This is a mix of witty novels, memoirs, and humor collections that lean into satire, dark comedy, and clever absurdity. From mischievous characters and chaotic situations to sharp commentary and laugh-out-loud essays, these titles celebrate humor in bold, irreverent forms.
Fiction
Good Material / Dolly Alderton
After Jen dumps him, Andy spirals hard—moving back in with his mother, obsessing over his hairline, and making every classic breakup mistake. From impulsive life choices to drunken texts, his attempts to move on only deepen the humiliation. As he cautiously enters a new relationship, Andy remains fixated on Jen, rereading old messages and searching for answers about what went wrong and how to let go.
Other format(s): ebook and audio (Libby)
Glorious Exploits / Ferdia Lennon
In war-torn Syracuse, two unemployed potters celebrate surviving the Athenian invasion and stumble on an unlikely idea: trading food to captured enemy soldiers who can recite Euripides. Told in contemporary Irish dialect, the story follows their daring decision into the quarry of prisoners, where art, friendship, and humanity persist amid brutality. Playful yet tragic, it explores how beauty and hope can endure even in the aftermath of war.
The Faculty Lounge / Jennifer Mathieu
When an elderly substitute teacher dies at Baldwin High, the school barely notices—until a week later, when his ashes are scattered and stir parental outrage. Over the course of a chaotic year, the lives of the faculty unfold: a former punk rocker turned principal fights the school board, a rule-bending nurse helps a student in need, and a disgruntled English teacher sparks scandal. Amid absurdity, romance, and everyday struggles, the novel celebrates human connection and finding purpose in daily life.
Other format(s): large print, ebook (Libby)
Wreck / Catherine Newman
Two years after a family vacation, Rocky navigates everyday life in western Massachusetts with her husband, grown children, and widowed father under one roof. Anxious, funny, and deeply observant, she becomes fixated on a nearby accident and a looming health concern. As uncertainty creeps in, the novel tenderly explores marriage, family expectations, and how love persists when life refuses to go according to plan.
Other format(s): large print, ebook and audio (Libby)
If You Love It, Let It Kill You / Hannah Pittard
Hana P., divorced and childless by choice, lives a carefully balanced life teaching in Lexington, surrounded by family and familiar routines. When she learns her ex-husband has written an unflattering version of her into his debut novel, her long-held contentment suddenly collapses. What follows is a surreal, darkly comic midlife reckoning—complete with a talking cat and unruly students—that probes memory, authorship, and who gets to tell whose story.
Other format(s): ebook (Libby)
Humor Me / Cat Shook
Presley Fry, an assistant long overdue for promotion at a late-night show, keeps her life carefully casual, from dating to friendships, while finding real joy in discovering stand-up comedians. Still grieving her mother, she’s drawn into the orbit of Susan Clark, who offers guidance—and a possible match with her son. As Presley navigates loss, unexpected connections, and comedy’s healing power, she learns how shared laughter and friendship can soften even the deepest pain.
Other format(s): ebook (Libby)
Fundamentally / Nussaibah Younis
After a painful breakup, academic Nadia Amin accepts a UN post in Iraq to lead a controversial program aimed at rehabilitating ISIS-affiliated women. Quickly overwhelmed by bureaucracy, hostility, and ethical doubts, she becomes fixated on helping Sara, a young refugee from East London. As corruption and inertia block every path forward, Nadia faces an impossible choice, prompting darkly funny, unsettling questions about belief, power, and rescue.
Other format(s): ebook and audio (Libby)
Three Bags Full / Leonie Swann
When their beloved shepherd George is found dead, pinned to the ground with a spade, his unusually intelligent flock sets out to solve the murder. Led by the brilliant Miss Maple, the sheep investigate human suspects in the nearby Irish village, debating motives and clues through nightlong discussions. As they sneak into the human world, their clever, quirky teamwork uncovers dark secrets behind the peaceful countryside.
Other format(s): large print, ebook and audio (hoopla) (Libby)
Slayers of Old / Jim C. Hines
Three retired Chosen Ones run a quiet bookstore in Salem, Massachusetts, enjoying a peaceful retirement—until locals start summoning ancient creatures, and their basement turns out to be a portal to the underworld. Forced back into action, the trio must save the world one last time. Packed with humor, magic, and heart, this contemporary fantasy celebrates community, second chances, and the healing power of scones, proving that heroism doesn’t retire so easily.
