Book picks similar to
The Theory of Comedy by Elder Olson


ai-epistemology-philosophy-of-mind
humour
nonfiction
theatre

You've Done What, My Lord?: Hilarious tales from a country estate


Rory Clark - 2000
    However, when James Aden takes up the position of Deputy Agent he does not realise the full extent of what the job entails.He finds himself spending his days negotiating with royalty, farmers, and even wildlife, as well as the imperious Lady Leghorn. In order to survive, James must come to terms with his role quickly, and not let himself get too distracted by Sophie, the pre-college assistant.

Who Stole My Spandex?: Life in the Hot Flash Lane


Marcia Kester Doyle - 2016
    Who Stole My Spandex? is a witty selection of stories from Doyle’s madcap world of menopausal pitfalls, wardrobe malfunctions, and a family full of pranksters. This clever compilation includes laugh-out-loud pieces like "Queen of Klutz,” "One Size Fits None," and "Hands off my Egg Roll!" From couples' colonoscopies to nightmare holidays to disappearing spandex, no topic—no matter how crazy or unimaginable—is too taboo. With a heavy dose of self-deprecating humor, and a dash of sentiment, this marvelous collection of anecdotes will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt the call of nature at exactly the wrong time. Welcome to the nuthouse that Marcia Kester Doyle calls home.

Batman's guide to Life: Breaking myths since 1994


Chetan Soni - 2018
    During this time, I happened to cross a tunnel and kept on thinking while crawling my way out that “will there be light at the end of the tunnel?” Indeed there was. As I came out and dropped on my knees with my hands raised in air I heard a whisper, “What do you seek?” and the first words which came out of my mouth were “Sarcasm O’ Dear Lord.”

The Wicked Wit of Prince Philip


Karen Dolby - 2017
    In the seventy years since, his wit (and the occasional ‘gaffe’) has continued to endear him to the nation, as he travelled the world taking his unique and charmingly British sense of humour to its far-flung corners. Hailed as a god by a tribe in Vanuatu, the Prince has had his fair share of brickbats from the media nearer home, but his outspokenness never fails to raise laughs – and eyebrows.From notorious one-liners to less newsworthy witticisms and from plain speaking to blunt indifference, the Prince does what we all wish we could do now and again – forgets polite conversation and says what he thinks. In the year in which the Prince has stepped down from his royal duties, this joyous and timely book celebrates his wry humour and supremely wicked wit.

You're Not Helping...


Ryan Patricks - 2014
    His book, You’re Not Helping… is a collection of short comedy articles that guide you through his delightful, inventive, and often nonsensical take on everything from attention-seeking dolphins to home invasions by the The Barenaked Ladies. You’re Not Helping… blends both humor and heart in what literary critics around the world are describing as “technically a book.” Join the 10s of readers worldwide enchanted by Ryan’s unique brand of wit.Ryan Patricks lives in San Francisco via Philadelphia. He is an aspiring comedy writer and once saw John Cusack at a Jamba Juice. You can follow him on Twitter @Ryan_Patricks or you can choose not to, it’s totally up to you.

Rolling with the Punchlines: A Memoir


Urzila Carlson - 2020
    Urzila talks candidly about her childhood with a great family, apart from her abusive dad, and about growing up in South Africa. She shares crazy but true tales about her OE, her move to New Zealand, coming out, getting married and having children, and her life in comedy. This is a great listen from one of our most loved and most popular comedians.

How to (Almost) Make Friends on the Internet


Michael Cunningham - 2020
    And one very annoyed world.Based on the ingenious Sir Michael Twitter account, How to (Almost) Make Friends on the Internet is the funniest book you'll read this year.Whether it's offering his services as a Karate Lawyer or Funeral DJ, devising the world's worst plan to get a free haircut, or trying to buy a blue bucket that may or may not be for sale, Michael just wants to connect with people.The only problem is that people are slightly less enthusiastic about connecting with him, and the results are utterly hilarious.Warning: you'll never think about adding someone called Michael to a group chat the same way ever again.

How to Write Effective Emails at Work: 6 Keys that will take your Email Writing Skills to the Next Level


Ramakrishna Reddy - 2017
    By drawing from a decade of experience as a techie, he has created a concise and practical book 'How to Write Effective Emails at Work' You’ll learn: - three important aspects of an email - four situations when we should not write - five tools to get attention - how to smartly respond to emails - the most important benefit of an email - how to get more work done using emails Learn the Six Keys and take your email writing skills to the next level. Pick up a copy of this book and enjoy this quick read.

Reflections of Sunflowers (The Sunflowers Trilogy Series)


Ruth Silvestre - 2004
    In 1976 their dream of owning a peaceful summer retreat came true when they stumbled across this derelict farmhouse surrounded by fields and orchards, and saw what it could become. Over the years there has been the inevitable sadness, but also the joys of new grandchildren, anniversaries, village fetes, and splendid meals taken with their neighbours. And whilst the family has seen many changes in its time, the warm and welcoming atmosphere they first fell in love with has remained the same. Now they face their own personal tragedy, but through all their sorrows Bel-Air continues to be a place of hope and happiness, as well as extraordinary beauty.

