The Greatest American "Humor, Fiction" Books Since 1950

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Humor

Humor is a category of books that is characterized by its ability to make readers laugh or feel amused. These books often contain witty dialogue, clever wordplay, and humorous situations that are designed to entertain and delight readers. Humor can be found in a variety of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and graphic novels, and can range from light-hearted and silly to dark and satirical. Whether you're looking for a quick laugh or a more in-depth exploration of the human condition through humor, there is something for everyone in the world of humorous books.

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  1. 26. Women by Charles Bukowski

    "Women" is a semi-autobiographical novel that explores the chaotic love life of an aging writer. The protagonist, a hard-drinking and crude poet, navigates through a series of relationships with a variety of women, each with their own eccentricities and troubles. The narrative delves into the gritty, often sordid details of these relationships, depicting the protagonist's struggle with his own demons and the complexities of his romantic entanglements. Despite the seemingly bleak tone, the novel is punctuated with moments of raw humor and profound insight into human nature.

    The 1954th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. The Lorax by Dr. Seuss

    In a world where greed and destruction prevail, a curious young boy seeks answers about the disappearance of trees and the strange creature called the Lorax. Through an enchanting tale, Dr. Seuss sheds light on the importance of environmental conservation and the devastating consequences of human exploitation, inspiring readers to take responsibility for protecting the Earth's natural resources.

    The 1959th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. Myra Breckinridge by Gore Vidal

    This novel follows the story of Myra Breckinridge, a transgender woman who moves to Hollywood with the plan of both achieving stardom and challenging traditional gender roles and sexuality. The protagonist uses her wit, charm, and sexual appeal to manipulate those around her to further her own ambitions. The book is a satirical exploration of gender, sexuality, and the American Dream, set against the backdrop of 1960s Hollywood.

    The 1996th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. Anagrams by Lorrie Moore

    The novel revolves around the complex relationship between Benna Carpenter, an aerobics instructor and Gerard, a college professor. Benna constantly imagines different scenarios and alternate lives for herself and Gerard, including one where they have a daughter. The narrative structure of the book is unique, with each chapter presenting a different 'anagram' or version of Benna's life, reflecting her chaotic and imaginative inner world.

    The 2179th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. Lake Wobegon Days by Garrison Keillor

    This book is a humorous and poignant reflection on small-town American life, centered around a fictional community in Minnesota known for its quirky inhabitants and their endearing, if not always graceful, navigation of everyday life. Through a series of interconnected stories and personal anecdotes, the narrative delves into the town's history, culture, and social dynamics, painting a rich tapestry of local lore and tradition. The author's wry observations and affectionate satire provide a charming and nostalgic look at the values, struggles, and triumphs of an often overlooked segment of the American heartland.

    The 2297th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. The Hotel New Hampshire by John Irving

    The novel follows the Berry family, whose eccentricities and resilience are tested over generations, particularly through their experiences running various incarnations of the eponymous hotel. From their original establishment in New England to a second in Vienna, the Berrys encounter a cast of quirky characters, endure tragedies, and navigate complex relationships. Themes of love, loss, and the pursuit of dreams are explored against a backdrop of political and social upheaval, with the family's unique motto, "Keep passing the open windows," serving as a refrain for their determination to persevere in the face of life's absurdities and challenges.

    The 5413th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. The 13 Clocks by James Thurber

    The book tells the story of a cold-hearted Duke who has frozen time, stopping the 13 clocks in his castle, and his beautiful niece, the Princess Saralinda. The Duke sets impossible tasks to her suitors, turning them into stone when they fail. However, a mysterious prince, disguised as a minstrel and guided by a magical figure known as the Golux, arrives at the castle, determined to complete the tasks, thaw the clocks, and win the Princess's hand.

    The 2454th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. The Fan Man by William Kotzwinkle

    The book follows the life of Horse Badorties, a free-spirited, eccentric, and somewhat delusional hippie living in New York City during the 1970s. Horse is obsessed with fans and spends his days collecting them, resulting in a chaotic apartment filled with hundreds of fans. His life is a series of comedic and bizarre adventures as he interacts with a variety of outlandish characters, starts a band, and plans a concert in Central Park. The narrative is infused with a unique blend of humor, absurdity, and a touch of melancholy, capturing the spirit of an era and the eccentricities of its protagonist.

