After another year of emotional ups and downs, we here at Bookstr recommend these seven humorous titles to begin the new year on a jolly note! With a variety of different subjects and themes, we hope that these will bring about a laugh or two. As you go through this list, make sure to keep note of what inadvertently brings a small smile to your lips at the mere premise. After all, what better fun and joy is there in general than finding a new book? (And a silly one, at that!)
Once Upon a Tome: The Misadventures of a Rare Bookseller by Oliver Darkshire
This humorous breakout memoir by Oliver Darkshire brings his day-to-day exploits in Sotheran’s booksellers to life. As the oldest reigning bookshop throughout London, Sotheran’s enchants Oliver quickly. The entirety of the book is made up of his interactions with the different types of folks that haunt rare bookstores, wrapping it all up with personal anecdotes and the very driest of wit that only the British can manage.
Jonathan Unleashed by Meg Rosoff
In this silly but altogether endearing mash of real-world dynamics, New Yorker Jonathan Trefoil begins to develop a different worldview through the perspective of his brother’s two dogs, both of whom he is watching for the next few months. Imaginative, clever, and genuine all at once, this book takes a jab at our real-world pessimisms, managing to inject a delightful sense of joy into even the dreariest of our adult experiences.
A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian by Marina Lewycka
Somehow managing to plait together a backdrop of post-WWII Europe with the quick, engaging prose of two estranged sisters, Lewycka engages us all in this rolling narrative of emotions and dredged-up secrets. The book features the comedic duo of Vera and Nadezha (Nadia) as they attempt to save their intelligent yet hopeless father from the claws of a golden-haired gold digger. As the tale escalates, exposed secrets change the perspectives of both Nadia and the reader, as we are again and again struck by the family’s efforts to make do with what they have and to protect their poor father from the grasping Valentina.
Clown Girl by Monica Drake
Make no mistake with this one — while there is humor aplenty, this is an admittedly sad tale. Nita, our very own clown girl, loves the wrong man and has unfortunately placed all her trust (and money) in him. Still, Nita does what she can to thrive on her side of Baloneytown and manages to deliver a plucky, genuine voice that all at once conveys the hilarity of the situation, the pain of trusting the wrong person, and the misery of being thrust into life on the wrong foot.
No Word From Gurb by Eduardo Mendoza
This hilarious little piece of fiction from Eduardo Mendoza begins with a pretty simple premise: aliens interacting with humans and all of the fish-out-of-water scenarios that ensue. However, when Gurb — disguised as Madonna — is lost on the streets of Barcelona, his best friend and commanding officer has no choice but to brave the human world and city on his own. Full of satire and funny little observations about humanity, this book is perfect for a quick, pithy pick-me-up.
My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Otessa Moshfegh
Written with a sharp, clever voice, Otessa Moshfegh’s My Year of Rest and Relaxation comes to us from a thoroughly disenchanted narrator who supposedly has all she could ever want. She has an inheritance that pays for her apartment, an easy job at a “happening” art gallery, and a degree from the prestigious Columbia University. The world should be her oyster. Instead, through the dastardly enabling of her psychiatrist, our jaded narrator undertakes a darkly comedic mission to sleep — and, thus, escape the world — for longer and longer amounts of time with increasing doses of sleeping pills and anti-psychotics. Although we think a cup of tea would work too, such asTraditional Medicinals Organic Nighty Night Valerian Relaxation Tea!
The Mechanics of Yenagoa by Michael Afenfia
This twisting tale, made of equal parts hilarities, anxieties, and real-life workings, introduces the capable voice and hands of the main character, Ebinimi. A clever mechanic, he never quite seems to catch a break nor learn from his previous mistakes, which in turn leads him over and over into scenarios that could have been prevented had he thought himself a bit less clever. We end up rooting for him nonetheless as we follow him alongside his other mechanics and cohorts through the backdrop of Kalaka Street in Yenagoa City.
Humor can so easily go sideways or not land where it’s supposed to. However, within these various pages and stories intertwined with the jests and lighthearted (or dark-hearted) humor, we at Bookstr hope that something caught your eye and that there is something here that will warm your spirit in these colder months.
Need a pick-me-up lately? Try one of these 6 Spectacular Books That Combine Mental Health With Comedy.
Curious about other book recommendations from Bookstr’s finest? Click here.
