The Greatest "Humor" Books Since 2017

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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. 1. 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 5489th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Priestdaddy: A Memoir by Patricia Lockwood

    This memoir follows the unique life of a woman who grew up in an unusual religious family. After a financial crisis forces her and her husband to move back in with her parents, she reflects on her upbringing in a household where her father, a Catholic priest, held an eccentric and often contradictory sway over the family. The book explores themes of faith, family dynamics, and the struggle to find one's identity amidst the chaos of an unconventional childhood.

    The 6859th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. How To by Randall Munroe

    This book is a unique take on the conventional how-to guide, blending humor with scientific curiosity to explore absurd and impractical ways to accomplish everyday tasks. The author, a former NASA roboticist with a penchant for the whimsical, uses detailed research and complex scientific principles to answer outlandish questions, such as how to move a house with helium balloons or how to throw a pool party on the surface of the moon. Through entertaining and often elaborate explanations, the book encourages readers to look at the world through a different lens, celebrating the joy of discovery and the fun of taking things to their logical yet ridiculous extremes.

    The 8518th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Hollywood Homicide by Kellye Garrett

    In "Hollywood Homicide," a former actress turned amateur sleuth finds herself embroiled in a murder investigation when her friend, a rising starlet, is found dead. With her dreams of becoming a detective reignited, she navigates the glitz and glamour of Hollywood to uncover the truth, facing off against a cast of eccentric characters and discovering that fame can be deadly.

    The 8638th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. 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 9165th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. All Grown Up by Jami Attenberg

    The novel follows the life of a 39-year-old single, childfree woman living in New York City who is dealing with the societal pressures and expectations of adulthood. Her journey is marked by her struggle to find happiness and fulfillment in her own terms, despite her unconventional lifestyle. The protagonist grapples with her relationships, career, and the looming presence of her family's tragedies, all while trying to understand what it truly means to be "all grown up".

    The 9358th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Red, White & Royal Blue: A Novel by Casey McQuiston

    "Red, White & Royal Blue: A Novel" is a heartwarming and humorous story about the unexpected romance between Alex, the First Son of the United States, and Henry, the Prince of Wales. After a public altercation, they are forced to fake a friendship for the sake of international diplomacy. However, as they spend more time together, their fake friendship turns into a genuine connection, leading them to question their own identities, their responsibilities, and the true meaning of love. This delightful and captivating novel explores themes of self-discovery, acceptance, and the power of love to overcome societal expectations.

    The 9425th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. This Is Going To Hurt by Adam Kay

    The book is a candid and humorous memoir based on the personal diaries of a former doctor, chronicling the trials and tribulations of life on the front lines of the NHS. It provides an eye-opening look at the reality of working in a hospital, capturing the high stakes, the grueling hours, and the emotional toll on medical staff. Through a series of anecdotes ranging from the hilarious to the heart-wrenching, the author paints a vivid picture of the pressures faced by healthcare professionals, while also highlighting the critical need for support and reform within the system. The narrative serves as both a tribute to those who toil in the medical field and a call to action for better treatment of the individuals who dedicate their lives to caring for others.

    The 10203rd Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Humble Pi by Matt Parker

    The book is a delightful and humorous exploration of the world of mathematical errors and blunders, where the author, a mathematician, takes readers on a journey through historical and contemporary instances where mistakes in math have led to consequences ranging from the trivial to the catastrophic. With a light-hearted tone, the book examines real-life scenarios and anecdotes where a miscalculation, a forgotten minus sign, or a computational glitch has had significant impacts on engineering, economics, and everyday life, emphasizing the importance of mathematical accuracy while also celebrating the inherent fallibility of human endeavors in the realm of numbers.

    The 10337th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Tall Tales And Wee Stories by Bill Connolly

    "Tall Tales And Wee Stories" is a collection of humorous anecdotes and reflections from a beloved comedian's life and career. The book is a treasure trove of laughter, wisdom, and the occasional poignant moment, showcasing the author's storytelling prowess and unique perspective on life. Through a series of entertaining narratives, the reader is taken on a journey through the comedian's early days in show business, his observations on everyday absurdities, and his experiences on the road, all delivered with his signature wit and charm. This compilation serves as a celebration of a lifetime in comedy and an invitation to share in the joy of his uproarious adventures.

    The 10337th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. 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
  12. 12. 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

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