Humor
What's So Funny?
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"No mind is thoroughly organized that is deficient in a sense of humor -
Samuel Taylor Coleridge"
"Humor is a rubber sword--it allows you to make a point without drawing blood - Mary Hirsch"
ADULT FICTION & NONFICTION
Agrell, Siri . Bad Bridesmaid: Bachelorette Brawls and Taffeta Tantrums: Tales from the Front Lines. 2007. 395.22 AGR.
After getting kicked out of her friend's bridal party for giving out too much "negative energy"--not to mention never getting reimbursed for the $100-dollar gold shoes she was to wear as a bridesmaid--Siri Agrell puts her and her fans' experiences with brides gone bad together in this hilarious book of anecdotes and advice for the liberated bridesmaid!
Barry, Dave. Dave Barry's Money Secrets: Like, Why is there a Giant Eyeball on the Dollar? 2006. 817 BAR.
Humor columnist and author Dave Barry tackles the funnier side of money in his very own personal finance guide. Discussing such pertinent issues as home ownership, college funding, retirement and taxes, Barry promises to lighten your attitude towards the almighty dollar.
Bolton, Martha. Cooking with Hot Flashes. 2004. 817 BOL.
Martha Bolton's observations about life and growing older nail what everyone feels but can't express. "Who Put All This Sand in My Hourglass Figure," "When I Am Old I Shall Be Purple," and "Allow Me to Repeat Myself. . . Again" are just a few of the topics that will keep her fans--both new and old--laughing as they nod in agreement. To complete her memorable recipe, Martha mixes in an ample sampling of poignant, touching stories, reminding readers what life is about and what is truly important.
Browning, Guy.
Never Hit a Jellyfish with a Spade: How to Survive Life's Smaller
Challenges. 2005. 827 BRO.
A columnist for London's The Guardian, Browning offers a book of delightful drolleries on life and survival in these times. From advice on men and women to tips on how to have a bad day, the author's deadpan British wit will leave you decidedly lighthearted.
Bryson, Bill. Short History of Nearly Everything. 2003. 500 BRY.
One of the world's finest and funniest writers goes on a quest to discover the mysteries of the universe--and comprehend the fascinating, eccentric people who devote their lives to unraveling those big questions.
Cabot, Meg. Queen of Babble. 2006. . FICTION.
Stuck in London with a bad-news boyfriend, fashion-history major Lizzie Nichols flees to France where she mistakenly blurts out her tragic situation to a handsome chateau owner's son. Lizzie's loose tongue continues to cause trouble for her and with whomever she crosses paths in this silly and sweet read.
Carlin, George. When Will Jesus Bring the Pork Chops? 2004. 792.23 CAR.
In a collection of irreverent humor, the author presents his observations and opinions on the foibles and follies of modern life, taking on such topics as the media, the battles of the sexes, hygiene, evasive language, and politics.
Carlson, Tucker. Politicians, Partisans, and Parasites: My Adventures in Cable News. 2003. 070.82 CAR.
In his first book, the genial co-host ("from the right") of CNN's popular "Crossfire" details his adventures in the political business and in television, from the enlightening to the downright hilarious.
Conner, Judy. Southern Fried Divorce. 2005. 306.89 CON.
Conner, older sister of the bestselling Sweet Potato Queen, offers a hilarious memoir of her divorce with the notorious "X." Each chapter includes antics and experiences, with some old-fashioned Southern advice thrown in as a lesson ("Comeuppance watching is big fun. Comeuppance receiving ain't. Avoid it"). Includes deliciously sinful Southern recipes.
Coulter, Ann. How to Talk to a Liberal (If You Must). 2004. 320.513 COU.
This forceful, sarcastic, and often hilarious book offers tips on arguing with liberals, but there is more here than just insults and countless jabs at Bill Clinton, and even her most devoted readers will find much new material in the book. Largely a collection of her syndicated columns from the past decade, "How to Talk to a Liberal" also includes columns that were never released or were rejected by editors.
DeGeneres, Ellen. The Funny Thing Is---- 2003. 817 DEG.
