I recently learned that April is National Humor Month. While this is a monthly theme nobody knows exists or discusses, I was eager to use this knowledge as an excuse to talk about books & comedy. As a book lover, comedy lover, & self proclaimed funny person, I think I was born for this moment. Get ready for a lot of memoirs written by comedians recommendations & just some random books that made me giggle.
Let’s start with my favorite memoirs by celebrities. I’d like to take a moment to acknowledge my love & admiration for Saturday Night Live & its cast members, which will make a lot of these recommendations make a lot of sense. I’d also like to mention that I listened to all of these memoirs on audio, as my favorite way to engage in memoirs is through the author’s own voice.
Starting with my personal favorite, we have A Very Punchable Face by Colin Jost. I’ll be honest, my love for this book could be completely biased due for my love of Colin Jost & his humor. That being said, I still think about some of the stories & jokes told in this book over a year after reading it. This book explains Jost’s upbringing, his roots in comedy, & a handful of comical celebrity stories. Something that I didn’t expect, yet was touched by, was a poignant insight into the events of September 11, 2001. Jost’s mother assisted in the aftermath, allowing him to provide the experience in a way only a directly affected New Yorker could. Does Jost write anything groundbreaking in this book? Probably not. But will you enjoy every second of it? I sure hope so.
“What I realized was: I might never have this chance again. In fact, I almost certainly would never have this chance again. Did I really want to look back and think: I could have done more, but I was afraid people would think I was lame for trying too hard? I decided to try really hard.” - Colin Jost, A Very Punchable Face
“Speech and Debate is a sport, okay?” - Colin Jost, A Very Punchable Face
The first memoir I ever listened to on audio was Yes Please by Amy Poehler. I can’t think of a more enjoyable experience for my introduction to memoirs read by the author. Poehler’s in depth explanation of how she made it in the world of comedy was fascinating to me & I loved hearing the other now well known comedians she got her start alongside. Poehler touches on topics of love, sex, parenting, divorce, career, & friendships. While remaining her silly, hilarious self (she is Amy Poehler, after all) Poehler is able to provide helpful & inspiring insights about life. While I wouldn’t call this book a comedy book, it is obviously hysterical. I mean, look at who the author is. Her advice was punchy, bold, and inspiring. Bonus points for the chapter narrated by Seth Meyers.
“I think we should stop asking people in their twenties what they “want to do” and start asking them what they don’t want to do.” - Amy Poehler, Yes Please
“Telling me to relax or smile when I’m angry is like bringing a birthday cake into an ape sanctuary. You’re just asking to get your nose and genitals bitten off.” - Amy Poehler, Yes Please
I’ve found that I’m often more impressed with memoirs written by celebrities I’m not a huge fan of than memoirs by those I already adore. That was the case with Girl Walks into a Bar ...: Comedy Calamities, Dating Disasters, and a Midlife Miracle by Rachel Dratch. Of course, I was a fan of Dratch’s Debbie Downer character, but my knowledge ended there. What I discovered while listening to this memoir was that Dratch is a layered, insightful woman who I deeply admire. While remaining laugh out loud funny, Dratch is able to touch on her life as a woman being in show business, now outside of the spotlight, & moving insights about motherhood & becoming a mother later in life than is expected of women. I often fall into the trap of thinking I am behind in life & should be farther along than I am (friendly reminder that everyone’s path is different & you can’t measure your success with someone else’s ruler), so hearing Dratch’s story of finding love & becoming a mother later in life was highly comforting to me. As someone who is unsure about having children, it was nice to be reminded that I don’t have to have it all figured out right now, regardless of what society says. As the title suggests, Dratch writes greatly about dating horror stories, which somehow comforted me for having yet to find someone while also terrifying me about what’s to come if I want to eventually have a partner. Strong insights along with giggles made this an almost perfect read for me.