The Importance of Being Roger


Raymond M. Hall - 2016
    He doesn’t intend things to fall apart around him, but they generally do just that! Since childhood, he hated the surname fate pushed upon him by an uncaring father and a doting mother. His father abandons the family in order to run off with a ‘slapper’ from his workplace, leaving a bitter wife who’s only solace is the local Catholic priest. Father Reilly’s visits to her home are the only relief from the day to day drudgery. Roger befriends a girl, Mary, and at last finds something worthwhile in his young life. But, Mary lets him down when she goes off with Roger’s arch enemy, Billy Brown. Roger’s faith in women is destroyed and he vows never to become involved again, which is not difficult for Roger who appears to take very little interest in anything of a physical nature. The story takes the reader through Roger’s school days, university, and his dramatic entrance into the workforce. At first, Roger’s naivety causes all kinds of hilarious disasters, some of them with fatal consequences. Later in life, as he matures, he becomes more calculating, always putting himself first in order to take advantage of a situation. From time to time he touches base with home and his first love, Mary; never realising that the torch she once carried for him still burns brightly. In the vein of Tom Sharpe and Ben Elton, this story leads the reader through life according to Roger. You will either love him or hate him; however, you will almost certainly know someone just like him!

Over 250 Facts About Harry Potter


Braunwyn Juhlin - 2020
    This book contains over 250 of the most amazing facts about Harry Potter which are entertaining, interesting, funny, and sometimes you can't quite believe! For example, did you know there are 700 fouls which can be committed in the sport quidditch? Did you also know there are 142 staircases at Hogwarts? I very much doubt it, so if you'd like to find out more facts like these, then give it a read! You'll find out things you never knew about: The Characters, Hogwarts, The Actors, The History Of Magic and lots more!

Nursing Raw and Uncut


Stella Joseph - 2014
    Have you ever wondered what nurses do behind closed curtains? Nursing has evolved from the abstract image of its predecessors wearing the perfect cap atop a perfectly shaped bun. This unveiling will give you a glimpse into their world. From their perspective. It doesn’t always match the vision of Florence Nightingale sitting and praying over the patient for a speedy recovery. What you will discover in this true account may shock some, and enlighten many—whether it’s about the nurses who have to protect themselves from that angry patient throwing unmentionables at them, or the ones being threatened by the use of excrements as a weapon. Health care is changing at a rapid speed that only CEO’s can keep up with. Bedside nursing has gone beyond the bounds of possibility. The many tasks and activities—along with increased acuity’s—creates an insurmountable work load. Nurses are a unique group, not divided by race, age, or religion. We are united by our humanity, and it takes a special disposition to fulfill this calling.

The Ultimate Key Steps to Self-Discipline


Steve Chandler - 2017
    The Ultimate Key Steps to Self-Discipline

SS Panzer: Sherman Killers (Eyewitness panzer crews) Panther & Jagdtiger against Shermans


Sprech Media - 2015
    . . The turret was rolling away when the Sherman ignited . . . a bright orange flame shot up, followed by a mushroom cloud explosion. . . flashes of tracer exploded across the battlefield . . . I must pay tribute to the crew of the second Sherman, who seemed undaunted . . ." Recorded by researchers in 1962, these three eyewitness statements by former Waffen SS panzer crewmen relate the sheer violence and aggression of tank combat between the late-war panzers and the Allied Sherman variants. Italy 1944: An SS Panther stands guard over a stricken Elefant tank destroyer, as US Army Shermans move in for the kill. Includes a rare account of the Sherman calliope in action. Normandy 1944: Two Panthers and supporting infantry cause havoc in a British supply line, including combat against the Sherman Firefly and Churchill Crocodile. The Ardennes 1945: A Jagdtiger takes on a series of Shermans in the final stages of the Ardennes campaign, told in ruthless clarity by the Jagdtiger's 128mm gun crew. With ice-cold detail, phenomenal drama and sense of crisis, these first-hand accounts stand out today as one of the most remarkable testimonies to the experience of tank warfare in WW2. They will fascinate anyone interested in tank combat, the Waffen SS, the Sherman variants in action and the use of armor from 1941 to 1945. The complete collection of these unique interviews, covering panzer battles from Barbarossa to Berlin, is available in the Sprech Media book 'SS Panzer SS Voices.'

GYPSIES: I married a Romany! Honest, raw and extremely funny!


Nell R. Loveridge - 2017
    When you think about the kind of guy you are going to marry, a Romany living in an old caravan does not normally come to mind! Can't think why, can you?! So, there I was. 19 years old and fed up with 'normal' guys who only wanted one thing. Yep you guessed it! But then.... along comes this guy, tall, skinny, bad hair, ugly/handsome..... did I say bad hair? Oh yes! And that was just the beginning! But little did I know that he was a gypsy! Oh boy! Gypsies and gorgi's don't mix.....do they? I was about to find out! Honest, raw, colourful, and downright hilarious! Based on the true story of Nell Rose Loveridge and Jake her gypsy rover!