From Mic to Memoir: 2025's Best & Boldest Comedy Books to Read and Gift

The actual homeowner reveals what it was like to live in this gorgeous Winnetka home during the filming of Home Alone and its aftermath.

An archaeological expedition into a fabulously successful life in comedy.

He wasn’t just a Loooooocy-shouting dreamboat. His revolutionized television and the way we watch comedy.

A book for the Lucy fan who has everything … and for anyone who loves messy, beautiful, real-life romance. This collection of love letters was discovered after Lucy’s death and it’s all here.

Nate Bargatze went from sweeping the steps at Opryland to fledgling comedian in Chicago (and working as a server at Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap). Fast forward to 2024 where he headlined the Hollywood Bowl with Seinfeld, Jim Gaffigan and Sebastian Maniscalco. He also – full circle – filmed a special at Opryland. These days, you can still catch him coming through Chicago, but now he’s headlining the United Center … where his opening act just may be his magician dad.

How to turn exploding Pop Tarts into a Pulitzer Prize andhow he became a writer who makes people laugh in the best and worst of times. How is Dave Barry 77 already?!

A breezy, fun read of true-life stories, “red flag” lists and quizzes. This book reminded me of the “magazines” my best friend and I drew for each other as kids instead of doing our homework. But this is a grown-up version with topics like social anxiety, friendship and the art of being emotionally lighter.

I get mad when celebrities publish “new” editions of their memoir and just throw in a new chapter. (Like the paperback edition of “Spare” with the spare chapter, Prince Harry!) But I’m not mad about Rachel Bloom. The extra chapter here is for Crazy Ex-Girlfriend super fans who wanted more detail about the show’s creative process. Worth it.

A celebration of fifteen seasons of outstanding animation published by world-class artbook imprint Rizzoli. Go behind the scenes with Bob’s Burgers creator Loren Bouchard. Delve into his creative process, personal archives and never-before-seen sketches. For gift-giving, pair it with “The Bob’s Burgers Re-Recipe Box: Real Recipes for Joke Burgers” which also came out this year.

This audioplay asks WTF do you do when your instagrammed podcasted life looks golden, but IRL it’s falling to pieces. Recorded with a full cast.

Includes exclusive interviews with John Candy’s close friends Dan Aykroyd, Chevy Chase, Tom Hanks, Ron Howard, Steve Martin, Catherine O’Hara, Martin Short and more. Goes well with the recent documentary “John Candy: I Like Me” (Amazon Prime).

This book covers Sid Caesar’s complete, brilliant career – in all its ups and downs – and places it within the context of television history. There are unique questions like was Your Show of Shows a Jewish show in particular? Also, fresh insights into the unparalleled writers room which included Imogene Coca, Carl Reiner, Woody Allen, Mel Brooks, Lucille Kallen, Neil Simon and Larry Gelbart. Find out how this fusion of creative genius came up with things like “This is Your Story,” one of the best sketches in television history. There have been books about Sid Caesar before, including several he authored himself, but lots of original questions asked and answered in depth in this one.

Larry Charles is one of the original creators of Seinfeld, and an executive producer and director on Curb Your Enthusiasm and Entourage, and showrunner for Mad About You. His film credits include Borat, Bruno, The Dictator, Religulous and Masked and Anonymous, which he co-wrote with Bob Dylan. If his comic sensibility resonates with you, this is the book you’ve been waiting for (I’ve been waiting for it).

“The Accidental Artist” is stories and drawings from Scottish comedian Billy Connolly. He’s the recipient of a BAFTA lifetime achievement award and was voted UK’s favorite standup though he now lives in the U.S. As one Amazon reviewer said, “I read this collection on a particularly grotty day and it certainly lifted my mood.”

Andy Corren wrote an obituary for his mother, “a plus-sized Jewish lady redneck” and it went viral. Here he tells the rest of the story. Andy Corren is a playwright, talent manager and former standup.

Known as Dr. Frank-N-Furter, Pennywise, and King Arthur in Spamalot. It’s impossible to imagine anyone else in these roles. In later years, he’s had to recover from a devastating stroke. A true story of invention, orginality and resilience.

