10 Funny Books To Read In 2025

Laughter is a universal language, and nothing delivers it better than a well-written, humorous book. Whether you love sharp satire, absurd comedy, or lighthearted humor, there’s something on this list for everyone. Here are ten funny books that will have you laughing out loud from start to finish.

1. Good Omens – Neil Gaiman & Terry Pratchett

A masterful blend of wit and fantasy, Good Omens follows an angel and a demon who team up to prevent the apocalypse. Packed with clever dialogue and hilarious observations about humanity, this book is a comedic masterpiece. The absurdity of their schemes and the quirks of the Antichrist make it a must-read for anyone who enjoys smart, satirical humor. The novel’s strength lies in its seamless interplay between celestial politics and human absurdities, blending dark humor with insightful commentary.

2. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy – Douglas Adams

Douglas Adams' sci-fi comedy classic is a hilarious ride through space with the unlucky Arthur Dent and his alien friend Ford Prefect. The book is filled with absurd situations, witty dialogue, and iconic phrases like "Don’t Panic." If you love dry British humor with a philosophical twist, this book is for you. Arthur’s misadventures, from narrowly escaping Earth’s destruction to navigating bizarre alien customs, make for constant laughs. With oddball characters like Zaphod Beeblebrox, Marvin the Paranoid Android, and the Vogons, the book is a brilliant satire of bureaucracy and human (or alien) incompetence, making it a must-read for fans of intelligent, offbeat humor.

3. Catch-22 – Joseph Heller

A dark comedy set during World War II, Catch-22 is known for its circular logic and absurd bureaucracy. The story of Captain Yossarian and his desperate attempts to escape war is as thought-provoking as it is laugh-out-loud funny. The paradoxical nature of military regulations will leave you both frustrated and amused. The novel’s humor arises from its biting satire of war, where survival often depends on mastering ridiculous contradictions.

4. Me Talk Pretty One Day – David Sedaris

David Sedaris is a master of observational humor, and Me Talk Pretty One Day is one of his funniest collections. From his struggles with learning French to his eccentric family stories, every essay is packed with dry wit and relatable absurdities. If you enjoy real-life humor with a sharp edge, this book is a must-read. Sedaris’ self-deprecating humor shines through in his vivid storytelling, especially in his descriptions of language blunders and cultural mishaps. Whether he’s recounting his time in speech therapy as a child or his comedic misadventures in France, his wit transforms the mundane into something uproariously funny.

5. A Confederacy of Dunces – John Kennedy Toole

Ignatius J. Reilly is one of the most bizarre and hilarious characters in modern literature. His misadventures in New Orleans, filled with elaborate rants and absurd encounters, make A Confederacy of Dunces a riotous read. The book’s over-the-top humor and eccentric characters ensure an unforgettable experience. Reilly’s delusions of grandeur and refusal to conform to societal norms lead to endless comedic situations. From his ridiculous job at a hot dog stand to his interactions with an array of eccentric side characters, every page of this novel presents a new absurdity, making it a cult classic of literary humor.

6. Hyperbole and a Half – Allie Brosh

Combining hilarious autobiographical essays with quirky illustrations, Hyperbole and a Half captures life’s absurdities in a uniquely entertaining way. From childhood mishaps to struggles with adulthood, Allie Brosh’s humor is both self-deprecating and incredibly relatable. Brosh masterfully uses exaggerated illustrations to heighten the comedy of her personal stories. Whether she’s discussing her experiences with depression, her untrainable dogs, or childhood misunderstandings, her blend of candidness and over-the-top visuals makes her humor unforgettable.

7. My Man Jeeves – P.G. Wodehouse

No list of funny books is complete without P.G. Wodehouse. My Man Jeeves introduces the charmingly dim-witted Bertie Wooster and his brilliant butler, Jeeves. Their comedic adventures, misunderstandings, and quick-witted solutions make for delightful reading. Wodehouse’s impeccable comedic timing and intricate wordplay make every page a joy. The contrast between Wooster’s well-meaning incompetence and Jeeves’ unflappable intelligence creates endlessly humorous situations. Whether dealing with romantic entanglements or social faux pas, Wooster’s antics ensure nonstop entertainment.

8. Bossypants – Tina Fey

Tina Fey’s memoir is packed with witty insights, hilarious anecdotes, and a candid look at her rise in comedy. From her childhood to her time on Saturday Night Live, Bossypants is full of sharp humor and feminist wit, making it an entertaining and inspiring read. Fey’s storytelling captures the struggles and absurdities of the entertainment industry while maintaining a lighthearted and empowering tone. Her reflections on motherhood, career, and personal growth are filled with self-aware humor that resonates deeply with readers.

9. Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ’s Childhood Pal – Christopher Moore

This irreverent yet hilarious book imagines the lost years of Jesus Christ, as told by his childhood best friend, Biff. Christopher Moore’s blend of humor, history, and satire makes Lamb a unique and side-splittingly funny read. Biff’s crude, irreverent, yet endearing personality adds an unexpected comedic layer to biblical stories. With outrageous scenarios, from kung-fu training monks to absurd miracles, this book is a bold and highly entertaining take on religious history.

10. The Rosie Project – Graeme Simsion

This romantic comedy novel follows Don Tillman, a socially awkward professor who embarks on a scientific search for a wife. His rigid logic and unexpected romantic misadventures create laugh-out-loud moments, making The Rosie Project an amusing and heartwarming read. Don’s interactions, ruled by schedules and formulas, provide endless comedy, especially as he navigates the unpredictability of love. His journey of self-discovery and human connection is both touching and hilariously awkward.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking for absurd sci-fi, biting satire, or hilarious memoirs, these books will keep you entertained. Laughter is the best medicine, and with these reads, you’re sure to get a healthy dose.