Are you in the mood for something light-hearted? Maybe something to make you laugh after a long day? I love reading memoirs, getting that peek into someone's life and its always more enjoyable if they make me laugh too! Here are some of the best funny non-fiction books and memoirs out there...
Me Talk Pretty One Day
by David Sedaris
Oh man if you haven't read ( or listened to) anything by David Sedaris, you need to get on it. I recommend the audiobooks- his delivery and timing make the stories even funnier. He and his family have an unusual outlook on the world and listening to him describe the mundane tasks of his life is somehow hilarious and interesting. I never thought I would listen to a book about a grown man learning to speak french, but damn I did and then I listened to every other book he's ever written.
Find it on | Goodreads | Bookshop
Fresh Off the Boat
by Eddie Huang
This is another that you really have to listen to on audiobook if you can. Hearing Eddie himself tell the stories of his childhood in Orlando, Florida with his immigrant parents was really the best way to enjoy this book. I love the culture references of the 1990s hip-hop and the love/hate/ stressful relationship that he navigated with his family.
A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering American on the Appalachian Trail
by Bill Bryson
This one isn't a laugh out loud kinda book, but its a funny, light-hearted and a classic. Hiking the Appalachian Trail through Bill's eyes and with his depth of knowledge, random trivia and hilarious commentary on the people he meets along the way is probably the best ( and only) way I'd want to hike 2,000 miles.
Yearbook
by Seth Rogan
Do you love humor? Stories about celebrities and musicians? Guys who nearly crap themselves in a park while high on too many drugs? Then you have to read this book. Seth Rogan is an amazing storyteller and his voice is clear and hilarious throughout this book. I loved his stories about fame, weed, coming of age and his life in the spotlight.This was one I definitely laughed out loud on a crowded plane while reading.
Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood
by Trevor Noah
Funny, but more than that this book is so well written and covers so many issues like colonialism, apartheid, being an outsider, religion, education so well that it ought to be required reading in schools. I actually loved this book so much that I bought the hardcover and the adapted-for-young-readers version. Trevor is a engaging, hilarious writer who know how to draw the humor out of awkward, difficult and sometimes heartbreaking situations.
Bitter Is the New Black: Confessions of a Condescending, Egomaniacal, Self-Centered Smartass, Or, Why You Should Never Carry A Prada Bag to the Unemployment Office
by Jen Lancaster
An oldy, but a goody. This book is probably my favorite of all Jen Lancaster's hilarious books. This one came out in 2010 and I read it back in 2011 and remember loving the deprecating humor and embarrassing situations that Jen describes in the book.
A Very Punchable Face
by Colin Jost
I didn't expect to like this book as much as I did, but Colin is an outstanding writer and storyteller and his voice came through on every page. He does an amazing job of making his relatively drama-free, charmed life seem funny and interesting. Also there is a chapter with a poop story that's possibly the best I've ever read and absolutely worth reading the entire book to enjoy.
Look Alive Out There
by Sloane Crosley
The neurotic energy, the nearly unbelievable adventures ( hello? playing yourself on Gossip Girl? YES!) and the relatable, ridiculously hilarious thoughts on torturing your neighbors, Sloane nails every essay in this book. Mixed in with the wild stories are some really charming, emotional observations that really stayed with me.
Shrill: Notes from a Loud Woman
by Lindy West
This was a book I needed in my life. Lindy is a force to be reckoned with and I loved reading about her journey to come into her own as a writer, feminist and woman who can take on male comedians with humor, charm and brains. She's loud AND smart. Reading this book ( and her recent "The Witches are Coming) made me feel bold and inspired.
Wow, No Thank You : Essays
by Samantha Irby
Come for the honest look at aging and stay for the hilarious stories of what it's like to settle down in suburbia. Samantha's one-liners, descriptions and self deprecation are hilarious all while illuminating the less then happy points of life. These essay seem effortless and are laugh out loud in the airport funny.
You'll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey: Crazy Stories about Racism
How have I slept on Amber for so long? She is SO funny! And the situations her sisters, Lacey finds herself in are hilarious and sadly not shocking at all. I actually learned a lot about the subtle racism that sneaks past me on a daily basis by reading ( listening) to this book. This book was the perfect balance of funny and for real.
I Know I Am, But What Are You?
by Samantha Bee
Can someone help me make my awkward teenage years as funny as Samantha does hers? I seriously laughed so hard at this book: her crush on Jesus, her teenage drama, her random jobs that ending up leading her to The Daily Show. Samantha knows how to bring the funny and she's not afraid to make a fool of herself to do it.
Weird but Normal: Essays
by Mia Mercado
These funny essays spoke to my millennial, feminist soul. I mean an essay called "Depression Isn’t a Competition but Why Aren’t I Winning?" or "White Friend Confessional" how can you not love this book? Mia does an outstanding job of bringing the funny, all while pointing out how ridiculous life in your 30s can be- especially when you are a woman.
Where Am I Now?
by Mara Wilson
Not a comedic memoir per-say, but Mara looks at her life with a humorous bend, helping her to deal with the strange and difficult things that she's been through. This smart, interesting book provides a look into life as a child actress and how Mara has chosen to live her life since.
Wishful Drinking
by Carrie Fisher
A quick read that for more than just Star Wars fans, Carrie tells the story of her life with self-deprecating wit that I haven't seen matched. Growing up in Hollywood with famous parents and then becoming a famous ( drug addicted) actress, she's got some stunning stories to share.
The Liberal Redneck Manifesto: Draggin' Dixie Outta the Dark
As a southern girl with some not-so-southern viewpoints I loved this book. These dudes are funny and able to point out the outdated traditions and intolerant attitudes that run rampant below the Mason Dixon. The south is an amazing place with a lot of cool thing and this job does a great book of sharing those things, while pointing out the ignorant crap that happens too.
The Last Black Unicorn
by Tiffany Haddish
This memoir was nothing like I've ever read. Tiffany had a extremely difficult and traumatic childhood and yet she was able to create a life for herself, find joy and have an extremely successful career. One of the best things about this book ( which some people don't like) is that it is written exactly the way Tiffany speaks. You can literally hear her voice as you read. The writing isn't prose, but for someone who learned to read later in life I think she does amazing and her comedy and storytelling comes through.
Dad is Fat
by Jim Gaffigan
Food and family, its what makes the world go round right? It's definitely what makes Jim's world go round. I really enjoyed this comedians essays about growing up in a big family, having a big family and all the delicous food he's enjoyed. If you like his stand-ups specials you will absolutely love this book.
This Is Just My Face: Try Not to Stare
by Gabourey Sidibe
I didn't expect this memoir to be funny, but it was hilarious. Gaby has a unique viewpoint, quick wit and has had a really interesting life. I loved reading about her wild family, her acting career and her humorous look on life.
Why Not Me?
by Mindy Kaling
I adored this book. Mindy has a way of making even Hollywood encounters seem totally normal and completely awkward, exactly what you'd expect from a normal person hanging around with famous people. Rarely do you find a book about acting, the tv business and Hollywood that's so relatable and sweet. This book is an interesting look at Mindy's career that just leaves you feeling happy.
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