Find 12 Contemporary Fiction Books That Will Make You Laugh Out Loud
Book RaiderDon’t let anyone tell you otherwise, laughing is serious business. It's your ticket to abs stronger than a steel Hulk. It's the Good Samaritan that pulls you from the dreary monotony of the everyday grind. But hey, we're not talking laughing gas or YouTube bloopers here. We're about to embark on a merry jaunt through the land of contemporary fiction, home to one of the most underrated tools in your laugh-inducing arsenal – books.
While we construct our six-pack through chortles, be prepared to stumble upon works of literary art that tread the path less chosen - humor in contemporary fiction. We're all acquainted with comedies in film and stand-up, but these shelf-hogging protagonists will tickle your funny bone and ink an indelible smile on your face. So, sit back, buckle up, and let's journey through a world where words play too, and when they sing, you laugh!
A Man Called Ove
by Fredrik Backman
Why A Man Called Ove is on this list: It's a beautifully told story that weaves together humor and heartbreak. It has the peculiar blend of cheeky levity and underlying seriousness that will have you alternating between chuckles and teary-eyed sniffles.
This book tells the tale of Ove, a curmudgeonly retiree with rigid principles, a strict routine, and a short fuse. However, improbable friendships form when a boisterous family moves in next door, making his world hilariously turned upside down. Through this quirky loveable character and his adventures, you'll find yourself laughing, crying, and rooting for Ove all the way.
What readers like: Readers have been smitten by the charm of this book. They love the book's warm humor and are especially fond of Ove, who, despite being a grumpy old man, is incredibly endearing. His character growth and the dynamics of his friendships make the narrative compelling and hard to put down. It's like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket on a wintry day – comforting, heartwarming, and filled with laughter.
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Crazy Rich Asians
by Kevin Kwan
Why Crazy Rich Asians is on this list: If the title itself 'Crazy Rich Asians' doesn't make you crack a smile, the juicy, over the top escapades of the high-society, laden in opulence, will surely have you cackling. A steadfast ticket to hilariousness.
This novel is a whirlwind tour of Singapore's uber-rich life. A rom-com at its heart, protagonist Rachel Chu has no idea what she is walking into when her boyfriend Nick invites her to a wedding in his homeland. Cue to Rachel being thrust into the mad world of the Asian jet-setters - private planes, designer clothes, and outrageously lavish parties.
What readers like: Readers have found the book uproariously funny with its sarcastic take on the stereotype rich, blend of Eastern and Western culture, and witty one-liners. It's a joy ride, interspersed with humor and a really sweet love story. A perfect cocktail for those who want to laugh and unwind with a peek inside the world of the fantastically wealthy.
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Fat Chance
by Nick Spalding
Why Fat Chance is on this list: In Fat Chance, Nick Spalding effortlessly interweaves humor into a tale of self-acceptance and love. You'll gobble up the pages while chortling at the characters' misadventures.
Meet Zoe and Greg Milton, a married couple who have let themselves go a bit. Taking on the challenge of a lifetime, they embark on a weight loss competition. Humor bubbles up as they deal with the trials and tribulations of diets and grueling workouts. The book doesn’t just stick to the physical changes, but deals in a light-hearted way with the emotional journey that comes with it.
What readers like: Readers love the book's down-to-earth characters and their relatable struggles. The book is praised for its hilarious scenarios, witty writing, and its candid exploration of body image issues. It’s a perfect choice if you prefer your laughter with a side of heartwarming earnestness.
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Where'd You Go, Bernadette
by Maria Semple
Why Where'd You Go, Bernadette is on this list: This is one of those books that can bring the house down, well, metaphorically of course. It is replete with humor, satire, and whip-smart dialogue that's likely to spark an out-of-blue chuckle or maybe even a full-blown belly laugh.
The story revolves around a dysfunctional family, with the mom, Bernadette, going missing. Her 15-year-old daughter Bee embarks on an amusing detective-like mission to figure out where she might have disappeared to. Through a series of emails, reports, secret correspondence, and the like, Semple's novel weaves an intricate, laugh-out-loud funny mystery that adds a dash of zest to an everyday narrative.
What readers like: Readers love the quirkiness of the characters, the unique, almost quirky storytelling method, and above all, the humor that's laced through the narrative. It's the kind of book that can make you laugh even on a mundane Monday morning.
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The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared
by Jonas Jonasson
Why The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared is on this list: This book is a perfect fit for the list because it is jam-packed with absurdity, hilarity and oddly charming characters. The story literally forces you to chuckle, chortle, and sometimes even guffaw right out loud.
The book is a fantastic flight of fancy that follows Allan Karlsson, who on his 100th birthday, instead of attending the party in the retirement home, decides to escape through the window. What follows is a hilariously bizarre adventure involving criminals, a suitcase filled with cash, an elephant and an incompetent policeman.
What readers like: Readers can't get enough of the endearing centenarian Allan Karlsson and his escapades. The book has a clever mix of historical events and downright goofiness that makes the story both entertaining and enlightening. The madcap humor and the book's cheerful disregard for anything conventional has made it a favorite amongst those who appreciate a dose of laughter in their reads.
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Not Working
by Lisa Owens
Why Not Working is on this list: When life gets serious, Lisa Owens brilliantly uses humor to lighten the mood. 'Not Working' is a perfect blend of contemporary fiction and laugh-out-loud moments that will keep you giggling from start to finish.
'Not Working' tells the story of Claire Flannery, a woman who quits her day job in search of her ultimate passion, only to soon find herself lost in the daily mundane tasks of life. As she navigates her way around bizarre social situations, awkward family gatherings, and trivial moments of soul-searching, the comedy of her existential crisis unfolds in the most hilarious ways.
