These 20 hilariously funny book-club books for women are more than mere entertainment. They cleverly weave humor and resilience into stories that tackle serious themes such as mental health and stress reduction.
For women who gather in book clubs, funny books offer more than just a few laughs; they provide a shared experience that fosters meaningful dialogue and strengthens community bonds. Delve into humorous literature that doubles as conversation starters, igniting discussions on everything from relationships to personal growth.
By exploring these narratives, you’ll find yourself not only chuckling at the antics of quirky characters but also reflecting on your own life experiences with renewed perspective. Moreover, these books serve as powerful tools for women empowerment by highlighting the psychological benefits of laughter proven to alleviate stress and build connections among readers.
As you turn each page, you’ll discover how humor can be a catalyst for personal transformation and community building, making your book club meetings both enriching and unforgettable.
So why not infuse your next gathering with laughter? Choose from this curated list of funny books that promise to entertain while opening up pathways to deeper understanding and connection among you and your fellow readers.
Top 20 Funny Book Club Books for Women
Broken (in the Best Possible Way) by Jenny Lawson
Jenny Lawson, known as The Bloggess, delivers another collection of hilarious and vulnerable essays that explore her long-standing experiences with depression and anxiety. With her trademark wit, Lawson covers everything from absurd personal anecdotes like “Six Times I’ve Lost My Shoes While Wearing Them” to more serious pieces such as “An Open Letter to My Insurance Company,” where she details the active harm caused by insurance policies.
The book balances lighthearted and serious topics with humor that makes readers feel seen and understood in their own struggles.
Other Funny Books by Jenny Lawson:
- Let’s Pretend This Never Happened: A memoir about Lawson’s bizarre childhood and unusual family.
- Furiously Happy: Explores Lawson’s experiences with mental illness through a lens of exuberant humor.
Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple
This novel follows the story of Bernadette Fox, a once-renowned architect who becomes a recluse in Seattle. When her daughter Bee wins a family trip to Antarctica, Bernadette disappears, leading Bee to piece together her mother’s whereabouts through emails, invoices, and school memos.
The book’s unique format and eccentric characters provide plenty of laughter while exploring themes of self-discovery and family dynamics, making it perfect for book club discussions.
Other Funny Books by Maria Semple:
- Today Will Be Different: A day in the life of a woman trying to improve herself amid chaos.
- This One Is Mine: A novel about unexpected twists in the lives of Los Angeles socialites.
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
Eleanor Oliphant is a socially awkward heroine with a meticulously routine life until she develops a crush on a musician and befriends an IT guy from her office. Her unique perspective on the world results in countless laugh-out-loud moments as she navigates social situations with brutal honesty.
As Eleanor’s mysterious past unravels, readers witness her journey toward healing and connection, making this both humorous and deeply moving—perfect for discussions about resilience and the human need for belonging.
Other Funny Books by Gail Honeyman:
- I Am the Seed That Grew the Tree: A poetry collection (contributor).
- Short stories in various anthologies.
The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
Don Tillman, a genetics professor with Asperger’s syndrome, embarks on “The Wife Project”—a scientific approach to finding a suitable partner. His carefully structured life is disrupted when he meets Rosie, a spontaneous bartender who doesn’t meet any of his criteria but captivates him nonetheless.
The resulting mismatch between Don’s logical approach and Rosie’s chaos creates heartwarming humor while exploring themes of love, acceptance, and the beauty of unexpected connections.
Other Funny Books by Graeme Simsion:
- The Rosie Effect: Sequel following Don and Rosie’s journey into parenthood.
- The Rosie Result: The final book in the trilogy addressing their son’s diagnosis.
The Guncle by Steven Rowley
Patrick, aka Gay Uncle Patrick (GUP), reluctantly becomes the caretaker of his nine-year-old niece and six-year-old nephew after their mother’s death. Set in Palm Springs, the story balances heartbreak and humor as Patrick navigates parenting while grieving his own past loss.
His constant barrage of innuendo and dad jokes keeps the mood lighthearted even during emotional moments, creating a beautiful story about family, love, and healing through laughter.
Other Funny Books by Steven Rowley:
- Lily and the Octopus: A novel about a man and his aging dachshund.
- The Editor: Story of a writer working with Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
Bossypants by Tina Fey
In this candid and comedic memoir, Tina Fey shares stories from her life, from her early days as a “vicious nerd” to becoming a comedy legend. Her witty observations about show business, motherhood, and navigating male-dominated spaces are both hilarious and insightful.
