7 Relatable Comedy Books That Were Written By Stand-Up Comedians

Life has its ups and downs and, for better or for worse, we’re at an age where if we need a laugh, we’re but a tap away from some of the world’s most talented comedians right there at the palm of our hand. If you’re more of a reader than a watcher, however, what better way to capture the hilarious absurdity of everyday life than through the lens of a comedian’s pen? Here are 7 fictional reads by iconic stand-up performers that use humour to tell a story that’s both insanely funny and profoundly moving:

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1) Harold by Steven Wright

Written by iconic American stand-up comedian Steven Wright, known for his deadpan humour, Harold is a story about a man whose mundane life takes a hilariously surreal turn. From battling a self-aware coffee pot dealing with ever-shifting landscapes, the pure absurdist nature of this novel lets you kick back and just enjoy the story for where it takes you.

2) Cruel Shoes by Steve Martin

Steve Martin has long been known as a master of physical comedy, which is why his ability to translate his signature wit to the page has honestly been pretty astounding. In this collection of short stories, Steve explores fun and bizarre plot hooks from a man haunted by an afro wig with a thirst for revenge to a family vacation that goes disastrously long. It’s a kind of humour that you don’t really expect to see in a written story and it’s done remarkably well.

3) Lunatics by Dave Barry & Alan Zweibel

This is a collaborative piece written with the help of two comedic giants in their field, Dave Barry and Alan Zweibel. More of a retrospective non-fiction memoir about all the inane things like pop-culture fads to self-help gurus, the pair apply their lens to some of the best hits from the 2000s and it’s done with the comfort of listening to your buds cracking jokes on the couch across the room.

4) Forever Home by Graham Norton

Yes. That Graham Norton. Known for his sharp wit on his late-night show, Graham Norton actually takes quite a personal view in this novel, using his signature self-deprecating humour and sharp social commentary to recount his journey from awkward teenager to television icon. It’s a heartwarming and hilarious exploration of friendship, family and finding your place in the world.

5) Gangsta Granny by David Walliams

A bit of a change of pace, ‘Gangsta Granny’ is written by British comedy powerhouse David Walliams, aiming the sights of his sharp wit at the younger generation. Following the story of Ben, a bored kid stuck with a “boring” Granny, the story takes a sharp turn to then follow his Granny’s dark past as a jewel thief. Filled with a tonne of slapstick humour and a holistic message about family, ‘Gangsta Granny’ is actually quite a delightful read for all ages.

6) Never Greener by Ruth Jones

Welsh actress and writer Ruth Jones, known for her writing role on the BBC sitcom Gavin and Stacey and her excellent portrayal of Nessa, Jones brings that exact same humour to her debut novel. Following the lives of two seemingly perfect couples whose facades begin to crumble, the story explores complexities in relationships, dealing with parenthood and the ever-elusive greener grass on the other side.

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7) The Satsuma Complex by Bob Mortimer

Lastly is a memoir from a British comic legend Bob Mortimer, who offers a candid and hilarious overview of his own career. From his own struggles with depression to the highs and lows of his comedic journey, it features a kind of vulnerability that’s refreshing and unapologetic. Through his self-deprecating humour and witty observations, he reminds us that even the most successful of us can feel like “bumbling fools” sometimes.