The Greatest "Humor, Fiction" Books Since 1900

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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. 301. Harvey by Mary Chase

    This play centers around Elwood P. Dowd, a mild-mannered and affable man whose best friend is Harvey, a six-foot, three-and-one-half-inch tall invisible rabbit. Elwood's unwavering belief in his peculiar companion exasperates his social-climbing sister, Veta, leading her to attempt to commit Elwood to a sanitarium. However, a comedy of errors ensues when the doctors mistakenly target Veta instead, questioning her sanity. As the search for Elwood and his invisible companion intensifies, the characters are drawn into a series of farcical situations that ultimately challenge their perceptions of reality and the value of nonconformity, friendship, and kindness in a world that often prioritizes appearances and normality.

    The 10407th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 302. You Can't Take It With You by George S. Kaufman, Moss Hart

    The play is a comedic tale that revolves around the eccentric Sycamore family, who lead a carefree and unorthodox life, much to the confusion and dismay of outsiders. When Alice Sycamore becomes engaged to Tony Kirby, the son of a wealthy and conservative family, the Sycamores' offbeat lifestyle clashes with the Kirbys' uptight demeanor. The ensuing chaos and misunderstandings lead to a series of humorous encounters, ultimately conveying the message that happiness and love are more important than money and social status, and that life is best lived to the fullest, without concern for societal expectations.

    The 10408th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 303. Redshirts by John Scalzi

    In this satirical science fiction novel, the story follows the adventures of a group of ensigns aboard the Universal Union's flagship Intrepid. They quickly realize that their ship's officers are frequently embroiled in dramatic and dangerous missions, while the lower-ranked crew members—often clad in red shirts—have a startlingly high mortality rate. The ensigns come to the shocking conclusion that they are actually characters in a badly written television show, and they must navigate a metafictional quest to confront their creators and change their fates to avoid being expendable casualties in the next away mission. The novel plays with the tropes of classic space operas and the concept of narrative determinism, delivering both humor and existential inquiry into the nature of free will and destiny.

    The 10455th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 304. Based On A True Story by Norm Macdonald

    The book is a memoir that blends fact with fiction, offering a comedic and surreal account of the life of a well-known comedian and former "Saturday Night Live" cast member. It delves into his upbringing in Canada, his rise to fame, and his experiences in the world of comedy, all while playing fast and loose with the truth. The narrative is filled with the author's trademark wit and deadpan humor, as he recounts stories of gambling, the pitfalls of celebrity, and his own unique perspective on life, often questioning the nature of storytelling and the reliability of memory itself.

    The 10469th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 305. Making Money by Terry Pratchett

    This novel is a humorous fantasy that follows the adventures of Moist von Lipwig, a reformed con artist who is now in charge of the Royal Mint and the bank of Ankh-Morpork. Tasked with revitalizing the city's economy, Moist must navigate a world of golems, werewolves, and other fantastical elements, all while dealing with the bank's peculiar staff and the Machiavellian machinations of the city's patrician. As he attempts to introduce paper money to a society accustomed to gold, his past as a swindler catches up with him, leading to a series of comedic and thrilling challenges. The book combines satire, wit, and a deep understanding of human nature, making it a compelling read for those who enjoy a mix of fantasy and humor.

    The 10524th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 306. Lightning Rods by Helen DeWitt

    This novel presents a satirical exploration of American capitalism and sexual politics through the story of a struggling salesman who invents an outrageous solution to sexual harassment in the workplace. His idea, which involves anonymous sexual encounters through a specially designed contraption to relieve male employees' urges without involving personal interactions, becomes a surprising success. As the protagonist navigates the complexities of patenting and marketing his invention, the narrative delves into themes of morality, exploitation, and the absurdity of corporate culture, all while maintaining a sharp, comedic edge. The book challenges readers to consider the lengths to which society will go to address symptoms rather than underlying issues, wrapped in a story that is both outlandish and thought-provoking.

    The 10540th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 307. The Bear Comes Home by Rafi Zabor

    "The Bear Comes Home" is a unique tale about a talking, saxophone-playing bear who navigates the human world while yearning for true freedom. The bear, who is also the protagonist, struggles with the complexities of human life, including love, art, and the search for self-identity. As he explores the jazz scene, he is caught between his bear nature and his human-like consciousness, leading to a profound exploration of what it means to be free and to be oneself.

    The 10569th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 308. Thraxas by Martin Scott

    In the fantasy noir novel, the protagonist is a down-on-his-luck private investigator and sorcerer living in a city rife with crime, magic, and political intrigue. Despite his penchant for overindulgence in ale and a gambling habit that keeps him perpetually short on funds, he's drawn into a complex case involving a stolen item of great importance, a murder mystery, and a conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of society. With his sharp wit, magical skills, and a tough female bodyguard by his side, he navigates through a series of dangerous and humorous encounters, determined to crack the case and restore a semblance of order to his chaotic world.