The comic superstar and New York Times bestselling author returns to the page with another hilarious tour de force.
Ferguson, Craig. Between the Bridge and the River. 2006. FICTION.
In this novel from the host of "The Late Late Show," a menagerie of fiendishly funny Scots navigate their way through the entertainment industry. With characters like a drunken televangelist, a vapid sitcom star, even eclectic historical figures such as Carl Jung, Ferguson offers the reader a greater glimpse of his strange and irreverent sense of humor.
Franken, Al. The Truth (With Jokes). 2005. 973.931 FRA.
Al Franken is back with his newest book and his team's latest attempts to expose the truth behind Iraq, Bush's 2004 platform, and many other well-known incidents and allegations happening in politics today.
Frost, Adrianne and Swain, Wilson . I Hate Other People's Kids. 2006. 817 FRO.
Frost and Wilson explore how kids' antics disrupt the daily lives of well-meaning adults, even going as far back as biblical times! ("And they say Jesus loved the little children, all the children of the world, but he never had to dine with one. He chose the lepers.") Features laughter-inducing tips and sidebars.
Gurwitch, Annabelle. Fired! Tales of the Canned, Cancelled, Downsized and Dismissed. 2006. 650.1 GUR.
With submissions from Gurwitch's website on horrible and hilarious firings, the book includes tales of woe from celebrities such as Bill Mahler, Bob Saget, Andy Borowitz and Illeana Douglas.
Huffman, Felicity and Wolff, Patricia . A Practical Handbook for the Boyfriend: For Every Guy Who Wants to Be One/For Every Girl Who Wants to Build One! 2007. 646.77 HUF.
Think men and women are from different worlds? You're right, but they can still meet in the middle with the help of this sassy and in-your-face guide on modern relationships! Huffman and Wolff have created the perfect book for both guys and girls seeking answers to their significant others' "strange" behavior.
Keyes, Marian. Sushi for Beginners. 2003. FICTION.
Ashling Kennedy thinks she's died and gone to journalist heaven when she lands a job at new Irish fashion magazine Colleen. But for Lisa Edwards, a transfer from her posh London office to be Colleen's new editor is the ultimate insult! Vowing to make the magazine a success despite the odds, Lisa, Ashling, and the rest of the staff work themselves near to death while dealing with hilarious and heartbreaking experiences in their personal lives.
Kinsella, Sophie. The Undomestic Goddess. 2005. 817 FOR.
Samantha's stressful lifestyle is finally paying off when finds herself poised to make partner at her firm. But when she discovers a costly mistake that could get her fired, she flees to the countryside where she is promptly assumed to be the new housekeeper of a pompous family! Without a domestic bone in her body, Samantha nonetheless finds herself adapting to her new personaÉbut can she really give up her past?
Maddox. The Alphabet of Manliness. 2006. 818.612 MAD.
Creator of the popular website The Best Page in the Universe, Maddox lives up to his absurd reputation by giving his readers 26 different essays on masculinity for the anti-metrosexual man!
Martin, Steve. The Pleasure of My Company. 2003. FICTION.
From the bestselling author of Shopgirl comes a tender novella of a troubled man who finds love and life in the most unexpected place.
Minkoff, David. Oy! The Ultimate Book of Jewish Jokes. 2006. 808.87 MIN.
Minkoff's joke collection features more than 1,000 jokes on 86 topics including marriage, circumcision, rabbis, and even latkes.
The Onion Presents: Complete News Archives Volume 7, Homeland Insecurity. 2006.
817 ONI.
Humorous newspaper The Onion gives the public a wry, tongue-in-cheek look at the news today in all its glory. With articles on issues such as international oil prices or the silliness of the average American, don't miss this latest collection of the funniest fake news around!
O'Rourke, P. J. On the Wealth of Nations. 2007. 330.153 ORO.
O'Rourke gives a satirical take on his reading of Adam Smith's The Wealth of Nations, offering his readers the chance to not only access this 18th century opus more easily but also to learn of O'Rourke's views on issues such as the World Bank and defense spending.
