Memoirs to Keep You Laughing

Cover image for A walk in the woods :

A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson

Bryson shares his breath-taking adventures and the fascinating history of the 2,100-mile Appalachian Trail, as he travels slowly on foot.


Born a Crime by Trevor Noah

Trevor Noah, host of The Daily Show, shares his remarkable story of growing up in South Africa, with a black South African mother and a white European father at a time when it was against the law for a mixed-race child like him to exist.

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Born Standing Up by Steve Martin

The author shares the stories of his years in stand-up comedy in a humorous memoir that recalls a first job selling guidebooks at Disneyland, his early magic and comedy act, his years of honing his craft, and the sacrifice, discipline, and originality it took to take him to the top. 
Cover image for Bossypants

Bossypants by Tiny Fey

From her youthful days as a vicious nerd to her tour of duty on Saturday Night Live; from her passionately halfhearted pursuit of physical beauty to her life as a mother eating things off the floor; from her one-sided college romance to her nearly fatal honeymoon, comedian Tina Fey reveals all, and proves that you're no one until someone calls you bossy. 
Cover image for Dad is fat

Dad is Fat by Jim Gaffigan

The popular comedian shares his misadventures as an unlikely father of five, from his formative years in a large Irish-Catholic family, to his middle-of-the-night diaper-changing foibles, to his struggles to lull tyrannical tots to sleep. 
Cover image for The diary of a bookseller

The Diary of a Bookseller by Shaun Bythell

The Diary of a Bookseller is Shaun Bythell's funny and fascinating memoir of a year in the life at the helm of The Bookshop, in the small village of Wigtown, Scotland—and of the delightfully odd locals, unusual staff, eccentric customers, and surreal buying trips that make up his life there as he struggles to build his business...and be polite...  
Cover image for Fresh Off the Boat

Fresh Off the Boat by Eddie Huang

A Taiwanese-American rebel restauranteur chronicles his rise to success from his difficult childhood in the American South to his turn as a drug dealer who embraced rap culture and more. 
Cover image for Funny in Farsi :

Funny in Farsi by Firoozeh Dumas

An autobiography of growing up as an Iranian-American describes the author's family's 1971 move from Iran to Southern California, the members of her diverse family, and their struggle with culture shock. 
Cover image for Garlic and sapphires :

Garlic and Sapphires: The Secret Life of a Critic in Disguise by Ruth Reichl

The editor-in-chief of "Gourmet" recounts her visits to some of the world's most acclaimed restaurants, both as herself and as an anonymous diner in disguise, to offer insight into the differences in her dining experiences. 
Cover image for A girl named Zippy :

A Girl Named Zippy by Haven Kimmel

Named "Zippy" for the way she would bolt around her home, Kimmel's witty memoir takes readers back to a time when small-town America was caught in the amber of the innocent post-war period, where people helped their neighbors, went to church on Sunday, and kept barnyard animals in their backyards. 
Cover Art

Hyperbole and a Half by Allie Brosh

In a four-color, illustrated collection of stories and essays, Allie Brosh's debut chronicles the many "learning experiences" Brosh has endured as a result of her own character flaws, and the horrible experiences that other people have had to endure because she was such a terrible child. Possibly the worst child. For example, one time she ate an entire cake just to spite her mother. 
Cover image for I feel bad about my neck :

I Feel Bad About My Neck by Nora Ephron

A collection of essays offers a humorous look at the ups and downs of being a woman of a certain age, discussing the tribulations of maintenance and trying to stop the clock, menopause, and empty nests. 
Cover image for Is everyone hanging out without me? (and other concerns)

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling

The writer and actress best known as Kelly Kapoor on "The Office" shares observations on topics ranging from favorite male archetypes and her hatred of dieting to her relationship with her mother and the haphazard creative process in the "Office" writers' room. 
Cover image for Let's pretend this never happened :

Let’s Pretend this Never Happened  by Jenny Lawson

Lawson takes readers on a hilarious journey recalling her bizarre upbringing in rural Texas, her devastatingly awkward high school years, and her relationship with her long-suffering husband, Victor.
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Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris

In a collection of essays, observations, and commentaries, the humorist describes his recent move to Paris, life as an American in Paris, his struggle to learn French, his family, and restaurant meals. 
Cover image for My horizontal life :

My Horizontal Life by Chelsea Handler

The author shares a collection of true-life stories about her romps through the bedrooms of a variety of suitors, documenting her brief encounters with a Vegas stripper, a well-endowed little person, and a cruise ship performer. 
Cover image for Scrappy little nobody

Scrappy Little Nobody by Anna Kendrick

A collection of whimsical autobiographical essays by the actress and star of "Up in the Air" recounts memorable milestones, from her New England upbringing to the blockbuster films that have made her one of Hollywood's most popular actresses. 
Cover image for Sh*t my dad says

Sh*t My Dad Says by Justin Halpern

After being dumped by his longtime girlfriend, the 29-year-old author moves in with his 73-year-old dad, whose straightforward, expletive-laden advice and opinions became a hit on Twitter and are now offered in a hilarious collection. 
Cover image for Someone could get hurt :

Someone Could Get Hurt by Drew Magary

A Deadspin columnist presents a heartfelt account about the ups and downs of raising a family in modern America that shares brutally honest insights into the coping mechanisms employed by today's parents, in a memoir that also shares his positive views on the strengths of American parenting. 
Cover image for Still foolin' 'em :

Still Foolin’ ‘Em by Billy Crystal

Nearing age 65, Billy Crystals acknowledges his accomplishments with all the wry and quirky charm for which he is famed. Fans will find that Crystal still sparkles as he shares private disappointments along with details of those public successes, and fellow baby boomers will relate to Crystal's humorously catalog of the indignities of aging. 
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Waiter Rant: Thanks for the Tip by Steve Dublanica

An account of a waiter's life at an upscale New York restaurant, based on the WaiterRant.net blog, describes his daily experiences with a series of outrageous customers and shares tips on such topics as getting good service and proper tipping etiquette. 
Cover image for What's so funny? :

What’s so Funny?: My Hilarious Life  by Tim Conway

The funnyman best known for his characters on "The Carol Burnett Show" offers a memoir about his life on stage and off as an actor and comedian.

Yes Please by Amy Poehler

The actress best known for her work on "Parks and Recreation" and "Saturday Night Live" reveals personal stories and offers her humorous take on such topics as love, friendship, parenthood, and her relationship with Tina Fey.