The Greatest American, British "Humor, Fiction" Books Since 1990

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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. Priestdaddy by Patricia Lockwood

    " Priestdaddy" is a memoir by Patricia Lockwood that recounts her experiences growing up in a highly unusual family. Her father is a Catholic priest who converted from Lutheranism and her mother is a former nun. The book explores the complexities of family dynamics, religion, and sexuality through Lockwood's sharp wit and unique perspective. The author also delves into her own struggles with mental illness and the challenges of reconciling her unconventional upbringing with her adult life. Overall, "Priestdaddy" is a poignant and humorous memoir that offers a fresh take on the coming-of-age genre.

    The 5167th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. Going Postal by Terry Pratchett

    In this satirical fantasy novel, a notorious con artist is given a second chance at life by being forced to revive the defunct Ankh-Morpork Post Office. As the new Postmaster, he must contend with outdated mail systems, a haunted post office, and the competition from a powerful, unscrupulous clacks communication company. Using his wits and a motley crew of postal employees, he embarks on a madcap journey to restore the postal service, outmaneuver the corporate villains, and ultimately redefine the meaning of communication in a city teeming with magic and mayhem.

    The 5424th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. Going Native by Stephen Wright

    "Going Native" is a darkly surreal journey through the underbelly of late 20th-century American life. The protagonist, a seemingly ordinary suburban man, abandons his life to embark on a disturbing cross-country odyssey. The narrative unfolds through a series of interconnected vignettes, each exploring a different aspect of American society from the perspective of various eccentric and often dangerous characters. The novel is a disturbing exploration of identity, alienation, and the dark side of the American dream.

    The 5442nd Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney

    The book is a humorous portrayal of the protagonist's daily life as he navigates the trials and tribulations of middle school. Through his diary entries, the reader gets a glimpse into his struggles with family, friends, and school. With a unique blend of text and cartoons, the book provides an engaging and relatable depiction of the protagonist's attempts to gain popularity and survive the school year, despite his many embarrassing incidents and frequent misadventures.

    The 5491st Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. Deacon King Kong by James McBride

    "Deacon King Kong" by James McBride is a novel set in 1969 Brooklyn, where a drunken Deacon Sportcoat shoots a drug dealer named Deems Clemens in the courtyard of the Cause Houses housing project. The shooting sets off a chain of events that brings together a cast of characters from the neighborhood, including a young drug dealer, a church-going widow, a corrupt cop, and a group of elderly church women. Through their perspectives, McBride explores themes of race, religion, and community in a vibrant and humorous tale.

    The 5513th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. CivilWarLand in Bad Decline by George Saunders

    This book is a collection of short stories and a novella, all set in dystopian versions of America. The narratives often feature theme parks, which serve as metaphors for the cultural and moral decay of society. The characters are often trapped in low-wage jobs and are struggling to make ends meet, while also grappling with various personal issues. The stories are infused with dark humor and satire, and they provide a critique of capitalism and consumer culture.

    The 5649th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. Titmuss Regained by John Mortimer

    This novel is a satirical continuation of the life of Leslie Titmuss, a character who has risen from humble beginnings to a position of power as a Conservative Member of Parliament. Set in the idyllic English countryside, the story delves into Titmuss's personal and professional challenges as he navigates the complexities of political life, social change, and romantic entanglements. The narrative humorously critiques the social and political landscape of Britain, exploring themes of power, class, and the clash between traditional values and modern realities. Through the protagonist's endeavors to maintain his status and influence, the book offers a witty examination of ambition, morality, and the intricacies of human relationships in the context of 20th-century British society.

    The 5664th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. Moo by Jane Smiley

    This novel is a satirical take on academic life, set in a Midwestern agricultural university known as "Moo U." The story weaves together the lives of faculty, students, and university staff, exploring their ambitions, failures, and eccentricities. Central to the narrative is the university's financial struggles and the various schemes proposed to address them, including the secret project involving a hog named Earl Butz. Through a rich tapestry of characters and their interconnected stories, the book humorously critiques the complexities and absurdities of university life, the politics of academia, and the changing landscape of American agriculture.

    The 6157th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 34. Reaper Man by Terry Pratchett

    In this satirical fantasy novel, Death finds himself unexpectedly unemployed when the universe decides that even the Grim Reaper needs a replacement. As he explores the meaning of life from a mortal perspective, taking on the guise of a farmhand named Bill Door, the world struggles with the consequences of a reality where the dead are no longer being collected. Meanwhile, a surplus of life force leads to a series of bizarre and comedic events, including the rise of a sentient mall and the mischief of poltergeists. As the fabric of reality begins to unravel, it's up to Death, with his newfound humanity, to confront his replacement and restore the natural order.

