Over the last few weeks, I’ve been trying something different and have an informal poll where you could interact and share your ideas via the comments section of the blog. Most of the questions have been fairly popular, and I encourage you to get out of your comfort zone, give it a try, and participate in the dialogue!
If you missed the first few questions in the polls, you can click here or type in http://bit.ly/12dNfjz into your web browser to answer the questions and interact with the other blog members.
If you are reading this post on your e-Ink Kindle or received the post via email, you can always see this week’s poll question if you click here or type in http://wp.me/p2b82w-4in into your web browser.
So, here’s this week’s informal poll question: “What book always makes you laugh out loud?” Let us know in the comments section just below this post and give us some commentary / details behind your answer as you see fit!
I’ll start it off: while I’ve read it several times over the years, it has been a while, but it would have to be Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry
. Why? Yes, this book won the Pulitzer Prize and is at times a serious saga of the West, but McMurtry has some of the funniest one-liners with his characters I have literally burst out laughing with anyone around me wondering what is so funny. I may just have to read it again soon!
What about you? Please answer away in the comments section below this post on the blog’s website. If you are reading this post on your e-Ink Kindle or received the post via email, you can always see this week’s poll question if you click here or type in http://wp.me/p2b82w-4in into your web browser.
Have a great rest of your weekend!
Michael
" all my patients are under the bed" by Dr Louis Camtti He was a ca Vet who did house calls in NYC its an oldie but so funny.
Handling Sin – Michael Malone and/or Short History of a Small Olace by T, R, Pearson. I re-read regularly. And laugh loudly and long every time. Everyone I have loaned this books, has obtained their own copies to re-read, and started following the authors.
All of the Stephanie Plum books by Janet Evanovich. Grandma Mazer is a hoot. I usually listen to the books and I have had to pull off the road because I was laughing so hard! Another really funny one is Being Dead is no Excuse: The Official Southern Ladies Guide to Hosting the Perfect Funeral. Recipes and a real dose of Southern humor!
My first thought is the Stephanie Plum books also! I really laugh out loud and of course get those looks from family members like I'm off my rocker!
I agree. Janet Evanovich has me laughing till I cry. She is so funny. However, the classics are the books about Topper and the gods by Thorne Smith. Most people these days probably don't even know about them. Find them if you can. They are the best.
David Thorne The Internet Is A Playground he is a master at getting what he wants from companies using the internet its pretty kool worth checking out..That and the Fat Vampire books are amazing always good for a laugh Johnny B. Truant is a friggin genius check them out cheap books but a treasure trove of entertainment.
Yes, Stephanie Plum books are LOL producing in my house too!
From debutante to doublewide…about moving from Atlanta to Montana and is a great read.
Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum books.
The Stepahine Plum series is a great laugh out loud world to visit. But, my first thought, when I read the question, was Terry Pratchett's Disc World series. I am head over heels in love with Sam Vimes who I first met in the book Guards Guards. This was also the first Disc World book I read. It is great that the books really don't have to be read in order. The other Disc world characters that will have you rolling on the floor are the witches of Lancre. Try Equal Rites or Wyrd Sisters. Finally if you are a Stephanie Plum fan, I recommend Joan Hess' Arly Hanks mysteries. Arly is the police chief of Maggody, Arkansas. Maggody is filled with a cast of characters sure to keep you chuckling between gufaws. Arly's mothe, Ruby, along with her best friend, Estelle, are like a double dose of Grandma Mazur. Start at the beginning of this series with Malice in Maggody for the best introduction to Maggody.
All of the Stephanie Plum books by Janet Evanovich. They always make me laugh.
I also have to say Stephanie Plum. Loved all of them.
I always laugh during the Stephanie Plum books too. However the funniest book I have ever read is Improper English by Kate MacAlister. Every time I read this book I get to laughing so hard I can't even see to keep reading. My kids always come in the room to see what is wrong with me. Unfortunately after that book she got on a vampire kick which I think is a shame.
Fox in Socks by Dr. Seuss.
If you're a want to be runner like me, this book makes me laugh: The Non-runner's Marathon Guide for Women – Get Off Your Butt and On With Your Training by Dawn Dais. Also Wild – Cheryl Strayed's book about hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. She was so ill-prepared, it bordered on the dangerous, but I still found myself laughing out loud many, many times.