The book offers plenty of laugh-out-loud moments while addressing serious topics like gender inequality, making it excellent for discussions about women in comedy and work-life balance.
Other Funny Books by Tina Fey:
- Saturday Night Live: The Book (contributor).
- Various screenplays and television writing.
This Is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper
Shortly after Judd catches his wife having an affair with her boss, his father dies, leaving behind a request for the family to sit shiva for seven days. The dysfunctional family dynamic creates endless comedic situations as relatives who can’t stand each other are trapped together.
Tropper’s wry, sarcastic tone and flawed but real characters make this a hilarious yet poignant exploration of grief, family ties, and the messy reality of life.
Other Funny Books by Jonathan Tropper:
- One Last Thing Before I Go: A man discovers he needs life-saving surgery.
- How to Talk to a Widower: A young widower navigates life and family.
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
Ove is a grumpy yet endearing widower who strictly follows routines and rules until a friendly family moves in next door and disrupts his solitary life. Through flashbacks and present-day interactions, Ove’s soft interior gradually reveals itself beneath his cranky exterior.
The book’s humor comes from Ove’s stubborn resistance to change and his hilarious interactions with neighbors, balanced with touching moments that explore grief, community, and unexpected friendships.
Other Funny Books by Fredrik Backman:
- My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry: A girl delivers her grandmother’s apology letters.
- Anxious People: A failed bank robbery leads to a hostage situation.
The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman are executive assistants engaged in a perpetual game of one-upmanship at their publishing job. Their professional rivalry intensifies when they both vie for the same promotion, leading to hilarious and sexually tense interactions.
The thin line between love and hate is explored with sharp dialogue and comedic situations, making this a perfect choice for book clubs interested in workplace dynamics and romantic chemistry.
Other Funny Books by Sally Thorne:
- 99 Percent Mine: A woman falls for her brother’s best friend.
- Second First Impressions: A young woman working at a retirement community finds love.
We’re Going to Need More Wine by Gabrielle Union
Gabrielle Union’s collection of essays tackles race, beauty standards, Hollywood, and her own history of sexual assault with honesty and humor. The book moves between laugh-out-loud funny moments and moving reflections on serious topics, creating a balanced narrative that feels both entertaining and meaningful.
Union’s willingness to share vulnerable stories while maintaining her signature wit makes this an excellent choice for discussions about resilience and authenticity.
Other Funny Books by Gabrielle Union:
- You Got Anything Stronger?: Follow-up memoir with more stories and insights.
- Welcome to the Party: Children’s book inspired by her daughter.
The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl by Issa Rae
In her debut essay collection, Issa Rae discusses the challenges of being an introvert while navigating expectations of what it means to be “cool” as a Black woman. With a lighthearted tone and frank discussions about stereotypes, Rae shares hilarious personal stories that resonate with anyone who has ever felt socially awkward.
The book celebrates individuality while addressing serious issues like racial bias, making it both funny and thought-provoking.
Other Funny Books by Issa Rae:
- The Lovebirds (screenplay): A couple gets entangled in a murder mystery.
- Insecure (television series): Explores the experiences of modern Black women.
Heartburn by Nora Ephron
This largely autobiographical novel about the breakdown of a marriage is surprisingly funny, thanks to Ephron’s sharp wit and observations about relationships. The story follows food writer Rachel Samstat as she navigates her husband’s affair while seven months pregnant.
The foodie angle adds a unique layer to the narrative, with recipes scattered throughout that complement the emotional journey. Ephron’s ability to find humor in heartbreak makes this a classic that remains relevant today.
Other Funny Books by Nora Ephron:
- I Feel Bad About My Neck: Essays on aging and womanhood.
- I Remember Nothing: More reflections on life and memory.
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
As a third-year Ph.D. candidate, Olive Smith doesn’t believe in lasting romantic relationships but finds herself pretending to date Adam Carlsen, a notoriously difficult professor. What begins as a fake relationship slowly transforms into something real in this academic rom-com full of witty dialogue and hilarious situations.
The STEM setting provides a fresh backdrop for exploring themes of ambition, trust, and the complications of love, making it both intellectually engaging and romantically satisfying.
Other Funny Books by Ali Hazelwood:
- Love on the Brain: Another STEM romance featuring a neuroscientist.
- Love, Theoretically: Rival physicists collide in fake dating shenanigans.
Beach Read by Emily Henry
January Andrews writes bestselling romance novels while Augustus Everett is an acclaimed author of literary fiction. When they become neighbors for the summer, they make a pact: he’ll try writing something happy, and she’ll attempt serious literature.