    The 2454th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 34. A Mother's Kisses by Bruce Jay Friedman

    The novel is a comedic and poignant exploration of the intense and complex relationship between a young man and his overbearing mother. The story follows the protagonist as he grapples with the challenges of adolescence, the pressures of college admissions, and the pursuit of his individual identity, all under the watchful and often smothering affection of his mother. Her relentless involvement in every facet of his life leads to a series of humorous and uncomfortable situations, revealing the universal themes of familial love, the struggle for independence, and the often fraught dynamic between parents and their growing children.

    The 2818th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 35. Been Down So Long it Looks Like Up to Me by Richard Fariña

    The novel is a counterculture classic that follows the adventures and misadventures of a young college student named Gnossos Pappadopoulis. Set in the 1950s, it is a picaresque tale that combines elements of beatnik and hippie subcultures, blending humor, satire, and tragedy. The protagonist's journey is marked by encounters with drugs, sex, rebellion, and existential questioning, reflecting the tumultuous spirit of the era.

    The 3027th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 36. The Reivers by William Faulkner

    This novel is a humorous coming-of-age story set in the American South in the early 20th century. It follows a young boy who, along with two companions, steals his grandfather's car and embarks on an adventure to Memphis. Along the way, they encounter various characters and situations that challenge their morals and force them to grow up quickly. The journey serves as a metaphor for the loss of innocence and the harsh realities of adulthood.

    The 3209th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 37. The Adventures of Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey

    The book follows the mischievous antics of two fourth-grade friends who, after hypnotizing their grumpy principal, turn him into Captain Underpants, a superhero of their own comic book creation. The boys navigate through a series of humorous adventures as they control the principal-turned-superhero, who has no actual powers but is convinced of his own heroism. Their escapades are filled with pranks, battles against ridiculous villains, and plenty of toilet humor, all while trying to keep their principal's alter ego a secret and manage the chaos they've unleashed at their elementary school.

    The 3243rd Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 38. The Midnight Examiner by William Kotzwinkle

    The novel follows the life of a former serious novelist turned tabloid editor in New York City. The protagonist's life takes a turn when he gets involved with a B-movie actress and a gangster who wants to finance his own movie. The story is a mix of adventure, comedy, and satire, offering a humorous and insightful look into the world of tabloid journalism.

    The 3435th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 39. Best of Simple by Langston Hughes

    "Best of Simple" is a collection of tales featuring the character Jesse B. Semple, or "Simple", who shares humorous and insightful commentary on the African American experience in the United States. The stories, set in Harlem, explore themes of race, class, and identity through the lens of Simple's everyday life and interactions. The book is known for its witty dialogue, vivid characters, and its unflinching look at the realities of life for Black Americans in the mid-20th century.

    The 3469th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 40. Lord Of The Barnyard by Tristan Egolf

    The book is a darkly comedic and sprawling tale of a rural American outcast, whose life is marked by relentless misfortune and societal marginalization. The protagonist, with an extraordinary talent for animal husbandry, finds himself in constant conflict with the small-minded townsfolk and corrupt officials of his Midwestern community. His journey is one of epic struggle against adversity and the pettiness of small-town politics, culminating in a dramatic and chaotic rebellion that upends the social order of his world. The narrative weaves a rich tapestry of rural life, exploring themes of revenge, social injustice, and the quest for personal redemption.

    The 3629th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 41. Foreign Affairs by Alison Lurie

    This novel presents the intertwined stories of two American academics in London. Virginia Miner, a fifty-something, unmarried tenured professor, is in London for a six-month sabbatical to research children's folk rhymes. Despite her work, she increasingly finds herself drawn into a spiraling relationship with a young man from Oklahoma. In contrast, Fred Turner, a young assistant professor in the English department, leaves his wife and children behind in the States to conduct research on John Gay. He finds himself taken up by the very English and very upscale family of a fellow researcher. Their parallel experiences reflect their shared foreignness and alienation in the UK.

    The 4378th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 42. The Pat Hobby Stories by F. Scott Fitzgerald

    This collection of short stories revolves around the character Pat Hobby, a down-and-out screenwriter in Hollywood during the 1930s. Once successful during the silent film era, Hobby struggles to adapt to the changing landscape of the film industry and to find work in the talkies era. The stories humorously and sometimes poignantly depict his various misadventures, schemes, and attempts to regain his lost prestige within the studio system. Through Hobby's experiences, the narrative offers a satirical glimpse into the Hollywood film industry, highlighting the fickleness of fame and the desperation that often accompanies creative endeavors.

