Top 10 Must-Red Books by American Comedians
Comedians and Novelists? You know this book is guaranteed to be funny! Join MsMojo as we count down the funniest, must read books by American comedians such as Amy Poehler, Mindy Kaling, Tina Fey, Nick Offerman, Aziz Ansar, Chelsea Handler and more!
We'll be looking at the best and funniest books, whether they be a memoir, autobiography like Yes Please, collection of essays like One More Thing: Stories and Other Stories, short stories, research like Modern Romance: An Investigation” or poetry.
For more book loving Top 10s make sure to check out our definitive of the Top 10 Books to Read Before You Die: http://bit.ly/2bzzuML
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Script written by Michael Wynands.
#10: “Are You There, Vodka? It’s Me, Chelsea” (2008)
Chelsea Handler
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The world is full of colorful personalities… but few shine as bright as Chelsea Handler. Chelsea may have no one to blame but herself for most of the wacky situations she finds herself in, but that doesn’t make her retelling them any less funny. The title of her most successful book, a playful nod to Judy Blume’s “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret,” should give you an idea of its contents - a collection of personal anecdotes, essays, and fuzzy memories. It was actually adapted into an NBC sitcom, which sadly lasted one season. Regardless, she’s written five bestselling books to date, including “Uganda Be Kidding Me,” which also resulted in a stand-up comedy special.
#9: “Paddle Your Own Canoe: One Man’s Fundamentals for Delicious Living” (2013)
Nick Offerman
Nick Offerman is best known for playing the scotch-drinking, steak-eating, capitalism-loving Ron Swanson on “Parks and Recreation.” And as it turns out, they couldn’t have picked a better man for the role. As Offerman reveals in his comedic “how-to memoir,” he’s as close to the real-life Ron Swanson as you’re likely to find– just a touch less surly. In “Paddle Your Own Canoe,” Offerman shares his expertise on moustache growing, woodworking, the proper preparation of red meat, and much more. If you aspire to be as awesome as the Parks Department’s manliest man–or want to see your significant other pick up a few new useful skills– you definitely have to check out this book.
#8: “I Am America” (And So Can You!) (2007)
Stephen Colbert and the writers of “The Colbert Report”
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If there was ever a man who committed to his on-screen television persona… it’s this guy. He may have started off as a correspondent on “The Daily Show,” but Colbert carved out a niche for himself in parody news by taking on the guise of a conservative talk show host with “The Colbert Report.” What better way to celebrate a successful show than by giving its star a book of his very own? Well, this book isn’t a true biography or collection of essays, but rather the biography and musings of the fictionalized proud conservative Stephen Colbert - as he appears on the show. It even won an award - "The Stephen T. Colbert Award for the Literary Excellence." Seems legit!
#7: “Born Standing Up: A Comic’s Life” (2007)
Steve Martin
There are few living comedians that can compete with Steve Martin’s resume. While he was never an actual cast member on “Saturday Night Live,” he appeared on the show a whopping 27 times and has his very own “SNL” “Best of” special. He’s a Grammy Award-winning musician and a phenomenal banjo player. In addition to being a skilled stand-up comic, musician, and actor, he wrote the screenplay for a few of his most popular films, including “The Jerk” and “Bowfinger.” For a guy that multi-talented, a book seemed inevitable, and in 2007, he published his memoir, exploring every aspect of his remarkable life. It’s a captivating read, providing insight into even the earliest memories of one of the world’s greatest comedians.
#6: “Egghead: Or, You Can't Survive on Ideas Alone” (2013)
Bo Burnham
As the youngest author on our list, Bo Burnham represents the changing face of comedy– that of the YouTube generation. He began performing and posting videos online at the tender age of 16, and his comedy music quickly earned him a dedicated following. Over the years, he has since branched out into stand-up comedy, acting, and in 2013, he released his first book of poetry, “Egghead: Or, You Can’t Survive On Ideas Alone.” The poetry found within is absurd, delightfully quirky, and utterly refreshing. Accompanied by assorted illustrations, it’s a charming read that, however silly, is unlike any other poetry book you’re likely to come across.
