Laugh-out-Loud Books

Our Laugh-out-Loud Books Collection highlights titles that bring levity to literature through satire, dark humor, or hilarious dialogue. Representing genres ranging from romantic comedies to classic children's titles, this Collection features titles to tickle every reader's funny bone.

James And The Giant Peach

by Roald Dahl

Publication year 1961

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Friendship, Community, Safety & Danger, Childhood & Youth, Family, Love, Fear, Loneliness, Grief, Death, Hope, Perseverance

Tags Fantasy, Classic Fiction, Humor, Children`s Literature, Magical Realism, Animals, Action & Adventure

James and the Giant Peach by British author Roald Dahl was first published in 1961. This critically acclaimed children’s novel was made into an award-winning film in 1996. It tells the story of a giant peach that magically grows in a young boy, James’s, back garden—big enough for him to enter the center of the peach and have adventures with the insects who live in there. Dahl is known as one of the 20th century’s greatest... Read James And The Giant Peach Summary

Jitterbug Perfume

by Tom Robbins

Publication year 1984

Genre Novel, Fiction

Tags Fantasy, American Literature, Modern Classic Fiction, Magical Realism, Humor, Classic Fiction

In Jitterbug Perfume, published in 1985, Tom Robbins combines realism with fantasy and comedy to tell his tale of intertwined lives across centuries. His works have reputations as cult classics that tweak conventional notions of the novel while seeking to reinforce new conventions of their own. The story spans both centuries of time and nearly the entirety of the globe. Other works by Robbins include Another Roadside Attraction, Even Cowgirls Get the Blues, and Still... Read Jitterbug Perfume Summary

Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key

by Jack Gantos

Publication year 1998

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Family

Tags Humor, Children`s Literature, Disability, Education, Education, Realistic Fiction

Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key, a children’s novel, was written by Jack Gantos. The book was initially published in 1998 by Square Fish, a trademark of Macmillan Publishing Group; the work was a National Book Award Finalist, an American Library Association notable children’s book, and the School Library Journal’s book of the year. The novel’s 10-year-old protagonist, Joey Pigza, deals with an unnamed hyperactive disorder, abandonment, and academic problems before finding some stability after his... Read Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key Summary

Kitchen Confidential

by Anthony Bourdain

Publication year 2000

Genre Autobiography / Memoir, Nonfiction

Themes Nostalgia, Mental Health, Food, Teamwork

Tags Food, Arts & Culture, Humor

Kitchen Confidential is a nonfiction work by chef, author, and travel television host Anthony Bourdain, based on his 1999 essay, “Don’t Eat Before Reading This,” published in The New Yorker. In part a memoir of Bourdain’s years in the restaurant industry, it is also a candid exposé of New York City’s restaurant scene in the 1970s, ’80s, and ’90s. Bourdain takes his readers on a wild ride through his career journey while providing a realistic... Read Kitchen Confidential Summary

Klawde

by Johnny Marciano

Publication year 2019

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Childhood & Youth, Environment, Friendship, Self Discovery, Power & Greed

Tags Science Fiction, Humor, Animals, Fantasy, Children`s Literature

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Lafayette in the Somewhat United States

by Sarah Vowell

Publication year 2015

Genre Book, Nonfiction

Themes Fathers

Tags US History, World History, French Literature, Biography, American Revolution, Humor, Politics & Government

Lafayette in the Somewhat United States is a 2015 history of America written by Sarah Vowell. Vowell uses the perspective of the Marquis de Lafayette—a Frenchman who longed to fight with the Americans and win military glory—to give an irreverent, timely history of the United States, with relevant implications for America’s modern political situation.When Lafayette came to America, he was only 19. He was a wealthy, educated orphan who wanted to acquire personal honor and... Read Lafayette in the Somewhat United States Summary