The No.1 Ladies' Detective Series by Alexander McCall series – characters and events can be quite funny.
That should be Smith rather than series.
Philip Gulley's "Home to Harmony". This is a Christian book about a pastor in a small town with a small congregation. Some of the antics and things that go on in his world are so true yet hilarious. I probably read this book at least 10 years ago and it is still one of my favorites that stand out in my memory.
Any of Willi a m Lashners featuring Victor Karl.
Stephanie Plum books by Janet Evanovich are laugh out loud funny!
I am Not Going to Get Up Today, by Dr. Seuss.I smile just thinking about it!
The Mouse that Roared!
If you can find them, The Funeral Makers and Once Upon a Time on the Banks, both by Cathy Pelletier are laugh out loud funny. I think they're out of print, but might still be in libraries.
Janet Evanovich writes hilarious books and my favorite is Visions of Sugar Plums.
John Kennedy Toole's A Confederacy of Dunces.
I loved Lonesome Dove and a number of other McMurtry novels. I get each Stephanie Plum novel – because all the characters are so vividly drawn, I've read and enjoyed every Terry Pratchet novel – the latest is on my Kindle now. I think the witches are my favorites, but the guards are also great. Georgette Heyer regencies with heroines who take the bit in their teeth have had me laughing out loud. So many books so little time…
Anything by Erma Bombeck. Miss her.
'Lamb: the Gospel According to Buff, Christ's Childhood Pal' b y Christopher Moore. I have never laughed out loud so many times in my life. It's also a touching story at times. I've given this book as a gift several times & it has never disappointed!
Miss julia speaks her mind. It took me totally by surprise. At one point I was laughing so hard I couldn't see to keep reading. There were so many twists to the story line I was completely interested to the very end. Who would think that a story about an old widow, a kid, a maid and a sleazy man would be so fascinating…
Anything by Tim Dorsey has me howling. Wife usually ends up looking at me like I've lost my mind as I'm laughing out loud while reading his books.
Cannot choose just one book or one author. Here goes: "A year down yonder" and "A Long way from Chicago" by Richard Peck. Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series. Douglas Adam's "Hitch hiker's guide to the galaxy" series. The "Odd Thomas" series by Dean Koontz. Frank Baum's "Wizard of Oz" series. Elle Casey's "Apocalypsis" series. "The Supremes at Earl's All-you-can-eat" by Edward Casey Moore. "600 hours of Edward" by Craig Lancaster. "Escape from Fred" by Brad Whittington. And I know there are many more that I have not included but the first few are the ones that I have reread time again. The last few are new (to me) authors I was lucky enough to come across. All gems. Will read comments for more authors. thank you for this poll!
Anything by Bill Bryson, esp. The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid.
The Snitch, Houdini, and Me by Johnny Virgil. It's a recollection of his growing up in the 70's and the man has a sense of humor that will make you snort out loud! $2.99 on Kindle!
All of Dan Brown's works are incredible. He does such a great job of mixing fact and fiction into every story he writes. I'm really looking forward to the release of his new book "Inferno".
Captn Fatso by Dan Gallery.
I've never had a book that made me laugh out loud. There have been humorous situations, but nothing gut busting funny. But, to be fair, I have had few movies or TV shows that have made me really laugh out loud more than once.
In a Sunburned County, especially author Bill Bryson's early jet-lagged day in Sydney, Australia. I was reading it again on a tiny Metro Washington DC subway elevator ride to the surface and felt compelled to try and explain to 2 strangers why I was collapsing with laughter in a corner. Didn't work.
Right now I'm reading the Iron Druid series by Kevin Hearne. There are sometimes reading at work (a hospital unit on midnights) that I have tears in my eyes trying to keep from laughing! There are 5 books in the series, with the sixth coming out in May. And I am there for every one before it comes out!
The Help, I Laughed because the Ladies wre always laughing about something they did or wanted to do. When the maid made the pie for her lady boss.
PG Wodehouse! All his books. I am particularly fond of two of his characters – Bertie Wooster and his butler Jeeves. Typical stiff upper lip Brit humour. Love it!!!