His first attempt at comedy failed. Decades later, he willed himself to try again and this time he became an undeniable icon. Here’s how Rodney Dangerfield went from Point A to Point B with no respect.

Vir Das grew up in Africa, India, and even has Chicago roots from his years at Knox College and working at the Grand Luxe Cafe. He has been banned in several places for his outspoken political and social commentary. Struggling as an outsider for so long gave him an interesting perspective on comedy and speaking your mind. Turns out that feeling like a misfit can be a recipe for success.

A complete compendium for Curb fans. Early Larry David anecdotes and artifacts, conversations with the show’s stars, interviews with guests and a ton of writing stuff like those famous show outlines. Really the perfect book for Curb fans. My only complaint is not enough Maria-Sofia Estrada. But otherwise, pretty pretty perfect.

Secrets of the Onion’s success and longevity. The supple mind behind the AV Club and the Onion takes you through the long nights, health obstacles, near-deaths, run-ins with the law, trauma and general mayhem – in other words, the recipe for those unforgettable headlines and content.

It wasn’t easy to break into UK standup as a woman in the 1980s, but Jenny Eclair created an enduring 40-year career.

Also from the UK, Krystal Evans grew up poor with a mentally unstable mom, her mom’s shady friends, and a pet wolf. She also survived a tragic housefire and rejection from summer “burn camp.” Not an easy life, but she rose above with her wonderful wit intact.

Alex P. Keaton by day and Marty McFly by night. How did Michael J. Fox create two iconic roles simultaneously? When did he sleep? It was a 24-7 challenge and some people in his life accepted that, others weren’t pleased. Includes interviews with cast and crew and new revelations about the making of Full House, Back to the Future, and the roots of Michael J. Fox’s famous determination and energy.

Refreshing transparency. “Lessons learned flat on my face” from KevOnStage. As Tabitha Brown said, “I’m so happy Kev failed, because these stories will set so many free from perfection!” Sounds like the liberation we all need.

A really interesting life and more profound that I expected. Iconic animation (voicing Olaf in Frozen) to Broadway (Elder Cunningham in Book of Mormon). There was also rejection. There was also generational trauma embedded in his DNA. A surprising life story told in a series of personal essays.

A former lawyer who thank goodness found her true calling when her daughter dared her to go on stage. Known for her acerbic takes on her own family’s drama, Zarna Garg is a super fast-rising comedy star … with upcoming Chicago dates! (The Riviera, April 25, 2026). If you don’t already know her, listen to the 2023 “Math or Magic” episode of This American Life.

With an academic bent and focus on the American right-wing, this book critiques the ways comedy can go off the rails.

This rap artist and humorist is very funny – and brave enough to get personal about some really hard times. A study in resilience and optimism.

This debut novel blends my three favorite genres: comedy, romance, and the history of Israel-Palestine. Mia Almas, a New York fact-checker by day and a secret stand-up by night, is on a quest to find her comedic voice and a shot at love with her colleague Jackson. As a third-culture kid raised in a loving, traditional Palestinian American family, claiming her place onstage comes with some complications. Meanwhile, her grandmother’s story in 1940s Palestine—told in alternating chapters—is an equally riveting search for love and selfhood.

In addition to the outstanding story, I really appreciate the author’s refusal to politicize any character’s identity. That happens all too often these days, but never here. Mia, Jackson, her family, and friends are fully dimensional humans: Jackson is an Ethiopian Jew, her grandmother’s chapters portray Arab–Jewish relationships with warmth and nuance, and the whole novel radiates empathy. It’s a funny, romantic, authentic, deeply layered book about love and comedy and love of comedy.

A Jimmy Fallon Summer Book Club Finalist in 2025.

Looking back at life from age 50, but more reflections than tell-all. Since I’m currently binging Grace & Frankie, my favorite chapter is when, out of the blue, Chelsea is summoned to Jane Fonda’s house.

Dyslexia threw a lot of obstacles at Phil Hanley and landed him on some unlikely surprising paths (including a stint as a runway model) but also got him to standup comedy which turned out to be the most healing path of all.

A bestseller in the UK, this book covers the British sitcom star’s battles with Lyme Disease and misdiagnosis of ME/CFS.

