Michael Cambridge
These hilarious narratives will leave you in stitches.
When comedians turn their sharp wit to the written word, the results are often side-splitting, insightful, and occasionally—surprisingly—poignant. From candid memoirs to cleverly constructed essay collections, these books go beyond the stage and the screen to reveal the heart, hustle, and hilarity behind some of comedy’s brightest stars.
Whether you’re craving outrageous behind-the-scenes stories from Hollywood, reflections on growing up awkwardly, or just want to laugh until you cry, these 10 books by comedians deliver on every level.
1. “Born a Crime” by Trevor Noah
A comic lens on apartheid and identity
Trevor Noah’s Born a Crime is more than a comedy memoir—it’s a deeply affecting coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of apartheid South Africa. With Noah’s signature humor, he recounts his illegal birth (as a mixed-race child in a segregated nation), his resourceful and rebellious youth, and the fierce love of his devout and indomitable mother.
Why it’s a must-read:
Noah seamlessly blends laugh-out-loud anecdotes with sobering truths about race, poverty, and resilience. It’s both inspiring and hilarious—a rare combo that works beautifully.
2. “Bossypants” by Tina Fey
A sharp, self-deprecating ode to awkward ambition
Tina Fey’s Bossypants became an instant classic, thanks to her dry wit and unapologetic honesty. From growing up a nerdy theater kid to breaking barriers as a female writer on Saturday Night Live and creating 30 Rock, Fey details her journey with snappy observations and eyebrow-raising anecdotes.
Why it’s a must-read:
Fey’s unique comedic voice leaps off the page. You’ll get career advice, feminist wisdom, and at least a dozen solid belly laughs.
3. “Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)” by Mindy Kaling
Warm, relatable, and wickedly funny
Mindy Kaling’s debut book is a delightful blend of personal essays and humorous rants that cover everything from romance to body image to her rise from the offbeat comedy scene to The Office writer’s room. She writes like your funniest, most relatable friend—only more famous.
Why it’s a must-read:
Kaling delivers laugh-after-laugh while sneaking in heartfelt commentary about what it means to be a woman of color in Hollywood.
4. “I’m Glad My Mom Died” by Jennette McCurdy
Darkly funny and brutally honest
While not a traditional stand-up comic, Jennette McCurdy has earned acclaim for her dark humor and raw honesty. In I’m Glad My Mom Died, she navigates her unconventional childhood as a Nickelodeon star under the manipulative thumb of her overbearing mother. It’s biting, brave, and yes—genuinely funny, even as it delves into trauma.
Why it’s a must-read:
McCurdy’s comedic timing, even in written form, is impeccable. This memoir proves that sometimes, the most painful stories make the best (and most cathartic) comedy.
5. “Dear Girls” by Ali Wong
Raunchy, real, and ridiculously heartfelt
Ali Wong’s Dear Girls is structured as a series of letters to her daughters, dishing up no-holds-barred life advice on love, work, and identity. Wong, known for her bold stand-up style and Netflix specials, doesn’t shy away from gross, awkward, or deeply personal territory—and it’s all laugh-out-loud funny.
Why it’s a must-read:
Wong’s fearless humor combined with motherly wisdom creates an unforgettable reading experience. It’s equal parts dirty and endearing.
6. “The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo” by Amy Schumer
Unfiltered tales with a feminist edge
In her bestselling book, Amy Schumer tackles her rise to fame, personal insecurities, and political convictions with sharp wit and bracing honesty. From bombed sets to bad dates, Schumer proves she can hold her own on the page just as well as on stage.
Why it’s a must-read:
Schumer’s blend of raunchy, confessional, and fiercely feminist content will make you laugh—and think—at the same time.
7. “Dad Is Fat” by Jim Gaffigan
Parenting humor from the master of clean comedy
Jim Gaffigan’s Dad Is Fat is a hilarious meditation on the chaos of raising five kids in a two-bedroom New York apartment. Gaffigan’s trademark observational humor shines as he skewers everything from toddlers to strollers to sleep deprivation.
Why it’s a must-read:
Perfect for parents (or anyone who knows a parent), this book delivers squeaky-clean laughs and a surprisingly heartfelt celebration of family life.
8. “Yes Please” by Amy Poehler
Sincere, silly, and endlessly quotable
Amy Poehler’s Yes Please is part memoir, part inspirational guidebook. With essays about her early days in improv, the making of Parks and Recreation, and motherhood, Poehler mixes sincerity with a refreshingly goofy spirit.
Why it’s a must-read:
From backstage stories to hilarious life lessons, Poehler’s mix of humility and humor makes this a standout in the comedian memoir genre.
9. “Calypso” by David Sedaris
Darkly funny essays from a master storyteller
Though not a traditional stand-up, David Sedaris has long been a comedic literary force. In Calypso, his essays turn introspective as he grapples with aging, family dysfunction, and the absurdities of life. It’s hilarious, weird, and often profoundly moving.
Why it’s a must-read:
Sedaris has the uncanny ability to make the mundane feel epic. If you like your humor smart, satirical, and a little sad, Calypso is for you.
10. “Comedy Sex God” by Pete Holmes
A spiritual journey laced with absurdity
Pete Holmes, the goofy-yet-philosophical comedian behind Crashing, delivers a memoir that’s as much about comedy as it is about personal evolution. He explores love, divorce, religion, and stand-up in a tone that’s both playful and profound.
Why it’s a must-read:
Holmes proves that comedy and spirituality can (sometimes awkwardly) coexist. This book is hilarious, thought-provoking, and totally one-of-a-kind.
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