Lockdown restrictions may be loosening up in different parts of the world. However, maybe you are still looking for that pick-me-up to brighten your spirits and get you excited for the warmer weather that is to come? Then make sure to add to your TBR list these side-splitting, laugh out loud literary reads that will make any uncertain future a little brighter at the end of the tunnel:
The Exact Opposite of Okay by Laura Steven
Although filled with realistic storytelling and poignant issue-oriented themes, this YA title will have you rolling on the floor with laughter due to it’s sarcastic, holds no punches, female protagonist.
Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams
Some of Queenie’s actions may be questionable, but her words and emotion does provide some humor that is entertaining. But don’t let the humor fool you at the importance of this amazing book. This novel really speaks to the mental health issues and stereotypes that plague the world today, especially people of the black community. The emotions and messages of this novel conveyed felt personal and allowed me to feel a deep connection with Queenie.
The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett
A funny novella about the pleasures of reading. Would you love nothing to do but just read all day? What about if you are the Queen of the United Kingdom? This hilarious story shows how Her Majesty is changed as she discovers the freeing pleasures of the written word. You’ll appreciate the written word after reading this book!
The Switch by Beth O’Leary
The life-changing journeys that Eileen and Leena go through will have readers rooting for them along the way. But it is more than just a romance, it is about two people trying to move on in their grief and find a place where they can truly be themselves. The quirkiness and relatability of Eileen and Leena will both uplift and entertain readers!
No Judgments by Meg Cabot
It’s always nice to return to childhood favorite author and Meg Cabot always brings joy and laughter with her engaging stories and this is no different. If you are a fan of Cabot, then you will be wrapped up in this lightheartedness.
Yes, I’m Hot in This: The Hilarious Truth about Life in a Hijab by Huda Fahmy
So hilarious! I love the author’s approach on facing racism and stereotypes. It added a humorous spin but at the same time adding a teaching component at the same time. But at the end of the day, no one has to explain themselves to anyone.
The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton
Although Wharton’s social commentary on American values vs. European’s is astounding and engaging, that is not the only highlight of this classic novel. The unlikability and awful personality of the memorable character Undine Spragg will have gasping and shaking your head at her actions, but you can’t help yourself busting out with laughter.
The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
If fans are missing “The Big Bang Theory”, then this book is right up their alley. This romantic comedy is full of awkward and quirky characters that will have you laughing out loud from beginning to end. The theme of the book is opposites attract but it doesn’t stop this book from being both heartwarming and reflective. If you enjoy this one, there are two more books in the series!
My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite
This one was interesting. I wouldn’t say it was a mystery per se (the title gives it away) but a psychological thriller that not only gets in the psyche of a serial killer but in the mind of a person who would help them. It is also explores the freighting bond between the sisters. Readers will be enthralled by Braithwaite’s unique storytelling and dark humor that will give readers the same escapism the look for in lighthearted novels.
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
Not only does this classic and popular children’s story provides the warmth and lightheartedness a reader is looking for, but the antics and personality of Anne provides so much joy and humor that you can help being filled up with laughter.
Giant Days Series by John Allison
The humor and the relatable of this hilarious series really helped me get through this lockdown. I could not put this series down! It was like I was binge watching my favorite tv show. If you want to have that similar effect, then I highly recommend this series.
The Way of the Househusband by Kousuke Oono
This has become one of my favorite comic series! It is so hilarious! I couldn’t stop myself from laughing out loud! A former gang member using his unusual skills to accomplish the things that a househusband does: cleaning, cooking, DIY projects, stuff like that, while also trying to manage other former gang members. The premise behind this series was just pure genius.
Lady Susan by Jane Austen
When you are talking about humor, a list is not complete with Jane Austen. And Lady Susan is packed with enough wit and humor that will definitely entertain you for a couple of hours. Lady Susan is an abhorrent character but her actions make her memorable and hard not to be admired by readers. It’s shocking that Austen wrote this classic tale when she was a teenager!
Boys Don’t Knit (In Public) by T.S. Easton
Boys Don’t Knit (In Public) by T. S. Easton is a fun, funny young adult novel about a teen boy. Originally published in the U.K., Easton’s novel is structured as the journal Ben is required to keep, which makes for a candid and intimate narrative. . . . This funny and lighthearted novel captures the excitement of finding a passion in a story about taking life one stitch at a time. (Credit: Publishers Weekly)
Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano
Finlay Donovan is killing it . . . except, she’s really not. She’s a stressed-out single-mom of two and struggling novelist, Finlay’s life is in chaos: the new book she promised her literary agent isn’t written, her ex-husband fired the nanny without telling her, and this morning she had to send her four-year-old to school with hair duct-taped to her head after an incident with scissors.
When Finlay is overheard discussing the plot of her new suspense novel with her agent over lunch, she’s mistaken for a contract killer, and inadvertently accepts an offer to dispose of a problem husband in order to make ends meet . . . Soon, Finlay discovers that crime in real life is a lot more difficult than its fictional counterpart, as she becomes tangled in a real-life murder investigation. (Credit: Minotaur Books)
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