He appeared thirteen times at the Edinburgh Fringe, had several series on the BBC and is a renowned stand-up and musician. You can even find an interview with him on Comedians Defying Gravity! This audiobook is a retrospective of a highly original career in comedy and music.

The beloved actor’s life so far (he looks VERY young, but is 49!). From growing up “profoundly gay” in Texas to disillusionment with a social work career to many years as a struggling actor to co-starring with Bridget Everett in the most excellent HBO series Somebody Somewhere to Emmy Award winner. He was selected to host this year’s National Book Awards, so that tells you something major about his book.

The Groundlings, sitcoms, movies, twelve seasons spanning twenty-four years on Curb, Emmy nominations. When Larry, Jeff and Susie appeared at the Chicago Theatre last November, they were asked what they think of Cheryl Hines now. Almost in unison they said something like, “we can’t/won’t/don’t talk about it!” I love her comedy (those fights with Maria-Sofia!). There’s so much more to Cheryl Hines than RFKJR. I’m confused and really want to read, but getting from the library.

An autobiography in short, poignant, often very funny vignettes from this Skokie native, poet, and recipient of the National Book Critics Circle Award and the National Jewish Book Award. Some of the vignettes echo the author’s poetry with this format allowing him to reveal many more details. Powerful comedy and elegy all in one lovely, original package.

Jeffrey Holland is a UK sitcom star whose character interpretation helped shape classic BBC comedy. He worked with Sir John Gielgud and Elton John and is impressive enough to have stepped into Peter Sellers’ role for the Goon Show’s 50th anniversary tribute.

Who knew? Michael Kosta was a professional tennis player pre-Daily Show. Lots of entertaining misadventures in sports and comedy, from sets to setbacks. Very funny and poignant.

How did three unemployed actor friends create one of TV’s biggest hits? Here’s the tell-all. If you’re giving this book as a gift, pair it with Mattel’s It’s Always Sunny play set.

Matteo Lane got his comedy start in Chicago! I saw him early in his career at “Comedians You Should Know” at Timothy O’Toole’s. It was one of the most memorable, hilarious sets I’ve ever seen. (When they say “comedians you should know,” believe them!) Fast forward to 2025 and he has a devoted national following. When Matteo’s cookbook came out this year, he was invited to CBS Mornings, The Today Show, The View, The Drew Barrymore Show, America’s Test Kitchen, and even Bon Appetit magazine. Look for him on Abbott Elementary! He headlines the Chicago Theatre on May 2, 2026. This book and tickets to his show would make an amazing gift for someone you love.

Some of the biggest names in comedy studied with Second City’s Anne Libera. She is also a professor at Columbia College where she established the nation’s first program in comedy writing and performance. She previously authored The Second City Almanac of Improvisation. Her newest book is an insider’s guide to topics like how to write a joke from first pencil scratch to performance, how to create a comic persona, physical comedy, watching comedy as a comedian and much more. Comedy broken down into all the elements. A great book whether you’re starting out or already established and looking for fresh insight.

The host of the “Carson Podcast” spoke with Carson’s friends, family, writers, crew and Tonight Show guests. Surprising anecdotes and a breezy style make for a fun, satisfying read.

The fairytale rise of the Sherman Brothers. Two unlikely, underestimated songwriters with great comedic sensibilities ended up creating some of the most memorable soundtracks in movie history. Unfortunately, in their first meeting with Walt Disney, nerves got the best of them. Read how they won him over (with a spoonful of sugar) and went on to create their legacy. As a gift, this book would go great with Dick Van Dyke’s book below.

The “Girls” star and daughter of Chicagoan David Mamet. Surprisingly relatable. A charming book of addictive essays.

Many of his earlier works all in one place.

Spend a week in the writers room at Saturday Night Live. That’s how former New Yorker editor Susan Morrison structures this book and it makes for an exhilarating read. She alternates those chapters with insights into Lorne Michael’s personal life and secrets to his longevity at SNL’s helm. Lots of nitty gritty detail and it’s all fascinating.

Available for a bargain on Amazon and Walmart.com right now. Originally $50, now less than $20. Maybe due to design flaws. Outstanding photos, but many spread across two pages, burying their midpoint in the binding. Still, readers praise this longtime SNL photographer’s work and the commentary from her and Lorne Michaels – though you’ll have to flip back and forth to the end of the book to read it (also not great design). A signed copy is still $55 at Barnesandnoble.com.

