Local blogger the Good Book Fairy shares 20 books that will make you laugh
As a full-time book blogger, reviewer and speaker, I've read hundreds and hundreds of books.
I've been encouraging everyone who is able to follow the charge to stay home, self-quarantine and practice social distancing to read a book. Now, with Gov. Pritzker's mandate to "stay at home," reading is even more important. Why? Because it's pure escapism.
In the past few weeks, I've been overwhelmed with folks asking me for all types of books, from thrillers (um, we're living in one now) to romance to help them pass the time.
I'm a firm believer that laughter is the best medicine and that it is so much easier to laugh than to cry. With that being said, here is a list of 20 books that will tickle your funny bone.
"Born a Crime" by Trevor Noah
Noah, the host of The Daily Show, regales the reader with his upbringing in South Africa through humor and honesty.
"The Floating Feldmans" by Elyssa Friedland
A matriarch embarks on a cruise with her multigenerational family in tow. Their dysfunction will make you laugh out loud.
"Naked" by David Sedaris
This collection of hysterical essays will delight all who find humor in the everyday quirks of life.
"The Lager Queen of Minnesota" by J. Ryan Stradal
A family saga that embraces two witty sisters at odds with one another and how, through pies and lager, they come together.
"Chuckerman Makes a Movie" by Francie Arenson Dickman
Local author's debut book about a man reflecting on his endearing and humorous visits to his grandparents in Florida as a young boy.
"The Bookish Life of Nina Hill" by Abbi Waxman
A meticulous and quirky character will have you giggling at her antics when she learns she has extended family.
"The Flatshare" by Beth O'Leary
Comical characters will charm you in this English tale about two strangers who share an apartment; one occupies it by day and the other through the night.
"Husbands and Other Sharp Objects" by Marilyn Rothstein
Family dysfunction at its best. You'll want to be BFFs with the main character, as she's quick-witted and smart.
"The Copenhagen Affair" by Amulya Malladi
Oddly enough, this is a comedic look at depression. Explore Copenhagen through this Indian-American woman in a sea of blonde.
"The Rosie Project" by Graeme Simsion
Socially challenged character, set in his OCD ways, creates a questionnaire to see if he has a chance at love. This is a joy to read.
"The Dinner Party" by Brenda Janowitz
The title is a sarcastic euphemism for a traditional Seder held during Passover. A touching and funny story.
"It's. Nice. Outside." by Jim Kokoris
Local author wrote this fictional book with such sincerity and hilarity about life with an autistic son.
"Limelight" by Amy Poeppel
A family of five moves from a sprawling home in Texas to a tight apartment in New York City. Life brings all sorts of hilarity, especially in the form of a teen pop star.
"Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating" by Christina Lauren
Funny and steamy romance about friends that set each other up on dates.
"I Can't Make This Up: Life Lessons" by Kevin Hart
Hart shares his story from survival to success with hilarity and vulnerability.
• Lauren Margolin is a book reviewer, blogger, influencer, speaker and creator of goodbookfairy.com/. She has reviewed hundreds of books and gives honest and relatable opinions, which has built her a loyal and trusted following. Her connections with authors, publishers and industry reps, as well as fellow readers, make her speaking engagements entertaining, enlightening and informative. She loves all things regarding reading and the appreciation of books. You can subscribe to her monthly newsletter at goodbookfairy.com/ and follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/goodbookfairy/.