7 Comedy Books You Need To Read In 2025

Laughter is more than entertainment—it’s a proven stress reliever and one of the most powerful ways to connect with others. In a world where we’re often overwhelmed by negative news and daily pressures, picking up a book that makes us laugh can be transformative. Below is a list of 7 comedy books you need to read in 2025.

These aren’t just funny books—they’re witty, insightful narratives that stick with us long after the last laugh. From absurd adventures to satirical masterpieces, each selection offers unique perspectives on human nature… with humor leading the way.

1. Hyperbole and a Half — Allie Brosh

“Hyperbole and a Half” blends illustrated storytelling with raw, comedic honesty about mental health, childhood memories, and life’s everyday absurdities. Allie Brosh’s simple yet expressive drawings amplify the humor behind relatable struggles like procrastination, emotional overload, and the unpredictability of pets. Her writing balances vulnerability with powerful humor, especially in chapters addressing depression. The result is a book that resonates with readers on a personal level while still delivering constant laughs. Brosh’s willingness to reveal the messier sides of life gives the comedy emotional impact. It demonstrates how humor can help us understand ourselves and feel less alone.

2. Bossypants — Tina Fey

“Bossypants” combines laugh-out-loud comedy with an honest, empowering look into Tina Fey’s life and rise through the male-dominated world of sketch comedy. Fey delivers her personal stories with disarming wit, tackling topics like motherhood, feminism, confidence gaps, and show-business culture. Her humor is sharp yet grounded, revealing insecurity and vulnerability behind the strong comedic persona. The memoir includes behind-the-scenes glimpses of Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock, making it especially engaging for fans of modern comedy. It encourages readers to take risks, embrace imperfection, and laugh through the chaos of pursuing success on their own terms.

3. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy — Douglas Adams

Douglas Adams reshaped science fiction with this imaginative and wildly humorous adventure. When Earth is unexpectedly demolished to make space for a hyperspace bypass, Arthur Dent is thrust into the galaxy armed with only a bathrobe and a sardonic guidebook. Adams introduces unforgettable characters like Ford Prefect and Marvin the Paranoid Android, crafting a universe that mocks bureaucracy, consumerism, and humanity’s eternal search for meaning. The book’s dry British wit and philosophical undertones elevate every absurd moment. It remains iconic for proving that existential questions and cosmic exploration are best tackled with humor, curiosity, and a touch of chaos.

4. Me Talk Pretty One Day — David Sedaris

In this essay collection, David Sedaris transforms everyday awkwardness into sharp observational comedy. From his eccentric North Carolina upbringing to his struggles learning French in Paris, Sedaris captures the embarrassing and absurd with refreshing honesty. Each essay blends humor with emotional insight, highlighting relationships, self-discovery, identity, and creative challenges. Sedaris’s ability to make readers laugh while reflecting on deeper human complexities is his greatest gift. The humor never feels forced; instead, it arises naturally from relatable imperfections and misunderstandings. “Me Talk Pretty One Day” invites us to embrace oddities in ourselves and appreciate life’s uncomfortable but hilarious moments.

5. Catch-22 — Joseph Heller

Set during World War II, the story follows Captain John Yossarian, who desperately wants to survive while trapped in a bureaucratic system designed to keep him flying dangerous missions indefinitely. Heller’s narrative structure and circular logic mirror the absurdity of the military rules he mocks. Although the humor can be cutting and surreal, it effectively highlights the psychological costs of conflict. “Catch-22” endures as a powerful critique of authority, reminding us how comedy can reveal uncomfortable truths.

6. Yes Please — Amy Poehler

“Yes Please” offers a candid, humorous perspective on creativity, ambition, and navigating life with resilience. Amy Poehler’s storytelling feels conversational and encouraging, as she recounts her improv background, years at Saturday Night Live, and personal relationships that shaped her career. She mixes comedic moments with genuine advice about confidence, boundaries, and pursuing what brings joy. Poehler acknowledges flaws and failures openly, making success feel attainable rather than glamorous. The book is both inspiring and deeply funny, appealing to anyone who appreciates honesty wrapped in humor. It reminds readers that humor is a powerful tool for pushing through life’s challenges.

7. The Importance of Being Earnest — Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde’s comedic play remains a timeless masterpiece of satire, exposing the ridiculousness of Victorian social conventions. Through clever dialogue, mistaken identities, and exaggerated manners, Wilde pokes fun at class expectations, marriage, and the obsession with appearances. The plot centers on two men who adopt fictitious identities to escape societal obligations, resulting in humorous chaos when their deceptions unravel. Wilde’s wit is sharp yet elegant, creating comedy that still resonates more than a century later. The play invites readers to laugh at social hypocrisy while appreciating the brilliant craftsmanship of language. It stands as one of literature’s greatest comedic works.

Conclusion

Life rarely slows down, but these 7 comedy books give us a reason to breathe deeply and smile often. They remind us that the world is bizarre—and that’s exactly what makes it worth celebrating.

Whether you’re seeking comfort, cleverness, or pure chaos, let laughter lead the way. Because when we laugh, we heal. And when we read, we grow.

So pick your favorite from this list—and let the joy begin.