8 (Really Funny) Books to Help You Recover from Handmaid’s Tale

While The Handmaid’s Tale is an incredible work of fiction, it can also seem eerily similar to our current reality. Whether you’re watching, reading it, or or scouring the Internet reading about people watching it, we’re right there with you. Thus, the staff members at Strand curated a list of books to make you laugh during these tense times. No seriously. Stop crying, Tom. We’re here. These aren’t just any funny books; we’re featuring the best memoirs and autobiographies from comedians through the decades.

1. How to Talk Dirty & Influence People, Lenny Bruce (1965)

This autobiography, originally written in a serialized format for Playboy, explores Lenny Bruce’s career from the 1940's on. Bruce pushed societal and political boundaries by challenging religion and openly discussing conversational taboos (like sex!). Many believe Bruce changed the world of comedy and pop culture by expanding the conventions of free speech.

2. Nigger: An Autobiography, Dick Gregory (1964)

Before Dave Chappelle was telling controversial jokes, there was comedian and activist Dick Gregory. Gregory uses dark humor to shed light on political and social issues in the United States during the American Civil Rights Movement. His autobiography explores facets of his difficult childhood and rise to fame during a crucial time in history. Check out one of his most famous jokes: “Last time I was down South I walked into this restaurant, and this white waitress came up to me and said: ‘We don’t serve colored people here.’ I said: ‘that’s all right, I don’t eat colored people. Bring me a whole fried chicken.’”

3. Harpo Speaks!, Harpo Marx and Rowland Barber (1961)

Do you miss the old days of comedy on the big screen? Like when movies were called “motion pictures” and everything was in black and white? Then we have just the thing for you. In this sharply funny autobiography, Harpo Marx reveals the complicated and comedic aspects of his personal and professional life. Harpo speaks in earnest about growing up poor and striking it rich as a silent pantomime in the Marx brothers family comedy act. A must-read for anyone looking to laugh at some old-school comedy.

4. Born Standing Up, Steve Martin (2007)

A candid and hysterical memoir by the comedy legend and multi-talented author, Born Standing Up is Steve Martin in all of his light-haired magnificence. In amusing anecdotes, Martin discusses the discipline that enabled him to become a success. He describes his early life, where he honed his comedic prowess by practicing magic tricks at Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm in sunny California, the height of his stand-up fame in the mid 70's, and the reasoning behind his abrupt departure from the stand-up world in the early 80’s.

5. SeinLanguage, Jerry Seinfeld (1993)

Jerry Seinfeld is well-loved for finding comedy in the mundane aspects of life, and in SeinLanguage, he certainly does not disappoint— except on the cover where George Costanza is no where to be found. Sharing hilarious observations and dissecting quirky habits, Seinfeld reminds us why his prime-time show was such a sensation. Seinfeld covers a multitude of topics in this entertaining and insightful memoir, from dating and friendships to jobs and the media. Nothing is off limits as fodder for comedy.

6. Bossypants, Tina Fey (2011)

Two-time Golden Globe Award winner and writer-goddess Tina Fey tells the tale of how a nerdy teenager transforms into the first female head writer on Saturday Night Live. Using her always-accessible voice, Fey freely discusses how her life ended up in the spotlight, sharing her honest opinion about everything from bizarre Hollywood beauty expectations to what it’s like to juggle being a famous actor, a mother, a head writer, and a Bossypants.

7. Yes Please, Amy Poehler (2014)

In this uproariously funny autobiography, Amy Poehler reveals insight and observations about her business and home life. Sharing intimate photographs, harrowing stories about having kids, and even some personal advice (plus a pop-in story from BJ Novak), Poehler’s first book is full of truths and absolutely refreshing, like a glass of milk on a Sunday.

8. I Can’t Make This Shit Up, Kevin Hart (Available June 6th, 2017!)

How could you pick up this book and not think: “This is going to be the best autobiography ever”? There are PUPPIES ON THE COVER. Are you heartless? Don’t be Hart-less (har-har), because this is book is a must-own for anyone who has made it to the bottom of this list. A story of sheer determination, I Can’t Make This Up reveals Hart’s journey from an unwanted, abused child to a struggling comedian, to a handsome and successful star who can afford not one, but FOUR puppies on his book cover. In this poignant and hilarious debut, Hart shares some life lessons and insight on how he overcame the varied and intense challenges in his life.

Sorry to be a tease, but this book doesn’t hit shelves until June 6th. In the meantime, you can catch Kevin Hart at BookCon for an exclusive conversation with Charlamange Tha God and a meet & greet!

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