Life is messy, awkward, and often completely ridiculous — so why not laugh about it? These funny memoirs prove that even the most embarrassing moments, serious struggles, and epic failures be turned into comedy gold. The authors are not only OK with us laughing at their missteps — they encourage it! From navigating the Appalachian Trail with inadequate preparedness (A Walk in the Woods) to following ancient biblical rules in a modern world (The Year of Living Biblically), these authors share their lives with humor, honesty, and just the right amount of self-deprecation.
| Title | Author | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me (and Other Concerns) | Mindy Kaling | Actress and writer recounts path to Hollywood. Themes of body image, friendship and struggles of being a woman in showbiz |
| A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail | Bill Bryson | Part history, part ecology lesson, part buddy comedy |
| Me Talk Pretty One Day | David Sedaris | Sedaris’ signature snark, detailing adventures in learning to speak French |
| Misfit: Growing Up Awkward in the ’80s | Gary Gulman | From bleak mental health struggles to hilarious and super-detailed childhood memories. And baseball cards |
| The Year of Living Biblically: One Man’s Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible | A.J. Jacobs | Sincere, yet often ridiculous attempt to find faith through literal biblical guidance |
| My Squirrel Days | Ellie Kemper | Actress from The Office and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt shares her path to fame, oozing with endearing, self-deprecating humor |
| Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things | Jenny Lawson | A hilarious and empowering battle cry against anxiety, depression and a host of physical ailments |
| Birdie and Harlow: Life, Loss, and Loving My Dog So Much I Didn’t Want Kids (…Until I Did) | Taylor Wolfe | Funny and relatable tales of motherhood (to a dog, and eventually a human) |
| Essays Out of Left Field: Life Lessons from a Midwestern Dad Who Talks About Sports Too Much | Scott Johnson | I only wrote this blog post so I could promote my own book |
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1. Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me (and Other Concerns)
- Author: Mindy Kaling
- Release Date: November 1, 2011
- Genre: Nonfiction, Humor, Memoir
- Learn More About the Author: Mindy Kaling (@mindykaling) • Instagram photos and videos
Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me Overview
Mindy Kaling’s debut memoir offers a collection of humorous essays on friendships, dating, career in Hollywood, and the awkwardness of growing up. Her wit, self-deprecating humor, and relatable anecdotes make this a fun read for anyone interested in the life of a behind-the-scenes Hollywood personality.
- Themes:
- The ups and downs of growing up as a chubby, timid kid of immigrant parents
- Kaling’s perspective on friendship, love, and navigating the entertainment industry (particularly as a brown-skinned woman.)
- Hard work pays off in the comedy business too.
- What makes this book a funny memoir:
- Kaling is a hilarious, likeable, hard-working, positive role model – especially for young women.
- This funny memoir mixes humorous anecdotes with deeper reflections on being a woman in a male-dominated industry.
2. A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail
- Author: Bill Bryson
- Release Date: May 4, 1998
- Genre: Nonfiction, Humor, Travel Memoir
- Learn More About the Author: Bill Bryson
A Walk in the Woods Overview
Bryson recounts his attempt to hike the Appalachian Trail, one of the longest and most challenging trails in the world. Along the way, he humorously reflects on the physical and mental toll the trail takes on him, as well as the history and ecology of the wilderness. The book is a blend of adventure, nature writing, and Bryson’s trademark humor.
- Themes:
- Nature, wilderness, and the physical and emotional challenges of hiking the Appalachian Trail
- A humorous look at outdoor survival
- What makes this book a funny memoir:
- Bryson’s dry humor and witty observations about the Appalachian Trail’s challenges make the book feel like an adventurous buddy comedy.