The Man Who Died Twice / Richard Osman Richard
Osman is back with everyone’s favorite mystery-solving quartet, and the second installment of The Thursday Murder Club series is just as clever and warm as the first—an unputdownable, laugh-out-loud pleasure of a read. After solving the first murder, the four retirees hope for a quiet stretch , but trouble quickly finds them. An old associate of Elizabeth’s arrives on the run, accused of stealing valuable diamonds, and soon bodies begin to pile up. Facing a ruthless killer, the friends must outwit danger once again, solving the case before they become the next targets.
Other format(s): large print, ebook and audio (Libby)
My Funny Demon Valentine / Aurora Ascher
Asmodeus, Prince of Hell, would rather play jazz than be evil. Cursed and fed up, he escapes Hell with his demon brothers and becomes Underworld’s Most Wanted on Earth. Everything shifts when he meets Eva, a violinist who can see through his curse—and his true form. As danger closes in and secrets unravel on both sides, Ash and Eva are pulled into a fiery paranormal romance that proves love can be one hell of a journey.
Other format(s): ebook and audio (hoopla)
Nonfiction
How to Win Friends and Influence Fungi / Chris Balakrishnan and Matt Wasowski
In the spirit of books like Atlas Obscura and What If?, this book from Nerd Nite co-founders Matt Wasowski and Chris Balakrishnan delivers a quirky, laugh-out-loud dive into STEM topics. Packed with fun facts, infographics, and detailed illustrations, it explores everything from kinky, spring-loaded spiders to the Webb telescope’s impact on movies. With chapters like “The Science of the Hangover” and “What Birds Can Teach Us About the Zombie Apocalypse,” it’s an entertaining, accessible, and totally nerdy celebration of science for all ages.
Other format(s): audio (hoopla)
The History of Sketch Comedy: A Journey through the Art and Craft of Humor / Keegan-Michael Key
In this blend of memoir, comedy history, and behind-the-scenes insight, Keegan-Michael Key traces the evolution of sketch comedy from commedia dell’arte and vaudeville to television, film, and social media. Along the way, he shares personal stories, influences, and reflections on the craft. The book also features original artwork by Elle Key and essays from notable comedians, offering a lively look at the people, traditions, and creative forces that shape sketch comedy.
Other format(s): ebook (hoopla)
That’s How They Get You: An Unruly Anthology of Black American Humor / Damon Young
From the Thurber Prize–winning author of What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Blacker, this anthology gathers some of the sharpest voices in Black humor today. Featuring essays and stories that are hilarious, biting, and politically astute, it tackles everything from “yo mamma” jokes gone too far to outlawing “Karens” overnight. Edited by Damon Young, with contributions from Hanif Abdurraqib, Wyatt Cenac, Kiese Laymon, and others, the collection celebrates how Black humor entertains, provokes, and illuminates American life.
The 50 Funniest American Writers: An Anthology of Humor from Mark Twain to The Onion / Andy Borowitz
This collection brings together some of the funniest American writing, from classics like O. Henry’s “The Ransom of Red Chief” and Anita Loos’ Gentlemen Prefer Blondes to modern comedic voices like David Sedaris, Larry Wilmore, Wanda Sykes, and George Saunders. Packed with essays, stories, and articles from both big names and hidden gems in The New Yorker, Esquire, The Atlantic, National Lampoon, and The Onion, it’s a nonstop showcase of wit, humor, and laughs.
Mama Needs a Minute!: A Candid, Funny, All-Too-Relatable Comic Memoir about Surviving Motherhood / Mary Catherine Starr
Packed with signature wit and warmth, this book dives into the chaos and humor of modern motherhood. From sleep regressions and messy walls to endless lullabies and the rare moment to pee alone, the funny, honest anecdotes and charming illustrations capture it all. It’s a laugh-out-loud, heartfelt read that will make moms feel seen, understood, and ready to survive the beautiful madness of parenting.
