I am trying to get myself in a happier place after the loss of a loved one. I have found reading or listening to funny books has helped me take my mind off of things for a few hours.

Trevor Noah’s Born a Crime is truly one of the best memoirs I have ever read. He can educate you and entertain you in a way I have never experienced in a memoir. It is in a league of its own, in my opinion.

I enjoyed Norm MacDonald’s nonsensical memoir Based on a True Story to the point I’ve listened to it twice. I like MacDonald because his writing style is phenomenal and fresh; his lies and BS riddled stories are funny and ridiculous. He even includes his frustrated “ghost writer” as a character in the book.

I have read Carrie Fisher’s Wishful Drinking, which I liked so much for her honesty and wit. I’m no longer much of a fan of David Sedaris, though I’ve read many of his books. I like his early books so much more than his more recent works; like Fisher’s book, I enjoyed his cynical wit and off beat observations.

I am currently listening to Craig Ferguson’s memoir Riding the Elephant, which I think is very well written and contains some interesting insights into the human condition and generational trauma in his family and Scotland. Despite these sometimes heavy themes Ferguson still weaves in humor.

I would love to know others’ list of favorites.

  • HempFandang0@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    Come to think of it, I’ve only ever read one memoir and it was Bossypants by Tina Fey. I absolutely loved it (although maybe most of that is due to being a fan of 30Rock).

  • BamaBlcksnek@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    Anything by Pat McManus. They may not all be exactly true, but his stories of childhood are some of the funniest things I’ve ever read. The Grasshopper Trap and The Night The Bear Ate Goombaw almost killed me with laughter.

  • Grave_Girl@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    Either of Harrison Scott Key’s first two books–The Largest Man in the World and Congratulations, Who Are You? (his newest, How to Stay Married, is also amazing and hilarious, but since it’s about rebuilding from his wife’s long term affair, it’s not 100% funny like the other two).

  • cartoonjunkie13@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    It’s not a comedy memoir but there are some BBC comedy audio shows on Audible

    There is one called Bleak Expectations which is pretty funny

  • kdeweb24@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    Came in just to comment that look into EVERYTHING Craig Ferguson involves himself in. He’s such a deeply insightful, and philosophical guy, and he weaves that together with his impeccably absurdist (often immature) humor, and it’s just awesome. He has a new podcast called “Joy” that I think is excellent. Especially want to promote the episode with Pete Holmes. They both dive into some theological theory, and it’s just fascinating listening.

    Sorry that I hijacked a book post to talk about a podcast, but I truly believe Craig Ferguson has a beautiful mind, and any product that he personally authors should be consumed by as many people as possible.

  • Frankiethesnit@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    Born Standing up is amazing! Steve Martin tells his growing up story so well. Also, Penn Jillette has several amazing books about his life experiences. All are hilarious!