- His personal struggles on the trail, paired with his candid, sarcastic take on the experience
- So funny, they turned it into a movie of the same name (2015 starring Robert Redford and Nick Nolte)
3. Me Talk Pretty One Day
- Author: David Sedaris
- Release Date: June 1, 2000
- Genre: Nonfiction, Humor, Essays, Memoir
- Learn More About the Author: DAVID SEDARIS HOMEPAGE | David Sedaris Books
Me Talk Pretty One Day Overview
In this collection of essays, Sedaris recounts his humorous experiences of living abroad, particularly his struggle with learning French while living in Paris. The essays delve into his quirky family and childhood experiences. Sedaris is one of the premiere humorists writing today. His dark humor and sharp observational skills create a memoir that is both hilarious and thought-provoking.
- Themes:
- Exploring language barriers and cultural differences as Sedaris moves to France
- Family dynamics and personal quirks
- What makes this book a funny memoir:
- Sedaris’s sharp, witty commentary on his experiences, especially his struggles with learning French, provides endless humor.
- Sedaris tricks readers into believing he is a bumbling idiot, despite actually being an intelligent, sophisticated, well-traveled humorist/philosopher.
4. Misfit: Growing Up Awkward in the ’80s – Gary Gulman
- Author: Gary Gulman
- Release Date: September 19, 2023
- Genre: Nonfiction, Humor, Memoir
- Learn More About the Author: Gary Gulman Official Website
Misfit Overview
In Misfit, comedian Gary Gulman introduces himself to readers by recounting a crippling mental health crisis in his 40s. As he reflects on his path to healing, he bounces back to childhood memories that he delivers with incredibly vivid details and absolute hilarity. Sports, comedy and Hebrew School are some of the themes present throughout Gulman’s dark, yet hopeful storytelling. Recounting of his formative years includes detailed memoires from each grade, kindergarten through twelfth.
- Themes:
- The impact of mental illness on his life and career
- 1980s nostalgia, including scented markers and mall culture
- Exploring feelings of being a misfit and struggles to find acceptance and “tribe”
- What makes this book a funny memoir:
- His encyclopedic mind, put to use on trivial facts — like remember (and reciting) childhood phone numbers of his friends and acquaintances
- Gulman’s willingness to laugh at himself is central to this funny memoir. He leans into the awkwardness of being a tall, gangly, anxious kid navigating social situations of his childhood.
5. The Year of Living Biblically: One Man’s Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible – A.J. Jacobs
- Author: A.J. Jacobs
- Release Date: October 9, 2007
- Genre: Nonfiction, Humor, Experiential, Memoir
- Learn More About the Author: Home – A.J. Jacobs – Official Website
The Year of Living Biblically Overview
A.J. Jacobs takes on the challenge of living the Bible as literally as possible for a year. His humorous yet sincere journey includes following 700+ rules in the Bible, from the practical (no eating shellfish) to the absurd (not mixing fibers in clothing.) The book is a blend of humor, spiritual exploration, and cultural commentary as Jacobs tries to understand religion, faith, and the literal interpretation of ancient texts.
- Themes:
- Spirituality, religion, and the complexities of living according to ancient texts in the modern world.
- Personal growth and understanding through the lens of religion.
- What makes this book a funny memoir:
- Jacobs’s attempts to follow biblical rules make for a hilarious read — like blowing a shofar (instrument made from a hollowed-out ram’s horn.)
- Figuring out how to “stone” adulterers (hint: clumsily dropping pebbles on a victim’s shoe)
6. My Squirrel Days – Ellie Kemper
- Author: Ellie Kemper
- Release Date: October 9, 2018
- Genre: Nonfiction, Humor, Memoir
- Learn More About the Author: Ellie Kemper (@elliekemper) • Instagram photos and videos
My Squirrel Days Overview
In her debut memoir, actress Ellie Kemper shares her journey from a quirky childhood in Missouri to her rise to fame on shows like The Office. Through endearing anecdotes about family, college, and life in Hollywood, Kemper brings her characteristic optimism and humor.
- Themes:
- The quirky aspects of Kemper’s life, from childhood to field hockey benchwarmer to her career as an actress.
- The awkwardness of social interactions and how humor can help us navigate life’s challenges.
- What makes this book a funny memoir:
- Kemper’s funny memoir is light on drama and heavy on silliness and irreverence.
