Comedy is an interesting genre. What some people find funny, others deem stupid or offensive. Here are some books that my students found funny and interesting.
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian by Sherman Alexie.
http://www.amazon.com/Absolutely-Part-Time-Indian-Collectors-Edition/dp/0316068209/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1336186739&sr=1-1
Who would have thought that poverty, racial stereotypes and teen angst...
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Comedy is an interesting genre. What some people find funny, others deem stupid or offensive. Here are some books that my students found funny and interesting.
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian by Sherman Alexie.
http://www.amazon.com/Absolutely-Part-Time-Indian-Collectors-Edition/dp/0316068209/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1336186739&sr=1-1
Who would have thought that poverty, racial stereotypes and teen angst could be so funny? This book always makes students laugh, but has something real to say.
A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket
http://www.amazon.com/The-Beginning-Series-Unfortunate-Events/dp/0064407667
Although you might think this series is just for kids, you have to be a little bit older to get most of the jokes. These 13 books are a real treasure, and a quick read.
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz
http://www.amazon.com/The-Brief-Wondrous-Life-Oscar/dp/1594489580
I read this one a few years ago, and it still has me shaking my head. It is actually very funny though. The footnotes are just as humorous as the story!
Everything is Illuminated by Jonathan Safran Foer
This one is not your typical comedy either, since it involves genocide in World War II and Jewish issues. However, it is very funny in parts and quite a good read.
http://www.amazon.com/Everything-Is-Illuminated-A-Novel/dp/0060529709/ref=la_B001IGLMTI_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1336187263&sr=1-4
Here are some lists where you can find something good:
http://www.infoplease.com/entertainment/books/teen-read-week-funny.html
http://www.duluth.lib.mn.us/youthservices/booklists/funny.html
Here are a few ideas:
- Catch 22 by Joseph Heller (http://www.enotes.com/catch22)
- Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut(http://www.enotes.com/cats-cradle-kurt-vonnegut)
- Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole (http://www.enotes.com/confederacy-dunces)
Each of these novels offers some humor and some insight into the absurbdity of society.