    The 10593rd Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 309. A Hat Full of Sky by Terry Pratchett

    "A Hat Full of Sky" is a young adult fantasy novel by Terry Pratchett. The story follows Tiffany Aching, a young witch who leaves her home in the Chalk to become an apprentice to Miss Level in the big city. Tiffany quickly learns that being a witch is not just about casting spells, but also about understanding people and the world around her. She must also confront a dangerous creature known as a hiver, which seeks to take over her mind and use her powers for its own purposes. With the help of her friends and fellow witches, Tiffany must learn to control her magic and defeat the hiver before it's too late.

    The 10652nd Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 310. Lake Of Urine by Guillermo Stitch

    This novel is a darkly comedic and surreal exploration of the lives of two sisters, Nagomi and Bernardette, who navigate a bizarre and oppressive world dominated by eccentric characters and absurd societal norms. Set in a fantastical landscape that defies conventional logic, the story delves into themes of freedom, power, and the quest for individuality. Through a series of strange and often grotesque events, the sisters embark on a journey that challenges their understanding of love, family, and the very fabric of reality. The narrative's unique blend of humor, satire, and grotesque imagery invites readers to reflect on the absurdities of the human condition.

    The 10705th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 311. War Dances by Sherman Alexie

    "War Dances" is a collection of short stories and poems that explore the lives of Native Americans in contemporary society. The narratives delve into various themes such as identity, culture, family, love, and loss. The stories are filled with humor, heartbreak, and wisdom, painting a vivid picture of the unique struggles and experiences faced by modern Native Americans.

    The 10700th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 312. Vanya And Sonia And Masha And Spike by Christopher Durang

    The play is a comedic exploration of the complexities of family dynamics, middle-age despair, and the search for identity amidst the chaos of modern life. It follows the story of two middle-aged siblings, Vanya and Sonia, whose quiet, mundane lives in their Pennsylvania family home are disrupted by the return of their movie-star sister, Masha, and her much younger lover, Spike. As they confront their regrets and the fear of being left behind by a world that's moved on without them, the siblings grapple with their relationships, their missed opportunities, and their hopes for the future, all while dealing with the eccentricities of a visiting fortune-telling housekeeper and a star-struck neighbor. The narrative is a poignant yet humorous take on the themes of family, aging, and the desire to belong, all underscored by elements borrowed from classic Russian literature.

    The 10778th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 313. Less by Andrew Sean Greer

    The novel follows a failing writer about to turn 50, who receives an invitation to his ex-boyfriend's wedding. In order to avoid the event, he decides to accept every literary invitation he's been given and embarks on an around-the-world journey. As he travels from Paris to India, Berlin to Japan, he finds himself facing the big questions about love, aging, and how to live a life that matters.

    The 10782nd Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 314. Kruger's Alp by Christopher Hope

    "Kruger's Alp" follows the journey of a South African everyman, a railway guard, who embarks on a trek across Europe to find the grave of Paul Kruger, a former president of South Africa. Along the way, he encounters a variety of characters and experiences that reflect on the history and politics of his home country, providing a satirical and insightful commentary on South African society during the apartheid era.

    The 10810th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 315. Pyramids by Terry Pratchett

    This novel is a comedic fantasy that takes place in the Discworld universe, focusing on the story of Teppic, a young prince of the tiny kingdom of Djelibeybi, the Discworld's equivalent of ancient Egypt. After receiving an education at the Assassins' Guild in Ankh-Morpork, Teppic returns home upon his father's death to assume the throne. He finds himself caught between traditional expectations and his own more modern ideas, especially when it comes to the monumental task of building a pyramid for his late father. The construction of this pyramid unleashes chaotic forces, leading to a series of humorous and fantastical events that challenge the fabric of time and reality in his kingdom. Through satire and wit, the novel explores themes of tradition versus progress, the absurdities of power, and the complexities of leadership.

    The 10842nd Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 316. Swing Hammer Swing! by Jeff Torrington

    The narrative is set in the 1960s in Glasgow, Scotland, and follows the life of a young man named Thomas Clay. Clay is an aspiring writer who is struggling with writer's block while dealing with the impending birth of his first child, the destruction of his tenement building, and his wife's hospitalization. The novel provides a humorous and poignant look at the hardships of urban life, the complexities of personal relationships, and the struggle for artistic expression amid the chaos of everyday existence.

    The 10867th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 317. The Funny Man by John Warner

    The book follows the story of a stand-up comedian whose career skyrockets after he starts wearing a prop on his hand during his acts, which becomes his signature trademark. However, as he ascends to stardom, his personal life begins to unravel. The narrative delves into the dark side of fame, the pressures of public life, and the struggle to maintain identity amidst the chaos of the entertainment industry. The protagonist's journey is a tragicomic exploration of the high cost of success and the often-blurred line between a persona and the person behind it.

    The 10913th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 318. Mister Monkey by Francine Prose

    The novel revolves around the interconnected lives of an eclectic cast of characters, all linked by a lackluster children's musical based on a beloved fictional character, Mister Monkey. Through a series of vignettes, the narrative explores the personal dramas, comedic mishaps, and poignant reflections of the play's actors, the audience members, and even the author of the book on which the play is based. The story delves into themes of art, reality, the impact of small actions, and the human search for meaning, all the while painting a satirical yet sympathetic portrait of the theater world and the varied individuals who find their lives touched by this seemingly trivial production.

    The 11007th 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