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Get ready to test your laugh-out-loud limits with these hilarious novels released in 2024! Whether your sense of humor leans toward witty banter, quirky characters, or just the absurd, there’s something here to make you chuckle. Each of these books brings a unique comedic flair, ensuring that no matter your style of humor, you’ll find something that hits the funny bone just right.
It’s not just about the laughs, though. These novels also pack heart, sharp observations, and clever writing that will keep you grinning long after reading. From offbeat adventures to laughably awkward situations, these comedy books promise to keep you entertained from cover to cover. So, if you’re in the mood for a good giggle (or several), dive into these 13 best comedy books and see if you can make it through without cracking up!
Best Comedy Books That Will Have You Laughing Out Loud
Whether you’re in the mood for a sizzling, spicy read with a side of humor or need a lighthearted laugh to brighten your day, these comedy books have got you covered. They’re perfect for anyone looking to unwind, have a good chuckle, and put a smile on your face, whether you want to laugh out loud or enjoy some witty banter and fun characters. No matter what you’re after, these picks will bring joy to your reading list!
1. Long Island Compromise
Written by: Taffy Brodesser-Akner
In 1980, kidnappers took wealthy businessman Carl Fletcher for ransom, but when he returned home just days later, his family’s life seemed to resume as if nothing had changed. However, as the years go by, it becomes clear that the trauma from that event has profoundly affected every member of the Fletcher family, manifesting in ways that have shaped their lives in profound, often painful, ways. In what might be the funniest book ever written about generational trauma, Brodesser-Akner delivers a sharp and darkly comedic exploration of how the past can sometimes haunt us in the most unexpected and hilarious ways.
2. We Solve Murders
Written by: Richard Osman
Steve Wheeler is happily retired, enjoying his quiet routine while his fearless, adrenaline-loving daughter-in-law, Amy, tackles the high-stakes world of private security. But when a murderer rocks her assignment on a remote island, Amy turns to Steve for help, plunging them both into a high-stakes race against a ruthless killer. With a perfect mix of heart, humor, and suspense, this book will captivate Richard Osman fans and win over new readers, keeping them hooked with every twist and turn. As Booklist raves in its starred review, “With huge dollops of heart and humor, this will delight Osman fans and attract new readers who will get caught up in the thrill of it all.”
3. The Wedding People
Written by: Alison Espach
Phoebe Stone arrives at the luxurious Cornwall Inn in Newport, Rhode Island, planning to quietly spend her final hours in peace before ending her life completely unaware that everyone else there is celebrating a grand wedding that weekend. She has no interest in joining the festivities; her focus is solely on herself and her decision. However, when Phoebe unexpectedly meets the bride, the two women form an instant and unlikely friendship that begins to shift Phoebe’s perspective on life. As their bond grows, Phoebe starts to question whether there might be more worth living for than she’d originally thought.
4. The Book of George
Written by: Kate Greathead
The author of Laura and Emma returns with a new release that Alison Espach, author of The Wedding People, calls “a witty, insightful, and heartfelt exploration of the complex relationships that shape our adulthood.” At the center of the story is George, the guy you’ve probably met before. He is uncommitted, moody, and still too attached to his mother. But what makes George stand out is that he’s fully aware of his flaws, which gives the story a self-aware, humorous edge. With its sharp wit and relatable themes, readers will laugh at George’s misadventures and see bits of themselves in his journey.
5. Banal Nightmare
Written by: Halle Butler
After a messy breakup, Moddie Yance returns to her hometown, hoping to find comfort in her childhood friends’ familiar faces. While much has changed since she left, she quickly realizes that the tangled web of loyalties and unspoken dynamics in close friendships is just as tricky. With sharp insight and a touch of dark humor, the story explores how the past lingers and how old friendships can heal and complicate. In the words of David Sedaris, the author’s “quirky sense of humor deserves both study and celebration,” offering a refreshingly candid and humorous take on the chaos of life and relationships.
6. The Material
Written by: Camille Bordas
Artie, Olivia, Phil, Kruger, Ashbee, and Dorothy are a quirky group of students in the Chicago Stand-Up MFA program, all brought together by the visit of a successful, nationally recognized comedian. Though they come from different backgrounds, they’ll have to learn to work together as they explore their personal growth and comedy’s decisive role in every aspect of life. With a cast of endearingly flawed characters, sharp wit, dark humor, and laugh-out-loud moments, this novel pulls readers in from start to finish, blending comedy with the tangled complexity of unfolding relationships.
