The Greatest American "Humor, Fiction" Books Since 1990

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Humor

Humor is a category of books that is characterized by its ability to make readers laugh or feel amused. These books often contain witty dialogue, clever wordplay, and humorous situations that are designed to entertain and delight readers. Humor can be found in a variety of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and graphic novels, and can range from light-hearted and silly to dark and satirical. Whether you're looking for a quick laugh or a more in-depth exploration of the human condition through humor, there is something for everyone in the world of humorous books.

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  1. 26. Hollywood Homicide by Kellye Garrett

    In "Hollywood Homicide," a former actress turned amateur sleuth finds herself embroiled in a murder investigation when her friend, a rising starlet, is found dead. With her dreams of becoming a detective reignited, she navigates the glitz and glamour of Hollywood to uncover the truth, facing off against a cast of eccentric characters and discovering that fame can be deadly.

    The 8638th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple

    The book centers around an agoraphobic architect named Bernadette Fox, who goes missing prior to a family trip to Antarctica. Her 15-year-old daughter, Bee, compiles email correspondence, official documents, and secret correspondence in an effort to trace her mother's whereabouts. Through this unconventional narrative, the novel explores themes of motherhood, identity, and the pressures of genius, all while offering a satirical take on the tech industry and upper-middle-class America. The story unfolds with a blend of humor and heart, ultimately revealing the complex relationship between Bernadette and her daughter, as well as Bernadette's own troubled past.

    The 9024th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. John Dies At The End by David Wong

    This book is a comedic horror novel that follows two college dropouts who gain psychic abilities after ingesting a mysterious drug known as "Soy Sauce." This substance opens their eyes to a bizarre and terrifying parallel universe, leading them on a surreal adventure as they confront an array of supernatural creatures, ghosts, and otherworldly threats. With a blend of humor, philosophy, and horror, the narrative takes readers on a wild ride through existential crises and the nature of reality, all while the fate of humanity hangs in the balance.

    The 9094th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. Priestdaddy by Patricia Lockwood

    " Priestdaddy" is a memoir by Patricia Lockwood that recounts her experiences growing up in a highly unusual family. Her father is a Catholic priest who converted from Lutheranism and her mother is a former nun. The book explores the complexities of family dynamics, religion, and sexuality through Lockwood's sharp wit and unique perspective. The author also delves into her own struggles with mental illness and the challenges of reconciling her unconventional upbringing with her adult life. Overall, "Priestdaddy" is a poignant and humorous memoir that offers a fresh take on the coming-of-age genre.

    The 9165th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. Diary Of A Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw by Jeff Kinney

    In this humorous installment of a popular children's series, the protagonist, a middle-school boy, navigates the challenges of adolescence with a mix of awkwardness and misguided attempts at self-improvement. His father, concerned about his son's lazy habits, decides it's time for tough love, pushing him towards sports and other activities to toughen him up. The boy, however, has other plans, mainly involving his crush and finding ways to avoid his dad's new regime. Through a series of comedic mishaps and misunderstandings, he learns valuable lessons about responsibility, friendship, and the importance of being true to oneself.

    The 9228th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. Mrs. Ted Bliss by Stanley Elkin

    Mrs. Ted Bliss is a novel about an elderly widow living in a Miami high-rise. She becomes involved in a world of crime and intrigue when she befriends a drug dealer. Throughout the story, she navigates her way through life's complexities, dealing with her own mortality, the changing world around her, and the realities of aging. The book is a mixture of humor and pathos, offering a unique perspective on the human condition.

    The 9333rd Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. All Grown Up by Jami Attenberg

    The novel follows the life of a 39-year-old single, childfree woman living in New York City who is dealing with the societal pressures and expectations of adulthood. Her journey is marked by her struggle to find happiness and fulfillment in her own terms, despite her unconventional lifestyle. The protagonist grapples with her relationships, career, and the looming presence of her family's tragedies, all while trying to understand what it truly means to be "all grown up".

    The 9358th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. Red, White & Royal Blue: A Novel by Casey McQuiston

    "Red, White & Royal Blue: A Novel" is a heartwarming and humorous story about the unexpected romance between Alex, the First Son of the United States, and Henry, the Prince of Wales. After a public altercation, they are forced to fake a friendship for the sake of international diplomacy. However, as they spend more time together, their fake friendship turns into a genuine connection, leading them to question their own identities, their responsibilities, and the true meaning of love. This delightful and captivating novel explores themes of self-discovery, acceptance, and the power of love to overcome societal expectations.

    The 9425th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 34. Mislaid by Nell Zink

    "Mislaid" is a novel that explores themes of race, gender, and sexuality in 1960s Virginia. The story follows a white woman who, after leaving her husband, assumes a new identity for herself and her daughter as African Americans to avoid being found. The book delves into the complexities of identity and the societal constructs of race and gender, providing a satirical look at the absurdities of these classifications.

    The 9432nd Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 35. Diary Of A Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul by Jeff Kinney

    In this humorous and engaging installment of a popular children's series, the story follows a young boy and his family as they embark on a road trip that is supposed to be fun and memorable. However, the journey quickly turns into a series of misadventures and disasters, including unexpected detours, vehicle mishaps, and bizarre encounters with other travelers. Through a blend of text and comic illustrations, the narrative humorously explores themes of family dynamics, the chaos of travel, and the trials and tribulations of growing up. Despite the challenges, the protagonist navigates through the chaos with a mix of wit, resilience, and a bit of luck, making it a relatable and entertaining read for young readers.