What readers like: Readers are fond of the light-hearted, witty narrative that Lisa Owens brings to everyday situations. They love Claire's character - her quirks, her shortcomings, and her bright optimism, making her relatable and easy to root for. 'Not Working' is a must-read, especially if you're in the mood for a book that doesn't take itself too seriously.
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My Not So Perfect Life
by Sophie Kinsella
Why My Not So Perfect Life is on this list: Sophie Kinsella has mastered the art of blending humor with heart-touching reality so well, you'll forget you're reading fiction. Who said laughs can't exist in the everyday aspects of life?
This book is about Katie Brenner, living the dream of everyone else but little did they know about her struggles as she loses her job and has to return home to help start her family's glamping business. Amidst all the chaos, what follows is her embracing the not so perfect side of life, giving you giggles along the way as she uncovers the truth of 'perfect' city life.
What readers like: Readers have loved the way Kinsella puts a hilarious spin on the everyday life. Some have said they found themselves snorting with laughter at several points in the book. Also appreciated is how our protagonist, Katie Brenner, is an easy-to-relate to character dealing with life's imperfections in a way that readers find both endearing and hilariously reassuring.
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The Rosie Project
by Graeme Simsion
Why The Rosie Project is on this list: The Rosie Project, penned by much-celebrated author Graeme Simsion, isn’t your regular fiction novel. This is the champ of the 'make you laugh so hard your abs develop a 6 pack' league. With its clever humor skillfully embedded in daily life situations, it's an absolute fit for our list.
This book is about the socially awkward geneticist, Don Tillman, who goes on a scientific mission - ‘The Wife Project’ - to find a perfect life partner. Enter Rosie, that is anything but his idea of perfection, and there begins an hilarious unexpected whirlwind of events testing Don’s project and his heart.
What readers like: Readers particularly like the wickedly funny narrative of Don Tillman and his wobbly journey through the minefield of love. Simsion's knack of creating a character like Don, who is lovably odd yet refreshingly brilliant, has charmed readers worldwide. Plus, the subtle humor, which is the cherry on top, will get you giggling even after you've turned the last page. Prepare yourself for a feel-good read that will give you a healthy dose of belly laughs.
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Good Riddance
by Elinor Lipman
Why Good Riddance is on this list: If you've ever been dumped, had a bad day, or just need a good laugh, 'Good Riddance' is your go-to book. It's full of funny moments that will literally make you chuckle out loud.
'Good Riddance' is a zingy, modern-day comedy that centers around Daphne, a woman who inherits a high school yearbook from her late mother, only to find that someone else is pretty interested in it. What follows is a story of unexpected friendships, sweet revenge and lots of hilariously awkward situations.
What readers like: Readers all over the world have been loving 'Good Riddance’ for its witty and charming characters, its unexpected storyline, and most importantly, its brilliant humor. You can't help but love Daphne as she navigates this absurd situation, and with each page, you'll find yourself laughing harder than before.
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Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine
by Gail Honeyman
Why Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine is on this list: This novel is a masterclass in turning socially awkward, odd, and downright strange situations into rib-tickling humour. Prepare to chortle, snort, and guffaw as you follow Eleanor's antics.
Our heroine, Eleanor Oliphant, is an outsider with a strange perception of the world and zero social skills. Her routine is solitary and solid, filled with vodka and puzzling crosswords. But things take a turn when she develops a crush on a singer and embarks on a project to win him over, leading her instead into an unlikely friendship.
What readers like: Readers love the quirkiness and originality of Eleanor's character, which contributes to much of the humor. Tied to this is Gail Honeyman's deft touch in depicting loneliness and social awkwardness with warmth and comedic zest. It's a tearjerker that also conjures belly laughs - a winsome combination.
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The Hike
by Drew Magary
Why The Hike is on this list: The Hike is a delight for the those who enjoy a good hearty laugh. Magary's creative and quirky storytelling with a humorous punch packed in every turn of the page makes it fit perfectly into our list of LOL fictions.
The Hike follows the story of Ben, who embarks on a rather ordinary business trip, and decides to take a beautiful hike in rural Pennsylvania. What he doesn't know is that this hike journey would throw him into a surreal world full of man-eating giants, colossal bugs, and most unexpectedly, hilariously horrifying situations. The more Ben tries to return back to his normal world, the stranger and funnier things get.
What readers like: Readers get a true kick out of this book. They appreciate the breathtaking adventure, unpredictable plot twists, and above all else - the humor. They find Magary's writing full of quirky charm, wit, and a sense of suspense that adds the right amount of spice to the fun read. For those who always expected a funny side in perilous adventures, this book scratches that itch perfectly.
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Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal
by Christopher Moore
Why Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal is on this list: Christopher Moore takes a walking-on-water serious topic, and spins it in a way that will have you snorting with laughter. Ever wonder about the lost years of Jesus' life, not mentioned in the Bible? Well, you're about to learn it in a way you'd never expect.
This is the hilarious account of Biff, Jesus' best bud, who has been resurrected in today's world to write his version of the gospels. Get ready for a wild ride of miracles, mischief, and, surely, the first-ever documented account of the invention of sarcasm. Throughout the chaos, the book delves into heavy philosophical contemplations and sweet, touching moments in a way that's pure genius, while never straying from its solid commitment to making you laugh.
What readers like: Readers love the humor and wit in this novel, along with the unique and hilarious perspective on a tale as old as time. This is not your standard religious fiction by any stretch of the imagination - so be prepared to laugh your socks off and perhaps experience some extra divine revelations too. It's blasphemously funny, in the best possible way.
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