Stephanie plum series. Hilarious!!!!!!
Hardcore Zen. . . By Brad Warner.
GO O's
Dave Barry's Book of Bad Songs…if you are a baby boomer…
Lately, I've laughed at the Not So Fairy Tales by Chautona Havig. In one, Princess Paisley (of Jackalopia) who prefers mud to ruffles even when being courted by, among others, the Princes of Froggiland and Rednecky. In the other, a Prince (Everard) dares to confront giants, dragons, etc, for his intended's father and who does so in the company of friends and talking lizards! Also, I laugh just remembering Rene Gutteridge's Boo Series (about a horror story writer and the small town he's chosen for a home) and Mary Conneally's Lassoed in Texas series — mostly about misplaced characters, very capable women and the clueless men who insist on taking care of them…..anyway.
Naked by David Sedaris.
Maarten troost's "Sex Lives of Cannibals…" this is a travel book that will absolutely make you laugh out loud.
Rosamunde Pilcher books, also Lonesome Dove, the Jan Karom Mitford Series, Rebecca and Gone with the Wind.
Bridget Jones' Diary.
I, also, laugh out loud at the Stephanie Plum books by Janet Evanovich. Between Grandma Mazur and Lula there is always something funny happening.
I would have to say the Stephanie Plum books by Janet Evanovich. I was listening to the first one on Cd about 10years ago while driving to OK. Almost wrecked the car..couldn't see through the laugh tears. Had to pull over to the side.
Bridget Jones Diary makes me laugh. One lingers and situations, the ones most woman have gone thru but don't talk about.
The James Herriot books…All Creatures Great and Small and sequels. Sometimes I laughed out loud, sometimes cried out loud.
Me Talk Pretty by David Sedaris. Hilarious.
My Laugh Out Loud Funny book is a bit off the wall, but amazing nonetheless. The one I read whenever I need a good laugh is Q-in-Law by Peter David, part of Pocket Books' Star Trek: The Next Generation line. Imagine Q taking a romantic interest in Lwaxana Troi…and having her find out it is only one of his little "experiments". Let the hilarity ensue! I have read it so many times I've had no less than 3 copies of it fall apart on me! I need a Kindle copy, so it won't fall apart on me! Simply a wonderful read!
Green Eggs and Ham!
I agree with some of your other readers. The Stephanie Plum books always make me laugh several times while reading them. I have also recently started reading the Bluegrass series by Kathleen Brooks and there are three sisters that are a hoot and I usually laugh reading those books as well. I usually am on the bus when one of the scenes come up that make you laugh out loud as well. My husband looks at me funny and I just have to tell him its the book I am reading. I love a book that makes you laugh out loud.
Daisy Faye and the Miracle Man by Fannie Flagg
Anything by columnist Dave Barry or the late, great Erma Bombeck. Most everything else I read is a mystery or thriller. Not a whole lot of laughs in those!
The Egg and I by Betty MacDonald was the first book that made me laugh out loud. Janet Crow by Wendell Berry was the latest book to make me laugh. Both books are based in the rural setting and shows the humor in human nature.
The Stephanie Plum novels by Janet Evanovich. I've already taken one to a doctor's waiting room, and been embarrassed because I couldn't stifle my laughter.
YaYa Sisterhood. Its the only book that has actually made me laugh and cry at the same time. Mother/daughter hit close to home.
I don't read a lot of funny books. I'm more a horror/murder/mystery type of girl. However, I love the Garfield books, but when I was younger I read Bunnicula. I's about a vampire rabbit, so funny, I still reread it ever so often.
Anything by Janet Evanovich!
The Janet Evanovich books – I laugh out loud in every one of the books!
Three Men in a Boat (not excepting the Dog) by Jerome K. Jerome. The episode with the can of fruit is one of the funniest ever written in the English language. Can't even begin to describe how funny it is. Available on Kindle.
A Walk In The Woods by Bill Bryson.
My answer would have to be All Things Great and Small by James Herriot. I recently re-read it for the first time in years. It's a classic that will never get old. Love it!
Anything by Jennifer Cruise.