    The 9631st Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 36. Lumberjanes by Noelle Stevenson

    "Lumberjanes" is a graphic novel that follows a group of five diverse and adventurous girls at a summer camp, who stumble upon supernatural creatures and mysterious happenings in the nearby forest. As they work together to uncover the secrets of the camp, they also navigate themes of friendship, bravery, and self-discovery. With its charming illustrations and empowering narrative, "Lumberjanes" is a delightful and captivating read for all ages.

    The 10033rd Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 37. The Book With No Pictures by B. J. Novak

    "The Book With No Pictures" is a creative and interactive children's book that breaks the traditional mold of storytelling by relying solely on words to captivate young readers. With its humorous and imaginative approach, the book encourages laughter and engagement as it explores the power of words and the joy of reading.

    The 10033rd Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 38. Redshirts by John Scalzi

    In this satirical science fiction novel, the story follows the adventures of a group of ensigns aboard the Universal Union's flagship Intrepid. They quickly realize that their ship's officers are frequently embroiled in dramatic and dangerous missions, while the lower-ranked crew members—often clad in red shirts—have a startlingly high mortality rate. The ensigns come to the shocking conclusion that they are actually characters in a badly written television show, and they must navigate a metafictional quest to confront their creators and change their fates to avoid being expendable casualties in the next away mission. The novel plays with the tropes of classic space operas and the concept of narrative determinism, delivering both humor and existential inquiry into the nature of free will and destiny.

    The 10455th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 39. Lightning Rods by Helen DeWitt

    This novel presents a satirical exploration of American capitalism and sexual politics through the story of a struggling salesman who invents an outrageous solution to sexual harassment in the workplace. His idea, which involves anonymous sexual encounters through a specially designed contraption to relieve male employees' urges without involving personal interactions, becomes a surprising success. As the protagonist navigates the complexities of patenting and marketing his invention, the narrative delves into themes of morality, exploitation, and the absurdity of corporate culture, all while maintaining a sharp, comedic edge. The book challenges readers to consider the lengths to which society will go to address symptoms rather than underlying issues, wrapped in a story that is both outlandish and thought-provoking.

    The 10540th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 40. The Bear Comes Home by Rafi Zabor

    "The Bear Comes Home" is a unique tale about a talking, saxophone-playing bear who navigates the human world while yearning for true freedom. The bear, who is also the protagonist, struggles with the complexities of human life, including love, art, and the search for self-identity. As he explores the jazz scene, he is caught between his bear nature and his human-like consciousness, leading to a profound exploration of what it means to be free and to be oneself.

    The 10569th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 41. War Dances by Sherman Alexie

    "War Dances" is a collection of short stories and poems that explore the lives of Native Americans in contemporary society. The narratives delve into various themes such as identity, culture, family, love, and loss. The stories are filled with humor, heartbreak, and wisdom, painting a vivid picture of the unique struggles and experiences faced by modern Native Americans.

    The 10700th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 42. Vanya And Sonia And Masha And Spike by Christopher Durang

    The play is a comedic exploration of the complexities of family dynamics, middle-age despair, and the search for identity amidst the chaos of modern life. It follows the story of two middle-aged siblings, Vanya and Sonia, whose quiet, mundane lives in their Pennsylvania family home are disrupted by the return of their movie-star sister, Masha, and her much younger lover, Spike. As they confront their regrets and the fear of being left behind by a world that's moved on without them, the siblings grapple with their relationships, their missed opportunities, and their hopes for the future, all while dealing with the eccentricities of a visiting fortune-telling housekeeper and a star-struck neighbor. The narrative is a poignant yet humorous take on the themes of family, aging, and the desire to belong, all underscored by elements borrowed from classic Russian literature.

    The 10778th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 43. Less by Andrew Sean Greer

    The novel follows a failing writer about to turn 50, who receives an invitation to his ex-boyfriend's wedding. In order to avoid the event, he decides to accept every literary invitation he's been given and embarks on an around-the-world journey. As he travels from Paris to India, Berlin to Japan, he finds himself facing the big questions about love, aging, and how to live a life that matters.

    The 10782nd Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 44. The Funny Man by John Warner

    The book follows the story of a stand-up comedian whose career skyrockets after he starts wearing a prop on his hand during his acts, which becomes his signature trademark. However, as he ascends to stardom, his personal life begins to unravel. The narrative delves into the dark side of fame, the pressures of public life, and the struggle to maintain identity amidst the chaos of the entertainment industry. The protagonist's journey is a tragicomic exploration of the high cost of success and the often-blurred line between a persona and the person behind it.

    The 10913th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 45. Mister Monkey by Francine Prose

    The novel revolves around the interconnected lives of an eclectic cast of characters, all linked by a lackluster children's musical based on a beloved fictional character, Mister Monkey. Through a series of vignettes, the narrative explores the personal dramas, comedic mishaps, and poignant reflections of the play's actors, the audience members, and even the author of the book on which the play is based. The story delves into themes of art, reality, the impact of small actions, and the human search for meaning, all the while painting a satirical yet sympathetic portrait of the theater world and the varied individuals who find their lives touched by this seemingly trivial production.

    The 11007th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download