7. The Year We Turned Forty
Written by: Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke
If you had the chance to change something in your past, would you take it? As they approach 40, best friends Jessie, Gabriela, and Claire get a unique opportunity to revisit key moments from their pasts ten years earlier. They hope to find happiness and fulfillment with the chance to make different choices.
8. Swimming for Beginners
Written by: Nicola Gill
Loretta has her future all mapped out, and it only involves children. One day, a stranger asks her to watch six-year-old Phoebe for just a moment… and then never returns. Suddenly, Loretta’s carefully planned life is thrown into chaos as she’s left to care for Phoebe, a responsibility she never expected. As the story unfolds, Loretta’s world transforms in unexpected ways. With a perfect blend of humor and heart, Louise Hare describes this novel as “brilliantly funny, incredibly touching,” capturing the unexpected ways life can change when you least expect it.
9. The Cactus
Written by: Sarah Haywood
Susan Green is content with her life as she is happily single and completely controls her routines and decisions. But everything shifts when she unexpectedly loses her mother and, almost in the same breath, discovers she’s pregnant. In a matter of days, her carefully balanced world is thrown into complete disarray, forcing Susan to confront the challenges and changes she never saw coming. What follows is a journey of unexpected emotions, tough decisions, and finding new ways to navigate life when it feels anything but predictable.
10. All Fours
Written by: Miranda July
Tired of the constant pressure of the spotlight, a famous artist escapes her high-profile life in Los Angeles and sets off on a road trip across the country. Along the way, she stops in a small, nondescript town. She checks into a no-frills hotel and unexpectedly stumbles upon life-changing experiences that challenge everything she thought she knew about herself. With its mix of humor, heart, and raw honesty, Booklist calls it a “brilliant, sexy, funny, ludicrously entertaining primal scream of a coming-of-middle-age story,” capturing the messy, transformative journey of reclaiming one’s life and identity.
11. The Anti-Heroes
Written by: Jen Lancaster
Dr. Emily Nichols has slowly come to terms with her once-thrilling life of activism, and adventure has given way to a predictable routine where she follows the status quo. But when she and her friend Liv Bennett, who happens to be a real estate agent, witness a yoga mom fend off an attempted robber with nothing but her stroller, they’re inspired to make a change. The two friends join a “Fearless, Inc.” class where women learn to conquer the fears holding them back. With its sharp, scathingly witty tone and plenty of fun moments, this story is an entertaining and empowering journey about rediscovering confidence and taking bold leaps into the unknown.
12. I’m Starting to Worry About This Black Box of Doom
Written by: Jason Pargin
A driver’s quiet life is chaotic when a mysterious young woman offers him $200,000 in cash to transport a large black box across the country to Washington, DC. There’s just one rule: he must not look inside, tell anyone, or carry any devices that could trace the journey. As the task’s weight sinks in, he wonders if he’s unwittingly become part of a dangerous plot or if the truth behind the box is far more surprising than he could ever imagine. With dark humor and plenty of twists, this riveting novel from a New York Times bestselling author will keep readers on the edge.
13. Margo’s Got Money Troubles
Written by: Rufi Thorpe
In this hilarious and heartfelt novel from The Knockout Queen author Rufi Thorpe, 20-year-old Margo’s life is downward after an ill-advised affair with her community college English professor. Now unemployed and navigating single motherhood, Margo faces the messy reality of her choices with humor, grit, and an irreverent outlook that keeps readers hooked until the very last page. When things seem to reach their lowest point, her estranged father unexpectedly appears, offering a way out of her troubles. Desperate and with little to lose, Margo sees a glimmer of hope, and soon, she comes up with an idea that could change everything.
Get Ready for 2024’s Top Comedy Books—A Laugh-Packed Ride Awaits!
In 2024, these comedy books promise to deliver the necessary laughs, blending sharp wit, quirky characters, and plenty of absurd situations. Whether you’re in the mood for a darkly comedic take on generational trauma or a laugh-out-loud adventure, there’s something here for every reader. These novels blend humor with meaningful exploration of deeper themes, delivering warmth and sincerity—an ideal pick for anyone seeking a hearty laugh and a boost of joy. So, grab one of these 2024 releases, and get ready to enjoy a rollercoaster of fun, surprises, and a few good chuckles along the way!
