When it comes to rediscovering your reading spark, nothing is quite as enticing as a book that makes you laugh. And while there are a plethora of new titles emerging from great literary minds and formative thinkers, these hilarious new books are offering the kind of brevity, dry wit and warm humour that remind us of the joy to be found in reading. Trust us, these books will make you forget about your phone for an afternoon — and what a relief that will be.
I’ll Show Myself Out
by Jessi Klein
Penned by the former head writer of Inside Amy Schumer, this book takes a self-deprecating look at life for a woman in her 40s, and mines the various absurdities of midlife motherhood to find nuggets of comedy gold. Marrying candour and humanity with her award-winning wit, Klein writes essays that include, ‘Listening to Beyoncé in the Parking Lot of Party City,’ and ‘Your Husband Will Remarry Five Minutes After You Die,’ that will have you laughing from start to finish.
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Human Blues
by Elisa Albert
In this hilarious, provocative novel (told over the course of nine fertility cycles) the story of singer-songwriter Aviva Rosner and her struggles with infertility plays out in bold, fearless fashion. Touching on femininity, fame, art, commerce and autonomy in a brilliant and utterly original way, this funny and heartfelt book looks at our cultural obsession with childbearing in a searing new light.
I’m More Dateable Than a Plate of Refried Beans: And Other Romantic Observations
by Ginny Hogan
Expect to laugh out loud at this humorous collection of observations of the peaks and troughs of modern romance. Comprising a series of absurd yet relatable stories in which comedian Ginny Hogan sends-up the arbitrary rules of modern dating, this book is perfect for anyone who needs a giggle.
The Bullet That Missed
by Richard Osman
In this thoroughly entertaining read, beloved British author Richard Osman returns with the third iteration of his Thursday Murder Club series, this time involving a decade-old cold case, a local news legend and a murder with no body and no answers. Told with Osman’s signature wit, this thrilling mystery will draw you in for its story and keep you there for its humour and heart.
Happy-Go-Lucky
by David Sedaris
Having long set the standard to which other humour essayists can only aspire, renowned writer and storyteller David Sedaris is back with a new collection of personal essays. Here, Sedaris offers a moving, deeply personal and undeniably funny analysis of his complex relationship with his father, through 18 stories set in the lead up to, and just following his death.
Everything is Washable
by Sali Hughes
Offering the advice you need, but none you ever seek, journalist Sali Hughes has curated everything she has learned thus far that has carried her in good stead. From her signature martini recipe and 37 things to have in your cupboard to how to support a friend going through IVF, it is humourous, with only an iota of seriousness, and is utterly relatable for everyone at some level. Everything is Washable is a forever bible that makes a superb gift to friends, or even your own library as a guilty pleasure. Released next month, you’ll want to pre-order a copy, stat.