    The 4429th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 43. God Save The Mark by Donald E. Westlake

    The book is a comedic crime caper centered around a perpetually gullible man who finds himself the unexpected heir to a large sum of money. His naivety makes him a magnet for con artists and criminals, leading him into a series of misadventures as he navigates a world filled with deceit and danger. Despite his susceptibility to being duped, he must learn to outwit the schemers who are after his inheritance, all the while questioning the legitimacy of his windfall and the intentions of those around him. The story combines humor with suspense, creating a satirical look at the lengths to which people will go for wealth.

    The 4651st Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 44. The Book Of Joe by Jonathan Tropper

    The novel revolves around Joe, a successful writer who must confront his past when he returns to his hometown after his father falls into a coma. Having left behind a trail of hurtful caricatures of the townspeople in his bestselling book, Joe's homecoming is met with hostility. As he navigates the complex relationships with his estranged family and former friends, Joe grapples with feelings of regret and the realization that you can never truly escape your past. The story is a poignant exploration of redemption, forgiveness, and the enduring bonds of family and friendship amidst the backdrop of a small town's dynamics.

    The 4792nd Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 45. The Businessman by Thomas M. Disch

    The novel is a darkly satirical tale that follows the life of Bob Glandier, a successful but morally bankrupt businessman who, after his wife's murder—which he orchestrated—is haunted by her ghost and a series of supernatural events. As he continues his ruthless climb up the corporate ladder, his life spirals into a mix of horror and absurdity, revealing the emptiness of his materialistic pursuits. The story serves as a critique of American capitalism and the cutthroat corporate culture of the 1980s, blending elements of horror, humor, and social commentary.

    The 4858th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 46. Heartburn by Nora Ephron

    The book is a witty and autobiographical novel that follows the life of Rachel Samstat, a pregnant food writer living in Washington D.C., who discovers her husband is having an affair with another woman. As her marriage crumbles, Rachel must navigate the complexities of love, betrayal, and heartache, all while dealing with her own impending motherhood. Through a blend of humor and pathos, the protagonist uses her sharp wit and passion for cooking to cope with her personal turmoil, sharing recipes and reflections along the way, ultimately finding strength and self-discovery amidst the chaos of her dissolving relationship.

    The 4910th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 47. Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail '72 by Hunter S. Thompson

    This book is a visceral, first-person account of the 1972 presidential campaign, as seen through the eyes of a maverick journalist. It blends political analysis, cultural commentary, and personal anecdotes to capture the chaotic spirit of the election that pitted incumbent President Richard Nixon against Democratic challenger George McGovern. The narrative is infused with the author's signature gonzo style, characterized by a highly subjective and often satirical approach to journalism. Through a series of articles originally written for a major magazine, the book delves into the machinations of political operatives, the mood of the American electorate, and the dark underbelly of the campaign trail, all while grappling with the broader implications of the American political system.

    The 4933rd Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 48. Slouching Towards Kalamazoo by Peter De Vries

    This novel is a comedic and satirical journey set in the American Midwest, revolving around the life of a precocious and highly intelligent teenager. Through his unconventional relationship with his teacher, the story delves into themes of love, the absurdity of the human condition, and the quest for meaning within the mundane aspects of life. The narrative is rich with witty dialogue and insightful observations, making it a humorous yet poignant exploration of adolescence, education, and the complexities of growing up.

    The 5049th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 49. A Light In The Attic (20th Anniversary Edition Book & Cd) by Shel Silverstein

    This book is a delightful collection of whimsical and imaginative poems and drawings that capture the essence of childhood wonder and adult nostalgia. The 20th Anniversary Edition includes not only the cherished original content but also a CD, enhancing the experience with audio renditions. Each page offers a unique blend of humor, insight, and a touch of the absurd, inviting readers of all ages to explore topics ranging from fantastical creatures and peculiar characters to insightful reflections on everyday life. The playful rhythm and rhyme make it a timeless classic, perfect for reading aloud or enjoying quietly alone.

    The 5157th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 50. Erections, Ejaculations, Exhibitions, And General Tales Of Ordinary Madness by Charles Bukowski

    This book is a collection of short stories that delve into the gritty and often sordid aspects of human experience, focusing on the lives of the downtrodden and the outcasts of society. The narrative voice is raw and unfiltered, presenting a world filled with alcohol, sex, and existential despair, where characters navigate through the chaos of urban life. The stories are marked by a sense of realism and dark humor, offering an unapologetic exploration of the human condition and the madness that can be found in the ordinary lives of individuals.

    The 5260th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download