For Readers: Blog

Humor (in all its forms)

Humor can be so personal and subjective, and a book that was hilarious to your friend can fall flat for you. To help you on your journey to hilarity, we’ve put together a sampling of the many flavors of funny that pop up in fiction. Witty, offbeat, sardonic, darkly humorous, laugh-out-loud funny … there’s something here to get a smile out of even the most stoic reader. 

The fate of humankind rests in the talented hands of a jazz pianist in August Kitko and the Mechas from Space by Alex White. While playing at an end-of-the-world party, August is surprised when instead of killing him, rogue invading robots ask him to help save Earth from the other attackers. With witty banter, likable characters, and lots of action, this is a space opera that balances character development with engaging plot as it weaves a story about the arts, humanity, and human (or robot) connection. [e-book | print]

If small-town hijinks and quirky characters are more your style, Christine Simon’s The Patron Saint of Second Chances is a charming story about community. Signor Speranza, mayor of a tiny Italian town, learns he needs €70,000 to fix the water pipes or everyone will have to move. Desperate to increase business, he starts a rumor that a famous actor is filming in town, and the fake movie spirals laughably out of control. Try the audiobook version for a lively listen full of colorful characters. [e-book | print | audiobook | large type]

Cackle by Rachel Harrison is a darkly humorous fantasy heavy on the sarcasm. Relocating to a quaint small town after being dumped, Annie is ready for a fresh start. Sure, her apartment has a spider problem, and her new friend Sophie terrifies the rest of the residents, but things are going great! The mysterious and ageless Sophie might just be the key to unlocking some of Annie’s hidden talents. This feminist story of revenge, loneliness, and friendship is a standout amongst the recent trend of witchy lit. [print | audiobook]

Touted as a British-Nigerian version of Bridget Jones's Diary, Yinka, Where Is Your Huzband? by Lizzie Damilola Blackburn is a warm and witty tale of self-discovery. Content in her 30s with her friends and career, Yinka still can’t get her family off her case, so she’s on the quest for a wedding date. Balancing more serious topics such as colorism and the burden of family expectations with hilarious moments, this is a heartwarming read that is especially engaging in audio. [e-book | print | audiobook]

Known for her historical mystery series, Deanna Raybourn’s latest release is Killers of a Certain Age, a clever and funny mystery-thriller about four senior assassins who are about to be permanently retired. Sent on a trip by their shadowy employer to celebrate their retirement, the foursome soon realizes that they’ve become the target and must draw on their decades of skills to survive. This caper mixes intrigue, explosions, and humorous insights on being an older woman, resulting in a fast-paced and entertaining read. [e-book | print | audiobook]

For those with a biting sense of humor, New Waves by Kevin Nguyen is a sardonic book that is lovingly described by fans as part of the “literary fiction where nothing happens” subgenre. A character study about grief, relationships, and racism, this satirical story centers around Lucas, a cynical tech worker trying to make something of himself in the cutthroat industry. Readers who appreciate incisive and intricately-plotted writing will find much to dissect. [e-book | print]
 

⏤Laura