Curtiss Ann Matlock's books…fun characters and great storylines. Start with Lost Highways in the series.
I have to agree with several others and say any of the Stephanie Plum books. Always entertaining
Almost anything by Bill Bryson but I especially enjoyed 'Down Under' about his travels in Australia in 2000.
James Herriot's books; Farley Mowat in The Dog Who Wouldn't Be and The Boat That Wouldn't Float. There are others but those came instantly to mind.
Pick any page – any topic in "Armed Gunmen, True Facts, and other Ridiculous Nonsense, A Compiled Compendum of Repetitive Redundancies" or just read this title again and you may LOL like I did. I got it free from Amazon.
any "Spencer" book by Robert B Parker…
I have read every one of them. I love Lulu!! Especially the one with pork chops in her purse and the dog chasing her down the street.
I am with some of the other's. Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum books and her Wicked series. I love them and reread them from time to time.
M*A*S*H, by Richard Hooker (pen name of H. Richard Hornberger), the genesis for the movie & tv show about the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital… very funny book!
Also, any fiction written by Carl Hiaasen.
I am with Deborah and Rhonda, anything in the Stephanie Plum series. When I read them I always laugh out loud. Great reads.
"The Tender Bar" by JR Moehringer. It's autobiographical. Wonderfully written and laugh out loud funny. I chuckle to myself when I read funny stories but his book got me through our northeast winter and a back operation with great humor. He won a Pulitzer for writing and I believe he still writes for the Los Angeles Times. His latest book "Sutton" is also a good read. I have gifted "The Tender Bar" to a few friends and my husband. It will be a May pick for a local book club.
"The Tender Bar" by J.R. Moehringer. It's autobiographical and laugh out loud funny. He won a Pulitzer for writing and I believe he still writes for the Los Angeles Times. His latest book "Sutton" is also a good read. I have to say "The Tender Bar" helped me through our northeast winter and a back operation. I have gifted it to a few folks and my husband. It will be a local book club pick this May.
About anything by Nelson DeMille.
I have LOL'd at many of the books already mentioned. Particular favorites are Bill Bryson, Douglas Adamsn, and the great humorists of the early 20th century: Twain, Thurber, Rogers, etc. I would also add Kathy Reich's Bones books. Her character Tempe Brennen has a great dry wit that often makes me laugh out loud. Plus she often finds herself in peculiar situations with her beloved pets, and being an animal lover, I just love that.
JD Nixon's Heller series and her Little Town books, Shelly Fredman's No Such Thing as a series, and the old Dorothy Gilman series, Mrs. Polifax, all have moments that have me literally out loud, almost to tears.
Marley's. About a dog. Laughed thru the entire book though did cry at the end.
Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series.
All of the Wooster and Jeeves books by P G Wodehouse
Erma Bombeck. She just wrote about real life. She made daily life laughable!
Anything written by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. Her characters always get themselves in the most funny circumstances. Always a lol for me.
A lovely little boy, a foster child, LOVED this. We read until he could read himself. And Laughed and laughed. He laughed so much we had to laugh with him. And never got tired of it.
The Liturgical Mysteries, by Mark Schweizer, have me in stitches. The police chief and church organist in a small town has to solve mysteries amid the zaniest characters, including a scripture reading chicken and a pirate mass.
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Trilogy.
the Miss Julia books.
Bryson City Tales, Bryson City Seasons, Bryson City Seasons by Dr. Walt Larimore
All of the Donald E. Westlake books with his John Dortmunder character. I laugh so much I get the hiccups! Also, laugh out loud a few times reading each of the Stephanie Plum books by Janet Evanovich.
Anyone else laugh out loud when reading Donald E. Westlake and Janet Evanovich books?
Calamity Jayne mysteries
Anything by Erma Bombeck! I just noticed someelse said the same. I was wondering if anyone would remember her. No book ever made me laugh as much hers did!
Fannie Flagg never fails to amuse me, particularly in Daisy Fay and the Miracle Man!
The Shopoholic books by Sophie Kinsella. I am sure I have sounded quite insane when I suddenly burst out laughing while listening to the audio books while on the elliptical trainer at the gym. I really like the British accents and was very disappointed that the movie's Becky spoke American.