    The 6280th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 35. Witches Abroad by Terry Pratchett

    In this satirical fantasy novel, three witches embark on a journey to a distant land to prevent a fairy godmother from forcibly creating a "happy ending," regardless of the consequences. The witches, each with their own distinct personality and approach to magic, navigate through a world filled with twisted fairy tale tropes, encountering talking animals, voodoo, and the power of stories along the way. As they travel, they grapple with the nature of destiny and the importance of free will, ultimately aiming to subvert the godmother's manipulative narrative and allow the people to shape their own lives. The novel humorously explores themes of fate, storytelling, and the subversion of traditional fairy tale conventions.

    The 6293rd Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 36. The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett

    This charming novella explores the whimsical scenario in which the Queen of England becomes an avid reader, a hobby that begins quite by accident when she stumbles upon a mobile library parked at Buckingham Palace. Her newfound passion for books leads her on a journey of self-discovery, changing her outlook on life and her role as a monarch. As her reading list grows, so does her questioning of the status quo, much to the dismay of her courtiers. The narrative humorously and poignantly examines the transformative power of literature and its ability to inspire introspection, empathy, and an insatiable curiosity about the world.

    The 6303rd Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 37. Then We Came To The End by Joshua Ferris

    "Then We Came To The End" is a satirical novel that follows the lives of a group of advertising agency employees during a time of layoffs and uncertainty in the early 2000s. The story is told from the perspective of an unnamed narrator and explores the dynamics of office politics, relationships, and the struggle to maintain a sense of purpose and identity in the face of corporate downsizing. The novel is a witty and insightful commentary on modern work culture and the human condition.

    The 6422nd Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 38. The Restraint Of Beasts by Magnus Mills

    This darkly comic novel follows the misadventures of an unnamed English foreman tasked with supervising two Scottish fence builders, Tam and Richie, in rural England. The trio's mundane job of erecting high-tension fences takes a series of bizarre and increasingly grim turns, leading them on a journey across the British countryside and eventually to mainland Europe. The narrative is marked by the author's minimalist style, blending deadpan humor with an undercurrent of menace, as the mundane reality of manual labor collides with surreal and unsettling events. The story explores themes of freedom, the absurdity of modern life, and the thin veneer of civilization that masks humanity's darker impulses.

    The 6439th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 39. Men At Arms by Terry Pratchett

    In this satirical fantasy novel, the city of Ankh-Morpork's Night Watch faces a period of change and expansion, as it is forced to open its ranks to a diverse group of new recruits, including a troll, a dwarf, and a werewolf, due to a new affirmative action policy. The motley crew of guardsmen must navigate the intricacies of their own interpersonal dynamics while simultaneously unraveling a plot that threatens the city's very existence. As they delve deeper into the mystery, they encounter a lethal weapon with a mind of its own, and the group must overcome prejudice and personal shortcomings to prevent chaos from consuming the city they are sworn to protect.

    The 6455th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 40. The Mighty Walzer by Howard Jacobson

    This novel is a coming-of-age story set in 1950s Manchester, revolving around the life of Oliver Walzer, a shy Jewish boy with a prodigious talent for table tennis. Growing up in a close-knit community, Oliver navigates the complexities of adolescence, family dynamics, and cultural identity, all while trying to perfect his game. His journey is filled with humor, heartache, and the pursuit of personal and athletic excellence. As he moves from the safety of his family's home to the broader world, Oliver's experiences reflect the universal challenges of growing up and finding one's place in the world.

    The 6505th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 41. Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman, Lenny Henry, Mónica Faerna

    "Anansi Boys" is a fantastical novel that follows the life of Fat Charlie Nancy, a mild-mannered man who is shocked to discover that his estranged father was the African spider god, Anansi. After his father's death, Fat Charlie's life is turned upside down when he meets his charming and charismatic brother, Spider, who has inherited their father's powers. As Spider begins to wreak havoc on Fat Charlie's life, the two brothers embark on a wild adventure through the spirit world, encountering gods, ghosts, and other supernatural beings along the way. With humor, heart, and a touch of magic, "Anansi Boys" is a thrilling and imaginative tale about family, identity, and the power of storytelling.

    The 6514th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 42. Soul Music by Terry Pratchett

    In this satirical fantasy novel, the world of Discworld is introduced to rock and roll—or "Music with Rocks In"—when a young harpist's life is forever changed after his guitar is imbued with a soul of its own. As the music feverishly spreads across the land, it brings with it a wave of rebellious youth culture, shaking the foundations of society. Meanwhile, Death, one of the book's central characters, goes through an existential crisis, leading to his temporary abdication of duties and the subsequent chaos in the natural order. The story humorously explores themes of fame, destiny, and the transformative power of music, all while parodying the real-world music industry and its icons.

