Which books have made me laugh?

In no particular order, these are a few books that have stood out for their humour. Comedy can be subjective – what one person finds funny, another doesn’t. These show the kind (and range) of sense of humour I have – what I have appreciated and admired in other people’s work.

Check back as this is still a work in progress.

		The Rosie Project is the first book in a series of three. I was instantly hooked. Such an intelligent comedy/romance from a male protagonist’s point of view. Utterly original treatment of a love story. Read all three!
		Skinny Dip is the first Carl Hiaason book I read. Dry, dark humour with a plot not to be taken seriously (or you won’t enjoy the ride). His other books are just as funny!
		Wilt is the first Tom Sharpe book I read, many many years ago. Another beautifully written book with dry (and his special brand of) humour. Other books of his that I’ve read are also outrageously funny.
		The Mystery of Mercy Close has a nice balance of humour and some very touching moments. A good mix of light and shade.
		The Flirt is an outrageously funny novel. Perhaps not to everyone’s taste, but it stood out for me as an unusual treat.
		An Eligible Bachelor is the first Veronica Henry book I read and, perhaps, my favourite because of the level of humour. I have read many of her touching romances.
		One Plus One is the first Jojo Moyes book I read. I’ve included it because of the skilful mix of story, life’s mess-ups, humour and characters trying to survive with some very touching moments.
		Anansi Boys is the first Neil Gaiman book I read. Neil Gaiman has created a work that has so many genres I felt this project definitely broke the mould. Probably everything about this story grabbed me, and I loved the humour. I also loved the fact that I hadn’t got a clue where the plot was going; it was full of surprises.
		I could have probably picked any Georgette Heyer novel for her fun stories and feisty heroines. These Old Shades is a particular favourite. Devil’s Cub, the second in the Alastair-Audley Series, is also a hot favourite. I would recommend them all to romantic comedy lovers – particularly for those fond of period settings.
		The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared I loved the dark humour. It was great to have an elderly character who wanted more from life, more adventures. And, boy, did he get them!
		CATalogue This is a brilliant short book for cat lovers – which I am! In fact, I wish I’d written it… (a bit of author envy here). If you love cats and are in need of a laugh, look no further.
		20,000 Steps You don’t have to be a fitness fanatic to get something from this book in terms of increasing activity. It’s a fun and quick read, even for a couch potato. The author has a great sense of humour.
		Scantily Clad Truths: Essays on Life with Clothes (and without) Strange cover and strange title… An intelligent and amusing quick read of snippets from the author’s life. I was moved by the first story. Due to the US references, this would appeal to American readers more.
		The Pacifist Assassin How do you destroy a pro-gun person without physically harming them? This is a satire that is not meant to be taken seriously yet grapples with extremely serious issues. The humorous, subtly mocking tone suited me completely.
		Peter’s Pence Some bungling guys try to steal from a Vatican vault but end up being on the same floor as the pope, who went to the Vatican library to get a book as he was finding it hard to sleep. When the pope spots them they have no choice but to kidnap him… It’s been ages since I read it but I enjoyed it immensely at the time and hopefully you will too. According to Wikipedia, the book won Best Novel at the 1975 Edgar Awards
		The Basilwade Chronicles A collection of short stories that are interconnected. One character in each passes the story baton on to another. Some parts remind me of Tom Sharpe. I particularly liked the first chapter. Jokes throughout – some subtle, some laugh-out-loud.
		The Macaroon Chronicles Another collection of short stories but this book draws the threads together to create a story with a satisfying ending. It is a completely whacky book made up of animals for characters who live in an environment made of food. You need strong skills for suspending disbelief to digest this book but, by the end, it makes one wonder how Dawn Knox’s author-brain ticks.