The resulting creative exchange leads to field trips worthy of rom-com montages and hilarious clashes between their opposing worldviews. This enemies-to-lovers story explores grief, creativity, and love with both humor and depth.
Other Funny Books by Emily Henry:
- People We Meet on Vacation: Two friends who take annual vacations together.
- Book Lovers: A literary agent and editor find love in a small town.
Confessions of a Domestic Failure by Bunmi Laditan
This hilarious take on modern motherhood follows Ashley Keller as she attempts to become the perfect mom after leaving her career. Her misadventures include failed Pinterest projects, disastrous attempts at organic cooking, and generally struggling to meet unrealistic standards.
The book’s relatability and humor about the pressures facing mothers make it both funny and validating for women navigating similar challenges, offering plenty of discussion points about societal expectations.
Other Funny Books by Bunmi Laditan:
- The Honest Toddler: A parenting guide from a toddler’s perspective.
- Toddlers Are A**holes: It’s Not Just Yours*: Humorous take on toddler behavior.
Dear Committee Members by Julie Schumacher
Through a series of passive-aggressive letters of recommendation, professor Jason Fitger provides an inside look at the absurdities of academia. His department faces budget cuts, his writing career is stagnant, and his personal life is messy, all of which comes through in his increasingly abrasive correspondence.
The epistolary format creates consistent humor while offering sharp commentary on university politics and the challenges of higher education.
Other Funny Books by Julie Schumacher:
- The Shakespeare Requirement: Sequel continuing Fitger’s academic misadventures.
- The Body Is Water: A novel about a pregnant woman returning home.
The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson
Allan Karlsson escapes his nursing home on his 100th birthday and embarks on an unexpected adventure, meeting various eccentric characters along the way. The story alternates between Allan’s present-day journey and flashbacks to his extraordinary life, where he somehow influenced many significant historical events.
The absurd situations and dry humor make this a delightful read that explores themes of freedom, friendship, and the unexpected ways one life can impact the world.
Other Funny Books by Jonas Jonasson:
- The Girl Who Saved the King of Sweden: A South African girl changes history.
- Hitman Anders and the Meaning of It All: A hitman finds religion and chaos ensues.
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
Trevor Noah’s memoir of growing up in apartheid South Africa balances serious themes with hilarious storytelling. His experiences as a mixed-race child in a country where his existence was technically illegal are presented with humor and insight, highlighting the absurdities of racism while celebrating his mother’s resilience.
The book offers both laugh-out-loud moments and profound insights into race, identity, and survival, making it excellent for discussion.
Other Funny Books by Trevor Noah:
- It’s Trevor Noah: Born a Crime: Young readers edition of his memoir.
- The Daily Show with Trevor Noah: Political comedy and commentary.
The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick
Set in 1960s Virginia, this novel follows Margaret Ryan, who appears to be living the American dream but feels unfulfilled. When she starts a book club with other neighborhood women to discuss The Feminine Mystique, they begin questioning the societal expectations placed on women.
The humorous yet thought-provoking story explores female friendship, self-discovery, and the early days of feminism, offering plenty of discussion points about how much has changed—and how much hasn’t.
Other Funny Books by Marie Bostwick:
- Esme Cahill Fails Spectacularly: A woman rebuilds her life after failure.
- The Restoration of Celia Fairchild: A advice columnist starts over in Charleston.
Class Mom by Laurie Gelman
Jen Dixon takes on the role of kindergarten class mom with her unconventional approach that doesn’t sit well with all the parents. Her sarcastic emails and disregard for traditional school politics create hilarious situations as she navigates parent dynamics and school events.
The book’s humor comes from Jen’s irreverent perspective on motherhood and the often-absurd world of school parenting, making it highly relatable for women with children.
Other Funny Books by Laurie Gelman:
- Yoga Pant Nation: Sequel following Jen’s further misadventures.
- Smells Like Tween Spirit: Jen deals with middle school challenges.
Conclusion:
Funny Book Club Books for Women offer more than entertainment they provide a shared language for discussing life’s challenges with humor and perspective. For women’s book clubs, these selections create opportunities to explore meaningful topics while building connections through shared laughter.
The books listed above represent diverse voices and styles of humor, ensuring every book club can find something that resonates with their members.
We’d love to hear about your experiences with these books or other humorous titles that have brought joy to your book club. Share your thoughts in the comments below, and happy reading!