    The 6518th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 43. The Lecturer's Tale by James Hynes

    This novel is a darkly comedic exploration of academia, focusing on the life of a struggling adjunct lecturer at a Midwestern university. After a bizarre accident results in the loss and miraculous reattachment of his finger, the protagonist discovers he has gained a supernatural ability to influence others' thoughts and actions. As he navigates the treacherous waters of academic politics, personal ambition, and ethical dilemmas, the story delves into themes of power, identity, and the commodification of higher education. The narrative combines elements of satire and horror to critique the absurdities of academic life and the precarious nature of intellectual pursuit in the modern world.

    The 6624th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 44. Yo Yo Boing! by Giannina Braschi

    This book is a groundbreaking literary piece that blends various genres, including poetry, fiction, and drama, to explore the complexities of life as a Latino/a in the United States. It presents a series of conversations, debates, and reflections that delve into the cultural and linguistic tensions experienced by the characters. The narrative is characterized by its energetic and playful use of Spanglish, the hybrid language of English and Spanish, and it addresses themes of identity, politics, and the creative process. The work is notable for its experimental structure and its vibrant portrayal of the immigrant experience, capturing the dynamic and often chaotic essence of New York City life.

    The 6707th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 45. The Fifth Elephant by Terry Pratchett

    In this satirical fantasy novel, a member of the Ankh-Morpork City Watch is sent as an ambassador to the politically unstable region of Überwald, where he must navigate the complex social dynamics of werewolves, dwarves, and vampires. The mission is to secure peace and trade agreements, but the situation quickly escalates when a sacred artifact goes missing, threatening to ignite a civil war. With his unique blend of diplomacy and detective skills, the protagonist must solve the mystery, recover the artifact, and prevent chaos in a land where tradition clashes with progress and dark secrets lurk beneath the surface.

    The 6849th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 46. Wonder Boys by Michael Chabon

    "Wonder Boys" is a novel about Grady Tripp, a middle-aged, pot-smoking, thrice-divorced English professor struggling to finish a novel he's been writing for seven years. His life becomes more complicated when his wife leaves him, his lover reveals she's pregnant, and he gets involved in various misadventures with his troubled student. The story is a blend of humor and melancholy, exploring themes of creativity, academia, and personal failure.

    The 6890th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 47. A Frolic of His Own by William Gaddis

    The novel explores the complex and often absurd world of American law and litigation. The protagonist is a retired law professor who is embroiled in multiple lawsuits, including one against himself. The narrative is filled with legal documents, depositions, and court transcripts, which serve to critique the convoluted and often nonsensical nature of the legal system. The book also satirizes the American obsession with wealth and property, and the lengths people will go to protect their own interests.

    The 6933rd Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 48. Thief Of Time by Terry Pratchett

    In this satirical fantasy novel, the concept of time is personified and at risk as a young clockmaker is tricked into creating a time-stopping clock, which could bring about the end of the world. Meanwhile, the history monks, guardians of time, along with the anthropomorphic personification of Death and his granddaughter, work to prevent this temporal catastrophe. The narrative weaves through multiple storylines filled with quirky characters, including a martial arts monk with a talent for baking, as they confront the nature of time, the importance of living in the moment, and the challenge of managing an increasingly unstable reality. The book combines humor, philosophy, and a richly detailed world to explore the complexities of time and human existence.

    The 7019th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 49. White Man Falling by Mike Stocks

    This novel is a darkly comedic exploration of life in a small Indian town, where the unexpected fall of a white man from a balcony sets off a series of events that entangle the lives of the local residents. Through this incident, the book delves into the complexities of Indian society, touching on themes of corruption, tradition, and the clash of cultures. The narrative weaves together the perspectives of various characters, from police officers to politicians, offering a satirical look at the absurdities of life and the universal human condition. Through its vivid portrayal of India and its people, the novel provides a poignant commentary on the intricacies of social hierarchy and the challenges of understanding across cultural divides.

    The 7063rd Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 50. Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant? by Roz Chast

    "Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant?" is a graphic memoir by Roz Chast that explores her relationship with her aging parents as they approach the end of their lives. Chast uses her signature humor and illustrations to navigate the difficult topics of illness, death, and family dynamics. The book captures the universal experience of caring for aging parents and the emotional toll it can take on adult children.

    The 7092nd 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