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Any really funny novels (like Simpsons, Seinfeld, Modern Family)?

by ThomasTe
13 replies
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Hi,

Can you recommend any really, really funny novels?
I really like TV-series Simpsons, Seinfeld and Modern Family, so if there were some novels that had the same kind of humor that would be awesome.

Thanks in advance.

Cheers,
Thomas
  • Profile picture of the author Dan Riffle
    Trying to sync filmed humor to the written word is a tad difficult, but here's some options:


    The 'Merde' Series by Stephen Clarke

    The humor in the series deals mostly with English/French relations (from an English perspective).


    Bill Bryson wrote A Walk in the Woods. Probably the funniest book I've ever read. Imagine Jay from Modern Family hiking the Appalachian Trail with Homer Simpson. Bryson has numerous other books written in similar vein.


    If you like comedy tied to mystery or suspense, Elmore Leonard might be an author to take a look at. His books are more mind candy than "fine literature."
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    • Profile picture of the author Sumit Menon
      I have never heard of these books or authors, but anything that Dan recommends on humor must be worth its weight in gold.

      If Dan releases a How To Be Funny course, I'd be the first one to buy.

      Sumit.

      Originally Posted by Dan Riffle View Post

      Trying to synch filmed humor to the written word is a tad difficult, but here's some options:


      The 'Merde' Series by Stephen Clarke

      The humor in the series deals mostly with English/French relations (from an English perspective).


      Bill Bryson wrote A Walk in the Woods. Probably the funniest book I've ever read. Imagine Jay from Modern Family hiking the Appalachian Trail with Homer Simpson. Bryson has numerous other books written in similar vein.


      If you like comedy tied to mystery or suspense, Elmore Leonard might be an author to take a look at. His books are more mind candy than "fine literature."
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      • Profile picture of the author Kay King
        When I think of books that made me laugh out loud - I think of the Odd Thomas series by Dean Koontz. The dialogue and Odd's way of seeing life had me chuckling - especially in the 2 novels of the series.
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        • Profile picture of the author Dan Riffle
          Originally Posted by Kay King View Post

          When I think of books that made me laugh out loud - I think of the Odd Thomas series by Dean Koontz. The dialogue and Odd's way of seeing life had me chuckling - especially in the 2 novels of the series.


          I keep meaning to pick up a couple of those. My wife and I watched a movie based on the character and it was oddly (ugh) compelling.
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          • Profile picture of the author Kay King
            I predict if you read the first one - you'll read the entire 6 book (or so) series. I just read the last one on my kindle. They are easy reads but the story line is so unique and the character so likable and "fresh" - good series.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jack Gordon
    It is old, but if you haven't already read The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Universe, try it.

    If you are anything like me, you'll start laughing on page one and won't stop.
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    • Profile picture of the author whateverpedia
      Originally Posted by Jack Gordon View Post

      It is old, but if you haven't already read The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Universe, try it.
      It's The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy actually, but that aside I thoroughly agree. Laugh out loud material.

      You can also add any/all of the Discworld novels by Terry Pratchett to the list.
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    • Profile picture of the author lanfear63
      Originally Posted by Jack Gordon View Post

      It is old, but if you haven't already read The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Universe, try it.

      If you are anything like me, you'll start laughing on page one and won't stop.
      The BBC did an excellent 6 part dramatization of it which you could possibly find on Netflix. Much better than the film which I felt was a bit of a let-down
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      • Profile picture of the author whateverpedia
        Originally Posted by lanfear63 View Post

        The BBC did an excellent 6 part dramatization of it which you could possibly find on Netflix. Much better than the film which I felt was a bit of a let-down
        The BBC radio broadcast is even better than the TV version as you have to use your imagination more (as with the books). I agree the film was a total letdown.
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  • Profile picture of the author MikeTucker
    Originally Posted by ThomasTe View Post

    Hi,

    Can you recommend any really, really funny novels?
    I really like TV-series Simpsons, Seinfeld and Modern Family, so if there were some novels that had the same kind of humor that would be awesome.

    Thanks in advance.

    Cheers,
    Thomas
    Almost anything by Terry Pratchett will probably crack some ribs.
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  • Profile picture of the author ThomasTe
    Perfect, thanks so much, guys! If you listen really carefully, you actually hear me laugh.

    I really like the 'Flashman Papers' as well. Not exactly politically correct, but pretty funny and also really interesting, since you learn a lot about history.

    Thanks again!

    Best regards,
    Thomas
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    • Profile picture of the author whateverpedia
      Originally Posted by ThomasTe View Post

      Perfect, thanks so much, guys! If you listen really carefully, you actually hear me laugh.

      I really like the 'Flashman Papers' as well. Not exactly politically correct, but pretty funny and also really interesting, since you learn a lot about history.

      Thanks again!

      Best regards,
      Thomas
      I was actually going to mention the Flashman series as well, but as they are a bit on the bawdy side, and I don't know much about you I thought it best not to.
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