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Looking for some not so serious books? This list of feel-good and funny non-fiction books will inspire your next read. Comedic, light-hearted, feel-good stories that are sure to make you laugh, and maybe even inspire you!
While making more of an effort reading, and trying to tackle my giant and ever-growing TBR list, I’ve realized that I enjoy alternating between genres. I usually read one fiction and one non-fiction book at the same time.
Building reading into my routine has been a great habit. If I need to unwind after a long day, but feel guilty about watching Netflix, I’ll usually pick up a book. I feel good about watching less TV, and reading more!
With the overwhelm with news, doomscrolling on Twitter, and trying to keep up with the crazy in the world right now, I think we all need a laugh!
I always had the mindset that non-fiction books are meant to be serious or to teach you something profound. But there is something quite inspiring about these books filled with feel-good or funny real-life moments as well!
If you’re looking for feel-good and funny non-fiction books, this list might just help you!
These books are mostly funny, first-person narratives, written by comedians and writers. You’ll definitely find funny anecdotes, and maybe even some inspiration!
P.S.: If you have any recommendations for me, leave me a comment below or find me on Instagram @sprinklesandscribbles or Twitter @anumhashim!
10 Feel-good and Funny Non-fiction Books
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
If you have watched Trevor Noah’s standup comedy routines or The Daily Show, then this book needs to be on your list! The book is a look into Trevor Noah’s background, filled with lots of comedy, just as you’d expect. What I liked most about his book was how his stories come across as genuine stories. He doesn’t shy away from difficult parts of his life, and he provides lots of context of the culture and people of South Africa for those of us who don’t have that background. Highly recommended book, it’s an easy read but you come away from it learning lots!
Related: This book is also featured in my favorite summer beach reads book list!
One Day We’ll All Be Dead and None of This Will Matter
This book is a collection of personal essays by Buzzfeed Journalist Scaachi Koul – a Canadian, daughter of Indian parents growing up in Calgary, navigating life as an outsider in both the Canadian and Indian worlds.
Scaachi’s sarcastic writing was perfect to tell her stories of her growing up, while talking about real issues, that many of us South Asians living in Canada have observed. I loved how candid she was about so many observations, and didn’t hold back!
Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling
In the realm of nonfiction autobiographies, Is Everyone Hanging out Without Me by Mindy Kaling are essays/anecdotes about Kaling’s life. The stories are written in her voice, and feels as though Kaling is speaking to you directly. Though the flow of the anecdotes is seemingly random, the stories are definitely entertaining!
Related: This book is also featured in my favorite summer beach reads book list!
The Last Black Unicorn
In this book, Tiffany Haddish recounts stories and life experiences from her early life, all the way to the comedy circuit and in Hollywood with the 2017 film Girls Trip. The stories are short and easy to read, but importantly will make you laugh!
Talking as Fast as I Can: From Gilmore Girls to Gilmore Girls, and Everything in Between
If like me, you’ve watched Gilmore Girls over and over on Netflix, this book is for you. I read it in my head as Lorelai Gilmore, and the fast-talking was exhausting but so fun to read. It was hard to disconnect Lorelai Gilmore from Lauren Graham. The first few chapters about her childhood have that distinct Lorelai Gilmore influence filled with humorous panic and lots of tangent thoughts that you have no idea where she started. That made the book so much more fun to read. There is a bit of a lull in the middle of the book, but overall still a fun read!
Why Not Me?
Yes, there are two Mindy Kaling books on this list. In this collection of essays in Why Not Me? she shares her ongoing journey to find contentment and excitement in her adult life. The stories are a laugh out loud yet relatable retelling of her adult life experiences between the anxieties, the glamour, and the celebrations of her life. It’s definitely relatable, as much as you can relate to a celebrity!
Scrappy Little Nobody
This book is a collection of humorous autobiographical essays by Anna Kendrick. Her book is filled with her character: quirky, endearing, and fun.
Bossypants (Kindle Edition)
If you’re a fan of Tina Fey’s work then this book is for you. It’s filled with stories of her childhood, early work, and beyond. The stories are funny, and thoughtful, written in the classic self-deprecating, sarcastic Tina Fey voice.
Laughing All the Way to the Mosque by Zarqa Nawaz
I picked up this book, because 1) it’s written by a South Asian Canadian woman and 2) I loved her show Little House on the Prairie! There are so many anecdotes filled with stories about motherhood, the mosque, and family. The comedic writing will leave you in stitches!
Bitter Is the New Black: Confessions of a Condescending, Egomaniacal, Self-Centered Smartass, Or, Why You Should Never Carry A Prada Bag to the Unemployment Office
What a long title – but a fun, light read. The writing style was like a chick-lit, perfectly my kind of style. The comedy she saw in a dire situation made for a fun read, purely entertainment value.
It was a riches to rags (back to riches?) story, but it’s not for everyone. If you’re looking for an inspiring story about someone who comes from nothing and makes it, this book is not for you. I was often irritated since she came across as entitled, but then would find myself rooting for her anywa.
There you go, some of my book recommendations for your next not so serious, feel-good, and funny non-fiction read! I’m also always looking for book recommendations. Did I miss any of your favorite books on this list?
Let me know in the comments below!
Cheers,
Talking As Fast As I Can is one of my favorite books! Love Gilmore Girls and Lauren Graham is such a great writer!