Serious literature has a dual meaning that can sometimes be misleading. While we often refer to books as serious when they are well-written and thought-provoking, we also tend to associate seriousness with a lack of humor. This can lead us to believe that a good book shouldn’t make us laugh, which is unfortunate because humor is an important literary effect that should be valued just as much as tragedy, suspense, and profundity. However, it’s important to note that finding genuinely funny literature can be a challenge.
Sadly, what is often marketed as funny in the book industry falls short of expectations. Many published works claim to be “Hilarious!” on their covers but end up being merely quirky or wacky, leaving readers feeling cynical. The “humor” genre in commercial publishing has only amplified this problem, as comedians and influencers capitalize on their TV or social media fame to monetize their audience. While these books can be entertaining, they often prioritize individual jokes over creating a lasting impact, overshadowing other elements that readers might seek in a book.
One could argue that the difficulty in finding truly funny literature is inherent to the form. Individuals who identify as funny are often skilled at making people laugh in the moment with quick-witted remarks and comebacks, but creating a humorous storyline is a different feat altogether. This challenge is even more apparent in memoirs and nonfiction, where it can be difficult to find amusing plot points. Convincing readers that real life can be funny requires a unique and almost metaphysical ability to shift perception. As a result, many may conclude that funny literature is a contradiction in terms, but I assure you that such books do exist and I have some recommendations to share.
1. “The Code of the Woosters” by P. G. Wodehouse (Published by W. W. Norton and Company): Wodehouse is renowned for his skill in crafting sentences, but he truly made a name for himself through his brilliantly constructed plots. “The Code of the Woosters” is a prime example of his talents. The story follows Bertram Wooster, a wealthy but foolish man, as he embarks on a mission to repair a broken engagement while evading the clutches of the comically exaggerated English fascist Roderick Spode. Assisted by his ingenious butler, Jeeves, Bertram finds himself entangled in a web of deception that only seems to deepen with every step. This 1938 novel combines dramatic irony with farce, solidifying its place as a pinnacle of Wodehouse’s Jeeves series.
2. “The Sellout” by Paul Beatty (Published by Picador): Beatty tackles one of the most serious topics imaginable—American race relations—and transforms it into a satire filled with comedy. His protagonist, a Black farmer living in the suburb of Dickens, California, appears before the Supreme Court for reintroducing segregation and slavery. The story unfolds as the protagonist inherits his father’s land and assumes the role of community adviser, attempting to dissuade his neighbors from bad ideas. However, his attempts at reconciliation take a humorous turn when he starts a segregated bus system to fulfill his friend’s fantasy and expands it to the local school. Beatty’s narrator does not fit the stereotype of an “Uncle Tom” or a sellout, but rather represents a comfortable individual who views racism as a problem of the past. The book’s message is complex and continually challenges conventional thinking, making it both funny and thought-provoking.
3. “Good Gossip” by Jacqueline Carey (Published by Catapult): This collection of interconnected short stories breathes new life into the well-trodden setting of late-1980s Manhattan. Carey expertly injects doses of irony into her portrayal of illegal sublets and trivial social hierarchies, treating these often overlooked aspects of society with the delicate touch they deserve. The stories revolve around characters who are, as the narrator puts it, “like her”—ordinary people in New York who share similar experiences and struggles. Carey’s ability to find humor in the narcissism of small differences fosters a sense of love rather than contempt. While Carey’s husband, Ian Frazier, may be better known, she has achieved something truly remarkable by balancing realism with an enjoyable reading experience.
4. “Fake Accounts” by Lauren Oyler: This novel, written by one of my favorite essayists, weaves together tragedy and ambiguity to create a compelling narrative. After the narrator’s boyfriend’s untimely death, she relocates to Berlin, where she embarks on a series of Young Writer-type adventures. Oyler injects a layer of self-awareness into the storytelling, capturing the complex process of self-curating and the quest to purposefully construct a persona. The narrator’s guilty relief following her boyfriend’s death brings about a new set of problems, shedding light on the complexities of human emotions. Oyler’s clever portrayal of her fictional counterpart as petty, vain, and selfish adds to the book’s humor, making it an authentic and relatable read.
5. “Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman!” by Richard Feynman (Published by W. W. Norton and Company): Feynman, a renowned scientist, offers readers a delightful memoir that reflects on his experiences from childhood to adulthood. Despite his exceptional intelligence, Feynman humorously presents himself as someone who acts dumb. In a letter declining an offer from the University of Chicago due to the high salary, he humorously mentions his concern about affording a mistress, which would distract him from his work in physics. Watching one of the greatest minds of the 20th century playfully embody an air of cluelessness is inspiring for those of us who won’t be making scientific breakthroughs anytime soon. Feynman’s memoir captures his first principle of science—remaining honest with oneself, even if it means acknowledging our own foolishness.
6. “Erasure” by Percival Everett (Published by Graywolf): Everett confronts the publishing industry’s preference for writers of color who focus on grim generational trauma. In “Erasure,” he boldly challenges this convention with a bitter and laugh-out-loud narrative. The protagonist, an English professor, becomes enraged by a peer’s successful novel that caters to white audiences, prompting him to write a book titled “My Pafology” (later changed to “Fuck”). The fictional novel, included within the book, satirizes the pandering nature of Black literature. Everett’s biting commentary on the industry’s expectations and limitations adds to the humor, paving the way for a truly unique reading experience.
Finding genuinely funny literature can be a challenging task, but these recommendations showcase the comedic talents of skilled authors. Don’t be afraid to explore these books and embrace the humor they offer alongside their thought-provoking narratives.
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