“Life is a drama full of tragedy and comedy. You should learn to enjoy the comic episodes a little more.”
– Jeannette Walls, The Glass Castle
Life is nothing short of a movie. It is full of action, drama, comedy, and angst. Sometimes, life makes us laugh out loud whereas other times or makes us cry tears of angst. In the last few years, we all have seen some pretty dark stuff. The pandemic and the number of wars have left the world numb with terror and tragedy. Despite this, we should never let life get the best of us. Finding little moments of joy and snippets of laughter are the things that we all need to live a sane and healthy life. Keeping this in mind, Indian Dr. Madan Kataria first came up with the concept of World Laughter Day in the year 1998. Since then, every first Sunday in the month of May is celebrated as World Laughter Day worldwide.
What better place to find laughter and joy than in books? Over the centuries, a plethora of humorous books have been published. From witty nonfiction treatises to fun romantic comedies, there is a wide gamut of books in the genre of comedy.
Here is a selection of recently published books that will make you laugh out loud and keep you company not only on World Laughter Day this May but any day of the year.
Book: Tales from the Bug Guy
Author: Dr. German Roach
Tales from the Bug Guy is a hilarious memoir penned by Dr. German Roach. A dedicated pest professional, Roach started working when he was in his teens. He worked hard to build a successful business with his partner. However, when the covid-19 hit, his life took an unprecedented turn. In his line of work, Roach came across people from all walks of life. While some were amazingly kind, others were irrationally selfish. With his brilliant sense of humor, Dr. German Roach presents all his professional encounters to us. Undoubtedly, they will make you cry tears of laughter. Dr. German Roach’s comedic sense is evident in his choice of pen name. Tales from the Bug Guy has rightfully won the 2023 BREW Book of Excellence Award in the comedy category.
Book: The Vampire’s Missing Cape
Author: Steve Stables
The Vampire’s Missing Cape is a multi-award-winning children’s book penned by Steve Stables. In this imaginative story, we follow Vamp the Vampire who loves to dance the boogie dance. One day, on his way to have a snack, Vamp gets distracted by disco music and starts to dance. In the process, he loses his favorite cape. Thus, starts his quest of finding his cape. The Vampire’s Missing Cape is super funny with unforgettable rhymes and hair-raisingly scary surprises. Steve Stables’ The Vampire’s Missing Cape has deservedly won the 2023 BREW Children’s Book Excellence Award in the Children’s Comedy category.
Book: Two Can Play
Author: Priscilla B. Shuler
Two Can Play by Priscilla B. Shuler is the recipient of the 2021/2022 BREW Reader’s Choice Award in the Romantic Fiction category. The romantic comedy follows Carolyn, a typical housewife with two beautiful children. Though Carolyn’s life seems perfect on the outside, it is far from normal. Carolyn’s highly reputed husband, Donald, is in actuality a frequent cheater. Having had enough, Carolyn decides to end the farce of her marriage. However, Donald is too concerned about appearances and will never grant her a divorce. Hence, Carolyn makes an innovative plan. She disguises herself and tricks her own husband into an affair. Two Can Play is a novel of its kind. It is witty, humorous, and full of fun ploys. Priscilla B. Shuler’s Two Can Play is a must-read for all romantic comedy fans.
Book: Holland, My Heart
Author: Jennifer J Coldwater
Holland, My Heart by Jennifer J Coldwater is a romantic comedy that gives a modern spin to the biblical Book of Ruth. The novel follows the life of Holland Gallagher. Holland is devastated when she loses her beloved husband, Aiden. She completely gives up on love and moves to Los Angeles to start afresh. When she meets her mother-in-law Naomi’s friend Kai Ipu sparks unexpectedly fly. It is up to Holland to let go of the past and give love a second chance. Holland’s story is tragic, however, it shows us the importance of the few moments of joy. It will make you both cry and laugh. This book is highly recommended to fans of romantic comedies and second-chance love stories.
Book: The Surreal Adventures of Anthony Zen
Author: Cameron A. Straughan
The Surreal Adventures of Anthony Zen is a brilliant piece of absurdist and surrealist fiction penned by Cameron A. Straughan. The book presents to us twenty-three incidents from the life of Anthony Zen. Anthony’s world is not an atypical one. There, the time is always between 8:59 am to 9:01 am. Meowing telephones, police hippos, ringing mechanical cats, vagrant giraffes, and space-orbiting buses, among other things, are the norm in the world of Anthony Zen. Anthony’s many misadventures are bound to make you fall out of your chair with laughter. Nevertheless, each of these hilarious snapshots belie the harsh realities of life.
Book: My Unexpected Life: Finding Balance Beyond My Diagnosis
Author: Jennifer Gasner
My Unexpected Life: Finding Balance Beyond My Diagnosis is a heart-touching memoir written by Jennifer Gasner. In this book, Gasner presents to us her eventful life story. Diagnosed with Friedreich’s Ataxia at seventeen, Jennifer’s life takes an unprecedented turn. Bravely, she does not let her disease define her life. She goes on to college and experiences everything a young girl her age does. Her perseverance in making a successful career is truly admirable. It is noteworthy that music had been with her every step of the way. One of the most special aspects of this memoir is Jennifer’s wry sense of humor. Gasner had to go through a lot in life. Still, she did not let it rob her of her humor. There are times when you will not be able to help but laugh out loud. My Unexpected Life: Finding Balance Beyond My Diagnosis is a beautiful book that makes you both laugh and live life to the fullest, despite everything that life throws at you. Jennifer Gasner’s story is truly inspiring and worth a read.
Conclusion
Laughter is the best medicine known to man. It not only makes us happy but also strengthens our immune system and lessons our stress. Finding laughter is no easy feat, especially in today’s high-stress world. Nevertheless, it is up to us to take little breaks from reality and get our dose of happiness.
Do comment and let me know which of the books listed here has intrigued you the most. If you happen to have read any of the books here, do let me know your thoughts about them.
Share this:
Discover more from The Chrysalis BREW Project
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
I love books that make me laugh, even if my husband sometimes thinks I’m crazy when laughing alone. I loved “Two Can Play,” so I’m sure the other books on the list are just as good!
I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed “Two Can Play”! Books that bring laughter are truly special. I hope you find the other books on the list just as delightful and entertaining. Happy reading!