Are you on the hunt for the perfect combination of humor and insight? Look no further! The world of Humor Essays is filled with books that not only make you laugh but also offer clever commentary on life, love, and everything in between. Whether you’re in the mood for a hilarious memoir or a witty collection of essays, this ranking of the Top 10 Best Books in Humor Essays is designed to help you find your next favorite read. Let’s dive into the best humor essays that are sure to leave you laughing and thinking at the same time.
Author: Lisa Harper
Lisa Harper is a humorist and freelance writer who loves recommending essays that make people laugh. Her witty style and love for humor essays make her the perfect guide to help you find the best in the genre.
10. Leslie F*cking Jones
⭐ 4.5 out of 5 stars (866 reviews)
Category: Humor Essays
Leslie Jones is not holding anything back in her hilarious collection of essays, Leslie F*cking Jones. Through a series of personal anecdotes, Jones gives readers a no-filter look at her life—from her childhood to her rise in comedy. Her bold voice makes this book a must-read for anyone looking for unrestrained humor.
Why You’ll Love It:
This book is unapologetic, raw, and ridiculously funny. Leslie’s voice shines through each page, making you feel like you’re having a conversation with her. Fans of fearless comedy will absolutely love this.
Fun Fact:
Leslie Jones is known for her work on Saturday Night Live, but before that, she was a star on the stand-up comedy scene for years.
👉 Buy Leslie F*cking Jones on Amazon
9. Wildflower
⭐ 4.2 out of 5 stars (4,426 reviews)
Category: Humor Essays
Drew Barrymore’s Wildflower is a heartwarming collection of essays that provides a glimpse into her wild Hollywood upbringing. Her candid take on life, love, and motherhood is both funny and poignant, making this book a great read for anyone who loves personal essays with a humorous twist.
Why You’ll Love It:
Drew Barrymore’s unique perspective on life, combined with her fun and quirky writing style, makes this book a joy to read. It’s full of memorable stories from her childhood as well as her time in Hollywood, all told with humor and warmth.
Fun Fact:
Did you know Drew Barrymore made her film debut at the age of 5 in the movie Altered States? Her early start in acting is just one of the many fascinating stories she shares in this book.
8. Bossypants
⭐ 4.3 out of 5 stars (20,532 reviews)
Category: Humor Essays
Tina Fey’s Bossypants takes readers on a hilarious journey through her life, from her days at Saturday Night Live to starring in 30 Rock. Her sharp wit and ability to laugh at herself are the heart of this book, making it one of the best humor essay collections around.
Why You’ll Love It:
If you love smart, self-deprecating humor, you’ll enjoy every page of this book. Fey’s reflections on being a woman in comedy, working in a male-dominated field, and balancing life and career are both insightful and funny.
Fun Fact:
Tina Fey was the first-ever female head writer of Saturday Night Live. Her reflections on breaking ground in the comedy world are both inspirational and laugh-out-loud funny.
7. Everything I Know About Love: A Memoir
⭐ 4.2 out of 5 stars (28,209 reviews)
Category: Humor Essays
Dolly Alderton’s Everything I Know About Love mixes humor with heartfelt stories about growing up, friendship, and romantic misadventures. It’s a memoir that resonates with readers of all ages, delivering sharp insights wrapped in wit and humor.
Why You’ll Love It:
Alderton’s relatable voice makes this book a must-read. Her ability to blend humor with deep emotional reflection creates an engaging and entertaining read.
Fun Fact:
Dolly Alderton is also a successful podcaster. Her popular podcast, The High Low, was a must-listen for many fans of her writing before it ended in 2020.
👉 Buy Everything I Know About Love on Amazon
6. A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail
⭐ 4.4 out of 5 stars (24,462 reviews)
Category: Humor Essays
Bill Bryson’s A Walk in the Woods blends travel writing with humor as he recounts his attempt to hike the Appalachian Trail. Full of quirky characters and mishaps, this book is perfect for anyone who enjoys a good laugh while reading about adventures in nature.
