7 Books That Will Make You Laugh

Laughter isn’t just a momentary burst of joy—it’s a form of therapy, a stress reliever, and a powerful reminder that life doesn’t always have to be so serious. When the world feels overwhelming, few remedies are as effective (or affordable) as a great book with a sharp sense of humor. Whether you're looking to lighten your mood, escape into absurdity, or simply enjoy some clever wordplay, funny books are the perfect antidote.

Below is a list of 7 books that will make you laugh. These aren’t just “light reads”—they’re witty, insightful, and packed with clever observations about human nature, culture, and the chaos of everyday life.

1. Bossypants by Tina Fey

Tina Fey’s Bossypants is a wildly entertaining blend of memoir and comedic insight. With her trademark wit, Fey shares stories of growing up awkward, surviving improv, and thriving in the male-dominated world of comedy writing. From SNL anecdotes to awkward beauty tips, every chapter delivers laughs wrapped in sharp social commentary. What makes this book stand out is its blend of humility and confidence—Fey owns her weirdness and invites readers to do the same. It’s empowering, hilarious, and refreshingly honest.

2. The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

The Rosie Project is a heartwarming romantic comedy with a neurodivergent protagonist at its center. Don Tillman, a brilliant but socially awkward genetics professor, designs a scientifically rigorous plan to find a wife. Then he meets Rosie—chaotic, emotional, and everything he isn’t looking for. Their chemistry leads to hilarious misunderstandings and unexpected growth. Simsion handles Don’s quirks with compassion and humor, creating a character that’s both endearing and believable. The story is light but not fluff—it’s about love, identity, and embracing imperfection. Funny, sweet, and full of heart, this book is a romantic comedy with a brain.

3. Good Omens by Neil Gaiman & Terry Pratchett

Good Omens is a chaotic, witty tale about an angel and a demon teaming up to stop the apocalypse. This cult classic merges Neil Gaiman’s dark narrative edge with Terry Pratchett’s playful satire, resulting in a book that’s as profound as it is hilarious. The cast includes an Antichrist who doesn’t want to end the world, a witch with accurate prophecies, and the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse on motorcycles. It’s an absurd, joyful mess of divine plans and human failings. Good Omens cleverly pokes fun at religion, fate, and morality—without ever losing its big, beating comedic heart.

4. Hyperbole and a Half by Allie Brosh

Hyperbole and a Half is a hilarious, illustrated exploration of anxiety, depression, and the bizarre trials of being human. Allie Brosh’s blend of minimalist MS Paint-style art and painfully honest storytelling creates a one-of-a-kind comedic voice. The book tackles everything from sneaky dogs to crippling self-doubt in a way that is both absurd and deeply relatable. Brosh’s genius lies in her ability to make mental health not only accessible, but laugh-out-loud funny without ever minimizing it. You’ll laugh, tear up, and finish feeling a little more understood. This isn’t just humor—it’s catharsis in comic form.

5. Catch-22 by Joseph Heller

Catch-22 is the darkly satirical war novel that coined its own dictionary term. Set in WWII, it follows Captain Yossarian, a bombardier trying desperately to stay alive while trapped in a system designed to make survival impossible. Heller uses circular logic and absurd bureaucracy to highlight the insanity of war—and life. The humor is biting, ironic, and often bleak, but always brilliant. It’s a dense read, but those who embrace it are rewarded with one of literature’s most enduring critiques of institutional madness. Catch-22 is as relevant now as when it was written, and just as funny.

6. Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling

Mindy Kaling’s Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? is part memoir, part observational comedy, and fully delightful. With warmth and sharp humor, she shares personal stories about growing up as a child of immigrants, navigating Hollywood, and dealing with friendships, dating, and body image. Kaling’s voice is both confident and self-aware, making readers feel like they’re chatting with a hilarious best friend. It’s breezy but not shallow—she tackles real insecurities with grace and humor. For fans of smart, empowering comedy with heart, this book is a gem.

7. My Life as a Goddess by Guy Branum

In My Life as a Goddess, Guy Branum mixes pop culture, academia, and biting comedy into a memoir that’s as smart as it is hilarious. From growing up gay and overweight in a conservative town to becoming a Hollywood writer and comic, Branum delivers sharp insights with an unapologetic voice. His essays dive into everything from Greek mythology to Real Housewives, always with humor and intellect. What sets this book apart is Branum’s ability to be both cutting and compassionate—he uses his wit to illuminate vulnerability and identity. It’s empowering, fierce, and laugh-out-loud funny on every page.

Conclusion

In a world that often feels chaotic, demanding, and downright exhausting, laughter is one of our most powerful—and underrated—survival tools. The books we’ve explored aren’t just funny for the sake of being funny; they’re windows into human absurdity, vulnerability, and resilience, written by authors who understand that humor is often born from the messiest parts of life.