For Readers: Blog

Reading for laughs

Looking for something that will make you laugh? Pick up one of these nonfiction books! They're easy reads, sure to make you chuckle, guffaw, or snicker. 

Let’s Pretend This Never Happened is the debut memoir from journalist Jenny Lawson, The Bloggess. With her trademark wit, Lawson revisits her most embarrassing moments. From childhood in Texas to marriage and the birth of her daughter, she intertwines humor with vulnerability to make you laugh and cry. Especially recommended for fans of David Sedaris. [print | e-book | audiobook]

Amy Solomon, producer of the hit HBO shows Barry and Silicon Valley, compiled Notes from the Bathroom Line, a collection of short stories, satire, poetry, cartoons, and essays. In “Ways to Avoid Talking to People You Don’t Want to Talk to,” the reader is given helpful advice. “Please Don’t Ask Me If I Have a Boyfriend” is one of several stories that focus on love and dating, while the essay “What Would You Do?: A Holiday Disaster'' highlights relatable family matters. This collection of humor is a time capsule celebrating the wit of women today. [print]

In Shit, Actually, American writer and comedian Lindy West chronicles how she re-watched a variety of popular films including Love Actually, Twilight, Top Gun, and The Terminator. In short, entertaining chapters, she takes a fresh, scrutinizing look at each. And whether she's analyzing the flaws of time travel in Back to the Future or taking a close look at Adam Sandler's screen appearances, West's observations will make you think and laugh. You won’t be able to watch these movies the same way again. [print | e-book]

Seinfeld fans, the wait is over. In Is This Anything? the comedian revisits his 45-year career by the decade, bringing observational humor to anecdotes from his life. This book makes clear how Seinfeld’s skills evolved over the years, making it an interesting read for aspiring comedians and fans alike. [print | large type | e-book | audiobook]

Emmy-winning actor Leslie Jordan’s uplifting energy is contagious in How Y’all Doing? In essays full of southern charm and quirky humor, Jordan talks about what it was like to grow up in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and discusses his recovery from drug and alcohol abuse. He also reveals standout moments from his career like the time he sang a duet with Dolly Parton. Readers will love this bird’s-eye view of a lifetime of misadventure. [print]

I Want to Be Where the Normal People Are is a collection of essays and poems by Rachel Bloom, co-creator and star of the popular TV show Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. In reflective essays, she highlights the times she has struggled to feel normal, recalling how she was bullied as a child and talking about what she has learned working in a male-dominated industry. Bloom's snarky humor is perfect for fans of Mindy Kaling and Amy Poehler. [print]

—Jessica