Top 10 Comedy Books of the Decade (2010s)
#10: “Where'd You Go, Bernadette” (2012) By Maria Semple
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After earning television credits on shows like "Arrested Development" and "Ellen," Maria Semple shifted to writing hilarious novels that typically resolve around well-off but dissatisfied characters seeking to break away from their claustrophobic everyday life. "Where'd You Go, Bernadette's" titular character is a creative and famous architect who suddenly disappears, prompting her teenage daughter to start an investigation to discover her mother's location. Mostly presented through various types of documents, including emails and police reports, "Where'd You Go, Bernadette" is an easy and consistently funny read featuring unique, if not traditionally likable, characters.
#9: “Self-Inflicted Wounds: Heartwarming Tales of Epic Humiliation” (2013) By Aisha Tyler
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A stand-up comedian and frequent talk show host, Aisha Tyler embraced the tough task of translating her often irreverent humor into book form. As implied by the title, "Self-Inflicted Wounds" essentially chronicles the greatest "worst" screw-ups in Tyler's life, dating back to when the comedian was a young child trying to figure out how the kitchen works. Tyler's formal writing style takes some getting used to, but the stories themselves are inherently hilarious and avoid coming across as too cringy, allowing the reader does not relate too closely with any given tale.
#8: “I Want My Epidural Back: Adventures in Mediocre Parenting” (2016) By Karen Alpert
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As a follow-up to 2013's New York Times bestseller "I Heart My Little A-Holes," "I Want My Epidural Back" finds Karen Alpert once again using humor and anecdotal experiences to 'life up' parents everywhere. While not exactly a parody of parenting advice books, "I Want My Epidural Back" is refreshingly candid about the challenges faced with raising children, while also being generously crass and informal, which reflects Alpert's background as a blog writer. Although it does occasionally drag and Alpert's coarse writing style is not going to please everyone, "I Want My Epidural Back" still offers a relatable and funny look into a testing but precious period of parenthood.
#7: “Paddle Your Own Canoe: One Man's Fundamentals for Delicious Living” (2013) By Nick Offerman
That's right, "Parks and Recreation’s" Ron Swanson wrote a book. And yes, it is as awesome as it sounds. Nick Offerman's "Paddle Your Own Canoe" preserves in written form the actor's down-to-earth philosophy and musings about divine barbecue. There is no shortage of Swanson-esque passages packed with wry humor, but Offerman also injects a great deal of heart into the memoir, especially when it comes to sections centering on the actor's childhood and family. While a fine read, the audio-book narrated by Offerman is easily the best way to experience "Paddle Your Own Canoe."
#6: “Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?” (2011) By Mindy Kaling
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Celebrity memoirs are quite common, and some of the best examples shatter the Hollywood barrier separating the creator and the reader. A collection of essays, Mindy Kaling's 2011 book takes a conversational look at a myriad of diverse topics, ranging from list-based pieces about the responsibilities of being a best friend to one-night stands and babysitting. As a writer on "The Office," Kaling's book provides some valuable insight into the TV comedy business. Outside of that, "Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?" is a delightfully charming read that benefits from a loose structure and an unfiltered but usually lighthearted tone.
#5: “Calypso” (2018) By David Sedaris
Ever since "Barrel Fever" was published in 1994, David Sedaris has been one of comedy's most distinguished and unique voices. Autobiographical but not necessarily 100% true, Sedaris' collection of dry and observant essays have always touched upon the author's family life, but 2018's "Calypso" is noticeably more somber than most. That's not to say the book is not funny, as Sedaris' splendid writing remains as witty as ever, but "Calypso" tackles subjects like suicide and depression with a frankness that is not always veiled by humor. Sedaris is one of the best writers in the business, even when he isn't trying to be funny.
#4: “Crazy Rich Asians” (2013) By Kevin Kwan
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Expertly adapted into a movie in 2018, "Crazy Rich Asians" delivers exactly what the title promises. Taking place largely in Singapore, Kevin Kwan's book revels in the lives of the absurdly wealthy, as Nick Young – the heir to a huge fortune – introduces his innocent girlfriend Rachel to his hilariously judgmental family. With multiple points of view loosely tied together by a passable romance, "Crazy Rich Asians" is at its best and funniest when detailing the ludicrous practices that would seem absurd to everyone who does not have enough money to make Scrooge McDuck jealous.
#3: “Yes Please” (2014) By Amy Poehler
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Adored for her hilarious "Saturday Night Live" sketches and the lovable Leslie Knope on "Parks and Recreation," Amy Poehler adapted her warm brand of humor to the written page to great effect in 2014. If the preface is anything to go by, Poehler found writing "Yes Please" to be anything but an enjoyable experience; luckily, reading the book is a whole lot of fun. While a predisposition for the comedian's work is advised, "Yes Please" is nevertheless a pleasant read that provides some insight into Poehler's marriage, divorce, childhood, and career.
#2: “Bossypants” (2011) By Tina Fey
Arguably setting the modern standard for comedy books penned by celebrities, "Bossypants" is – in many ways – the anti-memoir. Despite spanning most of Tina Fey's life, the book is less of a deep dive into the author's psyche and history, and more of a collection of amusing stories about "Saturday Night Live," awkward teenagers, and Amy Poehler's awesomeness. Fey's uncompromising style of humor is not sacrificed in pursuit of normalcy, allowing the comedian's singular voice to shine through regardless of the medium. "Bossypants" feels like it was written by someone known for sketch comedy, and since that person happens to be Tina Fey, it is also one of the funniest books on the market. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “The Bedwetter: Stories of Courage, Redemption, and Pee” (2010) By Sarah Silverman “Scrappy Little Nobody” (2016) By Anna Kendrick “Hyperbole and a Half” (2013) By Allie Brosh “The Last Black Unicorn” (2017) By Tiffany Haddish “The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl” (2015) By Issa Rae
#1: “Born A Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood” (2016) By Trevor Noah
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Anyone familiar with the stand-up comedian's work probably knows what to expect from "Born a Crime," a book recounting Trevor Noah's childhood in South Africa. "The Daily Show's" host has made a career out of spotting the humor in tough situations while still treating those memories with the seriousness they deserve. While the subject matter might not be unusual for the comedian, "Born a Crime" finds Noah at his most revealing, as every anecdote does not need to end with a laugh. "Born a Crime" is an autobiography that highlights the many different emotions, people, and experiences that shape someone's life, which in this case, happens to include quite a bit of humor.
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