#5: “One More Thing: Stories and Other Stories” (2014)
B.J. Novak
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Ryan on “The Office” is a bit of an enigma. Ambitious, yet ultimately disinterested in hard work, he most often flies under the radar, allowing the more colorful oddball employees around him to take center stage. B.J. Novak seems to follow his character’s lead with his first book, which, rather than a memoir or collection of personal essays which has become standard with comedians, takes on the understated format of a series of short stories. Novak was writing for “The Office” as early as the first season, and his originality and talent shine through in each of these vignettes. This doesn’t feel like an actor writing a book. If B.J. Novak were just a writer, no one would’ve second-guessed him.
#4: “Yes Please” (2014)
Amy Poehler
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“The Parks & Rec” alumni aren’t just talented comedians… they’ve got a knack for writing, too. Any good comedian will tell you that your stand-up needs to come from personal experience. But few comedians are willing to honestly put their personal life on display to be consumed by the masses. Amy Poehler’s book gives readers plenty of opportunity to pee themselves laughing, but what really makes the book stand out is her honesty. From her embarrassment and subsequent sense of shame over a certain “Hurricane Mary” “SNL” bit, to her experience raising children, Poehler provides a strikingly transparent look into her life - faults and all. It’s refreshing, heartwarming, and a truly uncommon type of book coming from a comedian.
#3: “Modern Romance: An Investigation” (2015)
Aziz Ansari
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If you pick up “Modern Romance” expecting Aziz’s stand-up in book form… you might be disappointed. If you’re interested in some of the research that inspired his recent hit Netflix series “Master of None,” however, you’re in for a treat. “Modern Romance” sees Aziz breaking free from the typical “comedian writes a book” dynamic, by teaming up with American sociologist Eric Klinenberg in order to research the realities of contemporary love. The prep for the book involved hundreds of interviews around the world, a reddit forum, and consultations with a variety of experts. Is it funny? Of course… Aziz Ansari can’t not be funny. But it’s also an insightful investigation into the modern realities of dating.
#2: “Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)” (2011)
Mindy Kaling
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You may know her as Kelly Kapoor from “The Office,” or as Dr. Mindy Lahiri, OB/GYN, from her series “The Mindy Project.” If you’re Conan O’Brien, you most likely remember her as the intern who spent more time stalking you than actually doing her job. Whether you’re Conan or a just a normal fan, you can add “talented writer” to Mindy Kaling’s ever-growing list of accomplishments. In her first book, Mindy explores everything from romantic misadventures to her time as a writer and producer. But never one to sit back and bask in her own success, she followed it up in 2015 with another bestselling collection of essays, aptly titled “Why Not Me?”
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“Attempting Normal” (2013)
Marc Maron
“You’re Not Doing It Right” (2012)
Michael Ian Black
“Seinlanguage” (1993)
Jerry Seinfeld
“Zombie Spaceship Wasteland” (2011)
Patton Oswalt
“The Bedwetter: Stories of Courage, Redemption, and Pee” (2010)
Sarah Silverman
#1: “Bossypants” (2011)
Tina Fey
It was #1 on the New York Times bestseller list for five weeks straight. It allegedly sparked a bidding war between a number of publishing houses. It has sold over a million copies in the U.S., despite the unnerving cover art, which replaces Tina’s arms with those of a burly man. It’s “Bossypants,” and it’s about as much fun as a human being can have with a book. From the masterful mind of Tina Fey comes an autobiography we would have gladly read even if it were totally humorless. But it isn’t. Fey gives readers insight into her upbringing and early comedy career while simultaneously tapping into her trademark wit and outlandish humor that made “30 Rock” such a unique comedic gem.
Do you agree with our list? What’s your favorite book written by a comedian? For more delightful top 10s published every day, be sure to subscribe to MsMojo.