- Her quirky, likable personality shines through as she recounts her experiences growing up and her career in Hollywood.
- Befriending squirrels
7. Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things – Jenny Lawson
- Author: Jenny Lawson
- Release Date: September 22, 2015
- Genre: Nonfiction, Humor, Mental Health, Memoir
- Learn More About the Author: The Bloggess – Like Mother Teresa, only better.
Furiously Happy Overview
Jenny Lawson’s memoir explores her battles with mental illness, particularly depression and anxiety, through the lens of ridiculous humor. Her humor is dark and unfiltered, making this book a funny and poignant look at how humor can be used to cope with life’s most difficult challenges.
- Themes:
- Mental health struggles, including depression and anxiety, and how humor can be a tool for survival
- Personal resilience and the importance of finding joy even in difficult times
- Taxidermized animals, including happy racoons (multiple)
- What makes this book a funny memoir:
- Lawson’s unique combination of humor and raw honesty makes her mental health journey both hilarious and relatable.
- Unfiltered, stream-of-consciousness storytelling. Jenny Lawson apparently believes that no thought is too ridiculous to share with readers.
8. Birdie & Harlow: Life, Loss, and Loving My Dog So Much I Didn’t Want Kids (…Until I Did)
- Author: Taylor Wolfe
- Release Date: June 8, 2021
- Genre: Memoir, Nonfiction, Humor
- Learn More About the Author: THE DAILY TAY – Just blogging it out
Birdie & Harlow Overview
Wolfe’s memoir is an exploration of life, loss, and unexpected change through the lens of her relationship with her beloved dog, Harlow, and the evolution of her feelings about parenthood. She reflects on the journey of embracing the love of a pet, navigating grief, and ultimately deciding to have children. This funny memoir blends humor, personal growth, and the ups and downs of family life, making it both touching and funny.
- Themes:
- The deep emotional connection between humans and their pets
- Life transitions, from pet ownership to becoming a parent
- What makes this book a funny memoir:
- Wolfe’s humorous, honest reflection on her initial resistance to having children, coupled with her love for her dog, provides laughs and poignant moments.
- Wolfe spent time as a stand-up comedian. Her well-honed craft shines through.
- Back and forth conversational dialogue between Taylor and Harlow (the dog.) Harlow often gets to deliver the funniest lines.
9. Essays Out of Left Field: Life Lessons from a Midwestern Dad Who Talks About Sports Too Much
- Author: Scott Johnson
- Release Date: December 2023
- Genre: Nonfiction, Humor, Essays, Midwestern Life, Memoir
- Learn More About the Author: You’re already on my blog. Just click around.
Essays Out of Left Field Overview
In this collection of essays, Johnson recounts his life lessons, often delivered through sports metaphors, while reflecting on his experiences as a Midwestern dad. With humor and a (more than a) touch of sarcasm, he shares his thoughts on how life’s unexpected moments can teach valuable lessons.
- Themes:
- The intersection of family life, sports, inspiration and ridiculousness
- What makes this book a funny memoir:
- Johnson’s unique blend of sports commentary, personal anecdotes, and dry humor provides a refreshing and relatable read.
- Stories about dog poop
- Setting the (unofficial) record for number of chicken idioms used in a single essay
Conclusion: Funny Memoirs
Life is too short for boring books. These funny memoirs are the perfect antidote to dull and dry reading. Whether you’re laughing at someone else’s hilariously awkward attempt at learning French (Me Talk Pretty One Day) or nodding along to relatable struggles with mental health (Furiously Happy, Misfit), these books prove that humor really is the best medicine.
What is your favorite funny memoir? Let me know in the comments. I’d love to read and to add to this list!
Scott Johnson is a Midwestern humorist, author of Essays Out of Left Field, and the mind behind scottjohnsonauthor.com. He’s also a husband, dad of three, and Data Systems Administrator (whatever that is). Scott is on a mission to find and read all the funny books. He shares his thoughts on those books, author life, and other delightful randomness with his readers on his website.
