8 Comedy Books You Should Read In 2025

Laughter is timeless, imagination has no age, and humor is universal. In a world often dominated by stress and seriousness, comedy books offer a refreshing escape, a chance to see life from a lighter perspective, and, most importantly, a moment to laugh. But with countless titles out there, which ones truly stand out? Below is a list of 8 comedy books you should read in 2025. Whether you crave dry satire, absurd humor, or clever wordplay, this guide has something for every reader.

1. Lucky Jim by Kingsley Amis

Kingsley Amis’ Lucky Jim is a quintessential British comedy, following the misadventures of Jim Dixon, a hapless university lecturer navigating academic absurdities and social pretensions. The novel excels in dry, ironic humor, satirizing class distinctions, career ambition, and romantic entanglements. Amis’ protagonist is awkward yet charming, and his perspective highlights the ridiculousness of societal norms. Through clever dialogue and situational comedy, the book captures both hilarity and pathos, reflecting the struggles of post-war Britain with wit. Lucky Jim remains a landmark in comic literature, demonstrating how sharp satire and well-crafted characters can make social critique genuinely entertaining.

2. Catch-22 by Joseph Heller

Joseph Heller’s Catch-22 is a darkly comedic masterpiece that exposes the absurdity of war and bureaucracy. Centered on Captain John Yossarian, a World War II bombardier trapped in impossible regulations, the novel coins the term “catch-22” for no-win situations. Heller’s satire is razor-sharp, highlighting institutional nonsense while keeping readers laughing at its bizarre scenarios. The nonlinear narrative mirrors the chaos of war, blending tragedy with comedy. Beyond humor, it forces reflection on human behavior, conformity, and survival. Catch-22 remains essential reading for those who enjoy comedy with intellectual depth and social critique, influencing literature, theater, and popular culture for decades.

3. Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple

Maria Semple’s Where’d You Go, Bernadette is a brilliantly witty, epistolary novel that chronicles the disappearance of Bernadette Fox, a quirky architect and mother. Told through emails, letters, and documents, Semple combines satire with heartfelt storytelling, poking fun at overbearing parenting, corporate culture, and Seattle’s absurdities. Bernadette’s eccentric personality, sharp humor, and idiosyncratic worldview make her both hilarious and endearing. The book cleverly balances comedy with emotional depth, exploring family, identity, and creativity. For readers seeking modern, character-driven humor that satirizes everyday life, Semple’s novel offers laughs, insight, and a fresh narrative structure that keeps pages turning.

4. Bossypants by Tina Fey

Tina Fey’s Bossypants combines autobiography, humor, and cultural insight into a masterful comedic memoir. Fey recounts her rise in comedy—from writing for Saturday Night Live to starring in 30 Rock—with candid, self-deprecating wit. The book addresses gender in entertainment, personal struggles, and creative challenges, all while maintaining a light, humorous tone. Fey’s storytelling is sharp, relatable, and inspiring, encouraging readers to embrace imperfection. Bossypants proves that comedy can educate, empower, and entertain simultaneously, offering laughter alongside valuable lessons about resilience, confidence, and breaking societal expectations in a male-dominated industry.

5. Hyperbole and a Half by Allie Brosh

Allie Brosh’s Hyperbole and a Half blends illustrated storytelling with essays that range from hilarious to emotionally profound. Using simple drawings, Brosh recounts childhood memories, life challenges, and mental health struggles with absurd humor and candid honesty. Her unique style allows readers to laugh while confronting serious themes, creating a rare balance of levity and depth. Brosh’s ability to make personal vulnerabilities universally relatable sets this book apart. Hyperbole and a Half exemplifies how comedy can coexist with vulnerability, offering both entertainment and solace, and demonstrating the transformative power of humor in understanding human experience.

6. Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding

Helen Fielding’s Bridget Jones’s Diary chronicles the comedic misadventures of Bridget, a thirty-something navigating love, career, and societal expectations. Written as a diary, the novel offers intimate access to Bridget’s insecurities, humorous observations, and relentless self-critique. Fielding expertly captures modern womanhood with wit and relatability, satirizing romantic tropes and cultural pressures. The book’s humor stems from Bridget’s internal monologue and the chaotic situations she encounters, making it both laugh-out-loud and heartfelt. Bridget Jones’s Diary is significant for its enduring popularity and its ability to show that relatable, character-driven humor resonates universally, offering both entertainment and empathy.

7. Three Men in a Boat by Jerome K. Jerome

Published in 1889, Jerome K. Jerome’s Three Men in a Boat is a timeless comedy of errors. Following three friends and a dog on a boating trip along the Thames, the novel combines travelogue, social satire, and exaggerated mishaps. Jerome’s wit shines in his observational humor, poking fun at human quirks, societal norms, and the simple absurdities of daily life. The book’s charm lies in its playful narrative voice and situational comedy, making it as engaging today as over a century ago. Three Men in a Boat demonstrates that comedy can transcend time, offering laughter and insight from even the simplest adventures.

8. Yes Please by Amy Poehler

Amy Poehler’s Yes Please is a vibrant mix of memoir, advice, and comedy, sharing insights from her career on SNL and Parks and Recreation. Poehler combines personal anecdotes with reflections on creativity, friendship, and failure, all infused with her characteristic wit and warmth. The book emphasizes authenticity, resilience, and embracing life with humor, making it both entertaining and motivational. Through candid storytelling, Poehler demonstrates that comedy can be a tool for connection, empowerment, and self-discovery, inspiring readers to approach life with curiosity, courage, and laughter, whether in personal or professional endeavors.

Conclusion

Comedy books are more than just a source of entertainment—they are windows into human nature, society, and creativity, offering laughter, insight, and emotional relief.

We encourage you to explore these works, savor the humor, and reflect on the human truths hidden within the laughter. Pick up one today, and let yourself laugh, think, and see the world a little differently.