“When we were sprung from the hospital, we waited at the elevator with two other couples, who seemed as dazed and clueless as we were. We were all being set free to care for the tiny creatures and just figure this out on our own. Looking at our faces, I wondered how the human race continues to survive.” - Rachel Dratch, Girl Walks into a Bar...: Comedy Calamities, Dating Disasters, and a Midlife Miracle
“Isn't telling a girl you just loooooove eating horse meat one step away from saying you haven't lived 'til you've eaten puppy skewers?” - Rachel Dratch, Girl Walks into a Bar...: Comedy Calamities, Dating Disasters, and a Midlife Miracle
In case you haven’t noticed, I love a bold, comedic woman. Now it’s time to talk about my girl, Mindy Kaling. To me, Mindy Kaling is a comedy television genius. The Office, Never Have I Ever, The Sex Lives of College Girls (please do not mention this show getting cancelled to me), The Mindy Project, & Running Point are all solid, hilarious shows. Kaling has a handful of books out, but the ones I have read (or listened to, but you get the point) are Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? and Why Not Me? While neither of these books are groundbreaking by any means, they felt like sitting on the couch in sweatpants , drinking Sauvigon Blanc, & chatting with a best friend. Her books are fun and simple, but she isn’t afraid to be truthful about things that matter. I think Kaling’s writing does a good job at encapsulating why people love her: she’s a celebrity, but she feels like one of us.Like Poehler’s book, Kaling had a chapter read by a friend, B.J. Novak in Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (you guys all agree that they’re definitely in love, right?). Hearing about Novak & Kaling’s friendship from both of their points of view was such a sweet way to hear about their friendship. I feel like I got more insight from Why Not Me? than Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?, but the comedy in both is top notch.
“One friend with whom you have a lot in common is better than three with whom you struggle to find things to talk about.” - Mindy Kaling, Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?
“You should know I disagree with a lot of traditional advice. For instance, they say the best revenge is living well. I say it’s acid in the face—who will love them now?” - Mindy Kaling, Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?
“I will leave you with one last piece of advice, which is: If you’ve got it, flaunt it. And if you don’t got it? Flaunt it. ’Cause what are we even doing here if we’re not flaunting it?” - Mindy Kaling, Why Not Me?
“I am notorious for making impassioned speeches about things nobody cares about.” - Mindy Kaling, Why Not Me?
Now onto fiction books that gave me a giggle.
I’m sure it’s no surprise to anyone considering the books I just discussed, but one of my favorite romantic comedy novels is one in which the heroine is a stand up comedian. Not only does Funny Feelings by Tarah Dewitt have my favorite dedication of all time (see below), it also has one of my favorite book characters, Farley. The romance in this book is between Farley and her manager, Meyer (a single dad, for those of you into that trope), & his support of her goofy personality made me feel like I, too, could be accepted for mine one day. As I stated in my Goodreads review of this novel: Farley is loud, in her head, goofy, & always telling a joke. Seeing these things that I often dislike about myself be uplifted by the love interest warmed my heart. I find it impressive when authors can write comedians well, as writing stand up comedy doesn’t have the advantage of tone & body language. DeWitt succeeds in this challenge, & I adored how she added a quote by a famous comedian at the beginning of each chapter. Not only is this story funny, but it is highly touching. Farley’s relationship with Meyer’s deaf daughter and Meyer’s encouragement of Farley’s less than ladylike personality has stayed in my heart for the many months since I have read it.
“This book is dedicated to all the women who’ve ever been told that they’re Too Much. Maybe you’re too loud, too crass, too open, too bawdy. You overshare too often, say too many bad words, you’re too weird, or too emotional. To the women who, in their quiet moments, still think back on their social interactions and wonder if they really are too much, if they should feel embarrassed, or ashamed. You are fucking incredible. You are my people. Don’t you dare dilute yourselves to make yourselves more palatable. You are all heart and fire.” ― Tarah Dewitt, Funny Feelings
“Well, how interesting. Men are afraid of women being funnier than them, and women are afraid of, oh, I don’t know, being oppressed, beaten, raped, or killed by men. But look out! Funny chick here might follow you down an alley and make you chuckle without consent!”
