestseller had to be on this list—especially for parents who live in the real world, where basic fairytales and counting sheep do not send their children into dreamland happily. This 32-page book will have you roaring with laughter, as the book tries to emulate children’s books parents read ad nauseum to their kids. Highly highly recommended for parents who are exhausted, sleep-deprived and need a bit of tongue in cheek humour. PS: The audiobook version is read out by a host of celebrities, from Samuel L. Jackson to Jennifer Garner. You can find an audio recording of the same here.
We Got Zombies On The Lawn Again, Ma by Donnie Smith: Here’s a funny one in the science fiction-horror zone—an irreverent take on zombies that follows a 19-year-old Ax Handel who lives a fairly disastrous and comical life which changes for the better. Zombies come out of the nearby cemetery which helps Ax find purpose in his life—as he is the only one well-equipped to save his town. The other mental characters in his family are of no help. Some say this book will make you laugh till your stomach aches, and it is worth reading—twice.
The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee: If you’re looking for an 18th century story with lovable queer characters, look no further. Lee’s book follows the story of Monty—who is embarking on his Grand Tour of Europe—a last chance to indulge in some wildness before he is supposed to take over as his father’s heir. Monty is instantly clever, funny, wry and as unabashedly bisexual as possible. This is written for young adults, but aptly takes the comedy to fun levels—while exploring gender, race, sexuality, disability in the 1700s. FYI: This book is added to a humour list, because it does justice to the “com” in rom-com.
A Case of Exploding Mangoes by Mohammed Hanif: If you like subtle, quippy humour wrapped in a mystery-thriller—this one’s for you. Hanif’s novel follows Ali Shigri—a Pakistan Air Force pilot who is on a mission to avenge his father's suspicious death, which the government calls a suicide. While Ali fights authoritarian forces with a rather eclectic group of characters—including his cologne-bathed roommate, a hash-smoking American lieutenant, and a mango-besotted crow. The author has attempted to caricaturise General Zia ul Haq who was considered the dictator of Pakistan in the 70s—who is also the villain of this story.
Poetry
Funny by Jennifer Michael Hecht: This 89-page poetry collection is a deep and insightful take on old cheesy jokes. The poet has broken open a list of old jokes and formed exquisite meaning from them. Hecht has managed to explore the idea of ‘funny’ and what comes out of it are poems that are psychological; tender and humane, and somehow ruthless. You will not want to put down this witty book.
Serious Concerns by Wendy Cope: Cope has this lovely ability to address serious topics (i.e. feminism, relationships, grief) in a type of humour that will make you chuckle to yourself—while also breaking open your heart. If you think you don't like poetry—check this book out, you'll never look back. Our favourite poems from this thin book: The Orange, Defining the Problem, Some More Light Verse, I Worry, Two Cures for Love, Favourite, & New Season.
Nonfiction
If It’s Monday It Must Be Madurai: A Conducted Tour of India by Srinath Perur: This delightful travelogue will have you LOLing while also planning some interesting trips, perhaps. The book is a collection of ten travel essays, based on conducted group tours the author has taken which included anecdotes of hanging on to a camel in the Thar, rediscovering music on the trail of Kabir, joining an ancient pilgrimage and hunting for sex in Tashkent. Some paragraphs in Perur’s essays are so hilarious that you might want to read them a couple more times for extra giggles.
What If? Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions by Randall Munroe: This one can become a staple in your book collection—because it is hilarious while also being absolutely brilliant. Every now and then, Munroe—ex NASA scientist, now comic-maker—got emails asking him to arbitrate a science debate. Here are some examples of hypothetical questions he tries to answer in this book studded with memorable cartoons and infographics: “If we hooked turbines to people exercising in gyms, how much power could we produce? Or when (if ever) did the sun go down on the British empire? Or how fast can you hit a speed bump while driving and live?” You are likely to have a big smile on your face once you finish reading this, with some extra IQ points as well.
Keanu Reeves is Not in Love With You: The Murky World of Online Romance Fraud by Becky Holmes: This fast and funny book follows a middle-aged woman’s quest to understand this persistent issue of online romance fraud—especially on Twitter. By shining a light on the scammers online, Holmes creates a hilarious true crime reading experience while she looks at the psychology of fraud. While she investigates the various profiles of these shady fraudsters, she also provides detailed accounts of her hysterical interactions with them. PS: Holmes has also done a lovely job of humanising the victim’s cases and highlighted how serious this problem is as it causes financial and emotional devastation.
We Had a Little Real Estate Problem by Kliph Nesteroff: The last pick on this list packs quite a punch, as it follows the important and underappreciated story of Native Americans and comedy—despite having been denied representation in the entertainment industry, Native Americans have influenced and advanced the art form. Nesteroff’s book features profiles of hilarious comedians, dozens of original interviews and exhaustive research. I recommend that you look up some of the comedians mentioned in the book on YouTube, it is totally worth it.
