5 Funny Books That Made Me Laugh Out Loud

These hilarious books will make you smile

Do you know what’s powerful? Laughter.

Scientific studies have found that laughter can reduce stress, improve your immune system, and relieve pain.

So, which books should you read if you’re looking to tickle your funny bone?

Here are five books that *literally* made me laugh out loud:

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Many people think of The Lightning Thief as a book for young adults. However, it’s an entertaining (and funny) book that you can appreciate at any age.

The story follows a young boy, Percy Jackson, when he discovers he is the son of a Greek god. His mother sends him to Camp Half-Blood, a camp of other demigods like himself. There, he learns of a war between the gods and embarks on a quest to the Underworld to stop it.

I love Riordan’s writing style. The story is narrated in first person from Percy’s perspective, and he is extremely sassy and hilarious. Riordan also pokes fun at a lot of traditional Greek myths, which older audiences who know the original stories will pick up on.

If you haven’t read The Lightning Thief yet, I encourage you to pick it up as soon as possible!

Here is a quote that made me laugh:

“I’d love to tell you I had some deep revelation on my way down, that I came to terms with my own mortality, laughed in the face of death, et cetera.

The truth? My only thought was: Aaaaggghhhhh!” ― Rick Riordan, The Lightning Thief

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is a fun space adventure story I couldn’t help but love.

It follows Arthur Dent, who gets picked up in an alien spaceship just seconds before the Earth explodes. From there, he travels around the universe, meeting fellow travelers and hitchhiker’s around the galaxy.

The story goes in so many unexpected and random directions. It’s ridiculously entertaining, as you never quite know what the characters will say or do.

The writing style is filled with satire and irony, so if you want a light-hearted space story, you need to read The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy!

Here is a quote that made me laugh:

“On the planet Earth, man had always assumed that he was more intelligent than dolphins because he had achieved so much — the wheel, New York, wars and so on — whilst all the dolphins had ever done was muck about in the water having a good time. But conversely, the dolphins had always believed that they were far more intelligent than man — for precisely the same reasons.” ― Douglas Adams, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy

The Martian by Andy Weir

I read The Martian several years ago, and I still remember the exact feelings I had when I read the book for the first time. I enjoyed it so much that I gave it to my dad, and he read it in only a few days.

The story follows astronaut Mark Watney who gets stranded on Mars after a dust storm. With his fellow crew mates gone and the next NASA mission months away, Mark uses his ingenuity (and humor) to attempt to survive on the red planet.

It’s not easy to make a book interesting when the majority of the story follows only one person. But, in my opinion, Andy Weir, executed it perfectly. I laughed out loud multiple times while reading the book.

I’ve recommended The Martian to both friends and family because it’s one of my favorite books of all time. If you want a funny and realistic sci-fi story, put The Martian at the top of your reading list!

Here is a quote that made me laugh:

“Maybe I’ll post a consumer review. ‘Brought product to surface of Mars. It stopped working. 0/10.’” ― Andy Weir, The Martian

Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare

I know what you’re thinking — “Shakespeare, really?” I’m sure you weren’t laughing when you were forced to read Romeo and Juliet in school. But hear me out! Some of Shakespeare’s comedies are hilarious. My favorite is Much Ado About Nothing.

The play follows two love stories: one where the characters fall in love at first sight (Hero and Claudio), and one where the characters hate each other (Beatrice and Benedick). Over the course of the play, funny schemes ensue, mixing up who loves who.

I love the banter between Beatrice and Benedick. It’s witty and seriously entertaining. The antiquated language doesn’t get in the way of understanding or enjoying the story.

If you want to read a non-boring Shakespeare play that will make you laugh, pick up Much Ado About Nothing.

Here is a quote that made me laugh:

“I can see he’s not in your good books,’ said the messenger. ‘No, and if he were I would burn my library.” ― William Shakespeare, Much Ado About Nothing

My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows

I have never seen anyone recommend My Lady Jane, which is a shame. It’s so underrated!

The book is loosely inspired by the historical figure Lady Jane Grey (the “Nine Day’s Queen”). The story starts with sixteen-year-old Jane’s marriage to King Edward’s son, Gilford. From there, things take a comical (and drastic) turn with magic, murder plots, and more.

Part historical fiction, part fantasy, this humorous story is similar to The Princess Bride. I loved every second of it. My Lady Jane blew me away.

If you’re looking for a unique read that will make you gasp and giggle, you should read My Lady Jane!

Here is a quote that made me laugh:

“He wanted to tell her she’d have more room if she’d just get rid of her books, but he supposed that in her case, it would be like telling a mother she’d have more room if she threw out her children.” ― Cynthia Hand, My Lady Jane

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