Best Humor Essays Books of 2026

Born a Crime is Trevor Noah's memoir about growing up in South Africa during the apartheid era. Noah's birth was a criminal act as he was born to a white Swiss father and a black Xhosa mother, which was punishable by five years in prison at that time. The book is a poignant and hilarious account of Noah's childhood, his mischievousness, his relationship with his mother, and the challenges he faced in a world where he was never supposed to exist. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in South African history, and it is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

Everything I Know About Love: A Memoir by Dolly Alderton is a witty and insightful journey through the trials and triumphs of becoming an adult. From falling in love to finding a job, getting drunk to getting dumped, and realizing the value of true friendship, Alderton vividly recounts her personal stories with humor and heart. The book is full of satirical observations, lists, recipes, and other vignettes that will resonate with women of all ages. It is a thoughtful, important, and beautifully told journey that will leave readers feeling empowered and inspired. Highly recommended for anyone navigating the uncertainties of early adulthood.

Alexandra Petri's US History: Important American Documents (I Made Up) is a witty and absurdist satire of the last 500 years of American history. Petri's "historical fan fiction" draws on real events and completely absurd fabrications, creating a laugh-out-loud, irreverent takedown of our nation’s complicated past. The book contains nearly eighty short, hilarious pieces that span centuries of American history and culture, including Ayn Rand rewriting The Little Engine That Could and the characters from Sesame Street invading Normandy. This side-splitting work of historical humor is a must-read for anyone who wants to learn about America while having a good laugh.

Happy-Go-Lucky is the newest collection of personal essays by David Sedaris. The book starts with Sedaris doing normal things, such as shooting guns with his sister, but then the pandemic hits, and he finds himself in lockdown. The book captures what is most unexpected, hilarious, and poignant about these recent upheavals, personal and public. Sedaris expresses in precise language both the misanthropy and desire for connection that drive us all. This sublimely funny book offers up wry, moving, punchy stories about his oddball family, his travels, and his observations on life.

You're That Bitch: & Other Cute Lessons About Being Unapologetically Yourself is a collection of essays and never-before-seen photos that goes beyond what we know of Bretman Rock from social media. The book provides an unfiltered and unprecedented look at what it means to be one of the first digital celebrities and that bitch. With his signature honesty, Bretman writes about dealing with cancel culture, drama, heartbreak, and what it means to love yourself and your community. This book is a hilarious, impossible-to-put-down memoir that takes readers on a roller-coaster ride through Bretman's first two decades.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Laughter Is the Best Medicine: 101 Feel Good Stories is the first-ever humor collection from Chicken Soup for the Soul. It contains 101 funny stories that will make readers laugh and forget about their worries. The book covers a wide range of topics and has stories about embarrassing moments, mishaps, and funny encounters with friends and family. The editor-in-chief, Amy Newmark, has done a great job compiling these stories from various writers. This book is a perfect remedy for anyone looking to lighten their mood and have a good laugh.

Not Funny: Essays on Life, Comedy, Culture, Et Cetera by Jena Friedman is a witty and insightful collection of essays that explores the third rails of modern life in a bold and subversive style. Her essays delve into cancel culture, sexism, work, celebrity worship, and even dead baby jokes. Despite the heavy topics, Friedman's unique gifts pull a laugh from things deemed too raw, too precious, and too scary to joke about. The book is a hilarious and much-needed read that will leave you wanting more.

The book "Live Wire" by Kelly Ripa is a collection of real-life stories that showcase the many dimensions and crackling wit of the beloved daytime talk show host. With her hard-earned wisdom and an eye for the absurdity of life, Ripa brings relatability to all of her roles as a professional, wife, daughter, and mother. The book is unapologetic, uninhibited, and undeniably hilarious, which makes it a must-read for Ripa's fans. Overall, "Live Wire" is a laugh-out-loud book that shows Kelly Ripa as she really is offscreen - a very wise woman who has something to say.

Buy Yourself the F*cking Lilies is a memoir by Tara Schuster, a former vice president at Comedy Central, who shares her raw and honest journey of learning to love herself. Schuster takes readers through simple daily rituals that helped her overcome anxiety, depression, and shame. The book offers practical advice on how to silence your inner critic, heal emotional wounds, and live a life you love. The author's witty and relatable writing style makes this book a compelling and useful read for anyone struggling with self-love. Overall, Buy Yourself the F*cking Lilies is a refreshing and empowering guide to growing up and becoming your own best friend.

Kristin Chenoweth’s I'm No Philosopher, But I Got Thoughts is a colorful and inspiring book that offers philosophical musings on love, faith, creativity, and closure. Through engaging prompts, prayers, and inspiring quotes, Chenoweth shares her personal stories and encourages readers to develop their own belief systems. The book is a perfect pick-me-up for days when you need extra encouragement and a reminder that kindness can take you a long way. With behind-the-scenes stories from Chenoweth’s personal life and high-design pages of inspirational quotes, the book is a great gift for fans of the Emmy Award-winning actress and Broadway star.