― Tarah Dewitt, Funny Feelings
One of my favorite romance books of all time is Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston, & it is one of the few romantic comedy novels that actually made me laugh. I’d like to pause here & acknowledge that the movie is hilarious, as well. The casting of the main characters was phenomenal & they were played perfectly. If you’re unfamiliar, Red, White & Royal Blue is an enemies to lovers romance about Alex, the son of the President of the United States (who is a woman!) and Henry, Prince of Wales. The love language between Alex & Henry seems to be insults, & the banter and jabs have me giggling every time I read this novel. Alex & Henry aren’t the only funny ones, though. Alex’s sister, June, and best friend, Nora, rounded out a comedic trio in the best way. Alex’s mom, or POTUS, is also hilarious in her own way. This book has so much more depth than being funny & snarky (think self exploration & fights of equality), but it is definitely one to add to a (probably already too big) TBR pile if a laugh is what you’re looking for.
“If there's any legacy for me on this earth, I want it to be true.” - Casey McQuiston, Red, White & Royal Blue
“I don’t give a damn what Joanne has to say, Remus John Lupin is gay as the day is long, and I won’t hear a word against it.” - Casey McQuiston, Red, White & Royal Blue
Christina Lauren gets a lot of hype, as they should, but I do not see enough people talking about Josh and Hazel’s Guide To Not Dating. This book doesn’t pack the same emotional punch as other Christina Lauren works, but Hazel is FUNNY. She’s loud, goofy, & over the top. I adore her. The plot of this book is decently funny, too. After meeting in college, Josh & Hazel didn’t start with the best relationship. Years later, when Josh appears back in her life, Hazel finds herself committed to making them best friends. Dedication to such a silly goal encapsulates Hazel’s character perfectly. Like Funny Feelings, the heroine in this book being accepted for who she is, even when she’s a little excessive, gives me hope for myself. I love women that are seen as too much being seen for what they truly are, just enough for the right person. While this book sticks out to me for its goofiness, I promise you will also ind an incredible sweet romance.
“The world seems full of men who are initially infatuated by our eccentricities, but who ultimately expect them to be temporary.” - Christina Lauren, Josh and Hazel’s Guide To Not Dating
“I realize that finding the perfect person isn't going to be easy for me because I'm a lot to take," she says, "but I'm not going to change just so that I'm more datable. At the end of the day, being myself is enough. I'm enough.” - Christina Lauren, Josh and Hazel’s Guide To Not Dating
I’d like to leave you with one of my favorite novels of all time, The Guncle by Steven Rowley. While Rowley has an incredibly special talent for writing grief in a beautifully heartbreaking way, he does so alongside the most amusing characters and dialogue. Pat, the titular character, finds himself caring for his young niece and nephew after a family tragedy. Used to his single, party filled, fabulous life in Palm Springs, Pat is in way over his head. While this book tackles Pat’s grief & introspection, the silly situations Pat finds himself in with two young children are hysterical. Pat’s sass & lack of experience with children makes for the goofiest scenes that are heartwarming & highly enjoyable. Grant & Maisie, the niece & nephew, were funny in the way only kids can be. The questions Grant, the younger of the two, comes up with are enough to make one cackle. That, mixed with Pat’s sarcasm & way of talking to the kids like they’re mini adults, makes for familial relationships that will never leave your heart after you close this book. The Guncle Abroad is great, too.
“Why do you like boys?” Grant asked sourly, but with slightly more boredom than judgment.
“I don’t know, why do you like pizza?”
“Because it tastes good in my mouth.”
Patrick wasn’t about to go anywhere near that.” - Steven Rowley, The Guncle
“What do we say in this house? Boys can do girl things and girls can do boy things. That’s not even a Guncle Rule, there shouldn’t even be boy things and girl things to begin with. People should just do what they want.” - Steven Rowley, The Guncle
References
DeWitt, T. (2023). Funny feelings. St. Martin’s Griffin.
Dratch, R. (2012). Girl walks into a bar...: Comedy calamities, dating disasters, and a midlife miracle. Gotham Books.
Jost, C. (2020). A very punchable face: A memoir. Crown.
Kaling, M. (2011). Is everyone hanging out without me? (and other concerns). Crown Archetype.
Kaling, M. (2016). Why not me? Three Rivers Pr.
Lauren, C. (2018). Josh and Hazel’s Guide to not dating. Gallery Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, Inc.
McQuiston, C. (2021). Red, White & Royal Blue. St. Martin’s Griffin.
Poehler, A. (2014). Yes please. Dey St.
Rowley, S. (2021). The guncle. G. P. Putnam’s Sons.
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