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Original poster

What was the last book that made you laugh out loud whilst reading?

65 replies

StupidBloodyKindle · 14/07/2015 23:41

Hello

I am feeling a bit down and could do with a literary pick-me-up.
I can read anything in terms of genre and black humour also fine.
I have read lots of David Sedaris.
I tried both Tina Fey and Amy Poeler's autobiogs but did not like the snippets enough to buy them, was that an error?
Read 'Dad is fat' but not that impressed, his stand up is better.
Also read Josh Ferris.
Chick lit, enjoyed My life on a plate and Mad about the boyBlush but less impressed with Jojo whatserface or Marian Keye's latest.
Found bits of After Birth darkly funny although not everyone would agree.

So, what was the last book you read where you belly laughed?
FlowersCake thanks in advance xx

OP posts:
ImperialBlether · 15/07/2015 01:16

That's a great title, Smurf!

Smurfingreat · 15/07/2015 01:14

Don't tell Mum I work on the rigs: She thinks I'm the piano player in a whorehouse by Paul Carter. Read it about 6 years ago, as did DH and neither of us have ever laughed so much at a book since. My sides hurt I laughed so much.

Hope some of these recommendations help you feel better soon.

forago · 15/07/2015 01:13

Rosie Effect is definitely still worth a read but not as laugh out loud as the Rosie Project. novelty was wearing off a bit, but def still worth a read.

ImperialBlether · 15/07/2015 01:07

I've just been reading the first draft of a new novel by Fiona Jane Collins. She's a Mumsnetter and we read each other's work. It's very funny. Have a look for her on Amazon; she's written a couple of other novels. I suppose they could be described as chick lit, but they are funnier than that.

Original poster
StupidBloodyKindle · 15/07/2015 01:06

Have not read John Niven, will take a look thanks rum
I have read Us but liked none of 'em can't Grin

OP posts:
Original poster
StupidBloodyKindle · 15/07/2015 01:03

Thanks for all your suggestions so far. Will look at them all...Emma Kennedy used to irrationally annoy me on Richard Herring shows but I am probably being unfair. Two of you can't be wrong.Wink
surprise I read notes from small island/down under and one collection of newspaper columns but he doesn't do it for me. I read a snippet from his memoirs one but found it a bit bland, should I try it again?
flumpty will have a gander just because favourite of the decade is high praise indeed...
Used to have big crush on Olly Reed and Peter O'Toole, when I saw And then there were none and The stunt man/Casanova, so that sounds good emotions
I read both Curious dog and Rosie project...but not yet bothered with rosie effect, was it any good forago? I liked the rosie project but was starting to find him a bit tedious in the snippet from the sequel.
I am now sounding like a fussy sod.

The last book that made me laugh out loud was Jon Ronson's You've been publically shamed. I have enjoyed all his stuff esp Psychopath.
The nation's favourite by Simon Garfield is my default cheerer upper.
Stuart Maconie is a bit twee but pies and prejudice was good.
I seem to have outgrown Chuck Palianhuk/Doug Coupland but they used to make me smile.
Books of the decade that I only found this decade include: Prep (Curtis Sittenfeld) An invisible sign of my own (Aimee Bender) and The flying troutmans (Miriam Toews) and the aforesaid After Birth (Elisa Albert). Also liked all of Marina Lewycka's books.

Just in case any of above make you think of anything I might like Smile
Thanks again x Wine

OP posts:
cantseemtohaveitall · 15/07/2015 00:30

Although have to say it is fairly sad in places too...! But v good read

cantseemtohaveitall · 15/07/2015 00:29

Just read David Nicholls' 'Us' which made me laugh out loud several times

RumAppleGinger · 15/07/2015 00:27

John Niven Kill Your Friends if you like dark humour and aren't easily offended, in fact everything by him i have loved. Last book I laughed (and cried at) was The Humans by Matt Haig.

forago · 15/07/2015 00:18

The Rosie Project is very funny in places, about an adult man with Aspergers, bit like "curious incident of the dog in the nighttime" but less poignant, more funny.

sparklyDMs · 15/07/2015 00:09

I'd second the Tent, the Bucket and Me

FlumptyDumpty · 15/07/2015 00:07

If you like black comedy try Hope: a tragedy by Shalom Auslander. Made me cry with laughter, yet also really profound. My favorite novel of the last decade.

surpriseitsme · 15/07/2015 00:05

Anything by Bill Bryson.

Joshuajosephspork · 15/07/2015 00:01

The Tent, The Bucket and Me, Emma Kennedy made me laugh

emotionsecho · 14/07/2015 23:50

Hellraisers, The Life and Inebriated Times of Richard Burton, Richard Harris, Peter O'Toole and Oliver Reed. It reflects a completely different time and I was surprised (and amused) by the antics of actors I had always thought were quite serious and staid.

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