Sep 25

Sep 25 15 Funny Books For Adults

Reading books isn’t just about learning or escaping into fictional worlds—it’s also about laughing until you cry, giggling through awkward subway rides, and finding that perfect “laugh out loud” moment to share with friends. Funny books for adults have a unique edge: they often capture the absurdities of everyday life, the quirks of relationships, and the sharp satire of our modern world. Unlike children’s humor, which leans on silliness, adult humor is layered with wit, irony, and sometimes even a bit of cynicism.

That’s why I’ve pulled together this roundup of funny books for adults—stories and essays that lean into comedy while still delivering memorable characters, meaningful takeaways, and clever observations. Some are novels, some are essay collections, and others blur the line between memoir and stand-up routine. All of them will leave you entertained and smiling long after you’ve ve read the last page.

15 Funny Books For Adults

Before diving into the specific titles, let’s pause to appreciate why reading funny books is such a gift for adults. Not only can they make us laugh, but they can also provide much-needed relief in stressful times, help us see the world from a lighter perspective, and even remind us of the joy that comes from not taking ourselves too seriously.

In this post, I’ll highlight the many benefits of reading funny books for adults, then share a curated list of 15 titles that belong on your “to be read” pile. You’ll find memoirs by comedians like David Sedaris, witty romcoms where someone inevitably falls in love, novels with dry humor, and even sharp satires that sneak in a little good news about humanity.

Why Read Funny Books

Stress Relief

Funny books are the ultimate antidote to a bad day. Laughter releases endorphins, lowers stress hormones, and helps you feel better even when you’re juggling a million responsibilities. Picking up a humorous novel or essay collection can transport you into a lighter world, one where the absurdities of life are cause for laughter instead of frustration.

Shared Joy

There’s nothing like quoting a hilarious line from a book and watching someone else’s face light up. Funny books create shared experiences that connect us across dinner tables, book clubs, and even across generations. Whether it’s a witty one-liner from Paul Murray or a comically awkward story from David Sedaris, humor is best enjoyed when shared.

New Perspectives

Humor often points out truths that we might otherwise overlook. Funny books highlight the contradictions of modern life—whether it’s dating in the digital age, workplace absurdities, or family quirks—and allow us to laugh at ourselves while also seeing things differently. Sometimes a joke can be the gentlest way to deliver wisdom.

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What Are Must-Read Funny Books For Adults

Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris

David Sedaris is the master of sharp, self-deprecating humor. This collection of essays about his life in the U.S. and abroad is witty, clever, and sometimes unexpectedly moving. Sedaris has a gift for turning even the most mundane experiences into laugh out loud moments.

The Bee Sting by Paul Murray

Paul Murray’s satirical novel takes on family dysfunction, financial collapse, and suburban life with dark humor that sneaks up on you. It’s one of those funny books that balances comedy with social commentary, making you laugh and think in equal measure.

Let’s Pretend This Never Happened by Jenny Lawson

Jenny Lawson’s memoir of growing up with taxidermy, quirks, and wild family stories will leave you doubled over. It’s weird, wonderful, and honest in a way that makes you feel less bad about your own embarrassing moments.

Bossypants by Tina Fey

Witty, smart, and delightfully sarcastic, Tina Fey’s memoir is equal parts feminist manifesto and laugh out loud comedy. Her stories about Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock make this a must-read for anyone who loves behind-the-scenes entertainment gossip.

Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett

When an angel and demon team up to stop the apocalypse, hilarity ensues. The banter, quirky characters, and satirical take on good vs. evil make this a cult favorite for fans of fantasy and comedy alike.

Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple

Maria Semple’s witty novel about a quirky mother who mysteriously disappears is part satire, part family drama, and part comedic romp. It’s smart, funny, and a little heartbreaking all at once.

Calypso by David Sedaris

Another gem from Sedaris, Calypso blends humor with reflections on aging, family, and mortality. It’s one of those funny books that sneaks in deep truths while still making you laugh until your cheeks hurt.

Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding

The original romcom novel that spawned countless imitators, Bridget Jones’s Diary is hilarious, self-aware, and perfectly relatable. It’s a funny book about a woman stumbling through her thirties, falling in love, and learning not to feel bad about imperfection.

Hyperbole and a Half by Allie Brosh

This illustrated memoir-style book combines comics and essays about depression, dogs, and the small frustrations of life. Allie Brosh’s humor is both absurd and deeply real, making it an instant classic in the funny books category.

Wow, No Thank You. by Samantha Irby

Chicago-based writer Samantha Irby has built a career on being unapologetically hilarious. Her essays about everyday awkwardness, relationships, and adulthood are painfully relatable and consistently laugh out loud funny.

Catch-22 by Joseph Heller

This satirical classic takes on war, bureaucracy, and human absurdity. While heavier than some of the other books on this list, its biting wit and ridiculous situations ensure it earns a place among the funniest novels for adults.

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling

Part memoir, part humor collection, Mindy Kaling’s first book is full of hilarious insights about Hollywood, dating, and life in general. Her relatable, chatty voice makes it feel like talking to your funniest friend.

Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

While not a traditional “comedy,” Gail Honeyman’s debut novel is filled with dry wit and oddball charm. Watching Eleanor navigate life and slowly open herself to friendship—and maybe even falls in love—will make you laugh as much as it makes you think.

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

Elizabeth Zott’s sharp, witty voice drives this feminist novel about a chemist turned TV cooking show host in the 1960s. The biting humor paired with heartfelt storytelling makes it a laugh out loud and empowering read.

A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole

This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel introduces Ignatius J. Reilly, one of literature’s most absurd (and hilarious) characters. His antics in New Orleans make this one of the funniest books you’ll ever read, even decades after its first publication.

Humor is subjective—what makes one reader laugh might make another roll their eyes—but these 15 funny books for adults have earned their reputations for good reason. They’ll lighten your mood, give you fresh perspectives, and most importantly, remind you that even in difficult times, there’s always something to laugh about.

If you’re looking for something lighter but still delightful, you might also enjoy my roundup of light reading books for adults. It pairs perfectly with this list if you want variety on your bookshelf.

So whether you gravitate toward essay collections, witty romcoms, or satirical novels, this list is a great place to start. The good news is, there’s always another funny book waiting for you—one that will make you laugh out loud, smile at human quirks, and maybe even falls in love with reading all over again.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive compensation if you make a purchase using this link. Thank you for supporting this blog and the books I recommend! I may have received a book for free in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

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