Nine humorous inspirational talks by the Australian comedian-actor-musician charmingly illustrated.

An essay collection about the neurodivergent life from comedian Elyse Myers who is also known as “the Internet’s Best Friend.” With hand-drawn illustrations.

Read on Kindle or listen to audio. A follow up to Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl and an intriguing format for a memoir. This is a collection of six essays. As Issa Rae told People Magazine, it’s “part confession, part reflection and part ‘here’s what I wish I’d known.’ But mostly it’s just me being honest about the weird, wonderful journey from having big dreams to making them a reality.”

A 50th Anniversary celebration. Interviews and behind-the-scenes anecdotes from original cast and crew, exclusive photos and stickers and conversations with famous fans. Curated by Mick Rock, Rocky Horror’s official photographer.

Rob Riggle was a Marine for twenty-three years. He liberated embassies and served in Afghanistan and at Ground Zero. He brings that “Grit, Spit, Never Quit” mentality to comedy and it gives him a distinctive, compelling voice. Great review here at “We Are the Mighty.”

A funny, raw, no-filter account of personal chaos, bad decisions and turning your life around. Jeffery Self’s writing credits include Desperate Housewives and 30 Rock.

Known for Platoon and Wall Street and for comedies like Ferris Bueller, Major League, Two & A Half Men and Spin City (where he earned a Golden Globe). He was born into a charmed life. Martin Sheen is his dad, but still Charlie Sheen had his share of monumental struggles. He’s funny and brutally honest about all of it.

Shemp is a big surprise! I always thought he was a lesser Stooge. Maybe I was resentful about him replacing Curly, but I was petty. He had a hard childhood as the son of new immigrants and suffered from debilitating phobias. But he was also, according to revelations unearthed by Burt Kearns, an influential comedic force, appearing in over one hundred films with the likes of W.C. Fields, Jimmy Steward and Abbott & Costello. He was definitely a comedian of consequence up until the moment of his death way too young at age sixty.

A memoir by Moe’s daughter. I saw this cover and said “Sold!”

A fresh approach: exclusive interviews and a deep dive into the writers’ room during the Simpson’s Golden Age from 1990 to 1998.

For the first time, Rob Reiner, Christopher Guest, Harry Shearer and Michael McKean share the complete behind-the-scenes story of This is Spinal Tap and its sequel Spinal Tap II: The End Continues (now available to stream and coming to HBO MAX on December 12).

Includes Marty DiBergi’s bonus memoir and interviews with Nigel Tufnel, David St. Hubbins, and Derek Smalls, plus never before seen photos, memorabilia, and conversations about that concerning drummer situation.

My favorite genre-within-a-genre is the history of American comedy clubs. Home Club takes you to Minneapolis’ signature Acme Comedy Co. where Mitch Hedberg, Maria Bamford, Pete Lee, and Nick Swardson got their start. But there’s another reason this club is legendary. It’s also the story of how Louis Lee, a Chinese immigrant, went from busboy to club owner, rescuing the club from catastrophe and oblivion and building it into the iconic venue it is today.

Newly published in paperback, this Bukowski-esque novel tells the story of a crash and burn standup tour.

Anecdotes from 100 years of a life well-lived. Ups, downs, regrets, mistakes, disturbing moments, good and bad luck, and making the best of all of it.

This multi-Emmy Award winner has created some of the most entertaining television of the past fifty years. He was head writer for the Academy Awards. He’s written jokes for Billy Crystal, Whoopi Goldberg, David Letterman, Roseanne Barr and Bette Midler. (He turned down Barbra Streisand.) This book is not about any of that. This book is about his worst ideas – and how they made it to airtime. A very funny, charming exposé of some terrible ideas by one of comedy’s funniest, most charming, brilliant personalities. Goes to show, anybody can have an off day and those days make the best stories.

A tribute to the many father figures who made this Emmy nominated comedian the success that he is. I love that the book opens with a tribute to his mom and includes many personal and moving stories from his life so far.

Two best friends talk about overcoming infidelity, divorce, addiction, practicing law, and politics. Their humorous approach has attracted a viral following. This book invites us in for a closer look.