Why You’ll Love It:
Bryson’s wit and dry humor make this a fun, lighthearted read, even for those who may not be avid hikers. His observations about American culture and nature are as insightful as they are humorous.
Fun Fact:
The book was adapted into a movie starring Robert Redford and Nick Nolte, adding another layer of fame to Bryson’s hilarious adventure.
👉 Purchase A Walk in the Woods on Amazon
5. You Can Do It!: Speak Your Mind, America
⭐ 5.0 out of 5 stars (2 reviews)
Category: Humor Essays
Rob Schneider’s You Can Do It! brings his larger-than-life comedic persona to print in a book that encourages readers to find their own voice. With plenty of laughs and moments of reflection, Schneider uses his humor to inspire.
Why You’ll Love It:
If you’re a fan of Schneider’s movies and stand-up, you’ll enjoy his humorous take on life and personal empowerment. It’s a refreshing read full of quirky insights.
Fun Fact:
Rob Schneider’s catchphrase, “You can do it!” became iconic after his appearance in the movie The Waterboy. This phrase became a personal motto for Schneider, inspiring the title of his book.
👉 Get You Can Do It! on Amazon
4. Oh No, Not ‘The Home’: Observations and Confessions of a Grandmother in Transition
⭐ 4.5 out of 5 stars (1,866 reviews)
Category: Humor Essays
Peggy Rowe’s Oh No, Not ‘The Home’ is a hilarious yet heartfelt look at aging and the inevitability of transitioning to an assisted living home. Rowe’s humor shines as she navigates life’s changes with grace and wit.
Why You’ll Love It:
Rowe’s relatable and humorous take on getting older will resonate with readers who appreciate self-deprecating humor. It’s a feel-good read that mixes laughs with life lessons.
Fun Fact:
Peggy Rowe is the mother of TV personality Mike Rowe, and she brings just as much charisma and charm to her writing as he does to the screen.
👉 Buy Oh No, Not ‘The Home’ on Amazon
3. Everything I Know About Love: A Memoir
⭐ 4.2 out of 5 stars (28,209 reviews)
Category: Humor Essays
Another winner from Dolly Alderton, Everything I Know About Love showcases her keen insights on relationships, friendships, and navigating adulthood, all delivered with sharp humor.
Why You’ll Love It:
This is one of those rare books that will make you laugh and cry in equal measure. Alderton’s humor, combined with her ability to capture the nuances of human connection, makes this a must-read.
Fun Fact:
Dolly’s podcast, The High Low, was an inspiration for many of her humorous and thoughtful essays found in this collection.
👉 Get Everything I Know About Love on Amazon
2. Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood
⭐ 4.7 out of 5 stars (107,239 reviews)
Category: Humor Essays
Trevor Noah’s Born a Crime is a fascinating blend of personal memoir and humor. He recounts his experiences growing up as a mixed-race child during apartheid in South Africa, with his signature wit and deep insights into race, identity, and freedom.
Why You’ll Love It:
Noah’s ability to combine humor with powerful storytelling makes this one of the most impactful and entertaining books in the genre. It’s both educational and hilarious.
Fun Fact:
Trevor Noah was born to a black South African mother and a white Swiss father, which was literally a crime under apartheid law at the time.
1. Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood
⭐ 4.7 out of 5 stars (107,239 reviews)
Category: Humor Essays
Trevor Noah takes the top spot again with the paperback edition of Born a Crime. His storytelling, laced with humor and profound insights, has made this a favorite among readers and critics alike.
Why You’ll Love It:
It’s hard not to love Noah’s unique perspective on growing up in a divided world. His humor makes even the darkest moments relatable and funny.
Fun Fact:
Noah’s journey from growing up under apartheid to becoming the host of The Daily Show is nothing short of remarkable, and this book is a testament to his resilience and comedic genius.
👉 Buy Born a Crime (Paperback) on Amazon
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