Rooney, Andrew. Out of My Mind. 2006. 814 ROO.
Rooney's newest collection of comic essays contains his famous commentary on both serious and lighthearted topics. From international conflict to annoying cell phone rings, readers will enjoy Rooney's humorous take on today's issues while appreciating the often thought-provoking topics he addresses.
Savage, Michael. The Political Zoo. 2006. 817 SAV.
Best-selling author and talk-radio persona Michael Savage is back with a book on today's politicians that exposes them as the beasts they are! Make your way through the animal kingdom of politics with this biting and humorous read.
Sedaris, David. Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim. 2003.
817 SED.
With this collection of 27 essays, Sedaris delves into his quirky past and comes up with both humorous and heartbreaking stories of family, friends, and the human comedy.
Smith, Rich. You Can Get Arrested for That: 2 Guys, 25 Dumb Laws, 1 Absurd American Crime Spree. 2006. 349.73 SMI.
Who knew the U.S. had so many absurd laws? British journalist Smith and his buddy travel across the states to break as many arbitrary laws (hunting whales in Utah, tying a giraffe to a telephone pole in Atlanta) as they possibly can with sidesplitting results!
Thompson, James F. The Cubicle Survival Guide: Keeping Your Cool in the Least Hospitable Environment on Earth. 2007. 817 THO.
A book to be pored over by the many cubicle-inhabitors of America, Thompson's guide provides insight into proper cubicle etiquette, communication, and indeed, survival. With topics on communication, exercise, decorating, and even spying, don't miss out on these hilarious tips!
Truss, Lynn. Eats, Shoots and Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation. 2004. 428.2 TRU.
Finally, a book that "gives you permission to love punctuation!" By no means your ordinary grammar book, Truss is determined to show the funnier side of punctuation while hitting home the importance of communicating correctly.
Weisberger, Lauren. Everyone Worth Knowing. 2005. FICTION.
Bette Robertson has just scored a position at a hot PR firm where she finds herself out partying with the crme de la crme in the city's hottest new hideouts. But will her social climbing really give her the life she wants, or is she in danger of forgetting who her true friends are?
Wex, Michael. Born to Kvetch: Yiddish Language and Culture in all its Moods. 2005. 439.109 WEX.
The Jewish people have plenty to "kvetch" aboutÉand the perfect language to do just that in! Wex takes a seriously funny look at curse words, sex, food, death and more in this scholarly yet accessible tome on a language and its cultural influence.
AUDIOBOOKS - COMPACT DISC
Ephron, Nora. I Feel Bad About my Neck and Other Thoughts on Being a Woman. 2006. 814 EPH.
Ephron has put together another collection of her wryly humorous essays on being a woman.
Franken, Al. Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them. 2003. 817 FRA.
Once again, the author of Rush Limbaugh Is a Big Fat Idiot and Other Observations trains his subversive wit directly on the contemporary political scene, leaving the powers-that-be in tatters and his audience in hysterics.
Keillor, Garrison. Plenty of Pretty Good Jokes. 2004. 791.44 PRA.
All the puns, one-liners, knock-knocks, bar jokes, lawyer jokes, light-bulb jokes, third-grade jokes, chicken-crossing-the-road jokes, ethnic jokes, political jokes, regional jokes, blonde jokes, Yo' Mama jibes, and more from eight years of sometimes-annual Joke Shows, during which Garrison, cast, and guests expose their live audience and radio listeners to near-toxic levels of levity.
Moore, Michael. Dude, Where's My Country? 2003. 973.931 MOO.
Moore returns with a bold but hilarious act of sedition as he seeks to overthrow the "Thief in Chief" and effect the kind of grass roots change that will shake the country.
Pastan, Rachel. This Side of Married. 2004. PASTAN.
The Rubin daughters are three eligible sisters from an affluent suburban Philadelphia family whose well-meaning but domineering mother is single-mindedly determined to see them all happily married.
DVDS
Click. 2006. DVD CLICK.
Stressed out by his family and his job, Michael is given a remote control that actually allows him to control his own life and everyone else in it! But is this gift a blessing or a curse?
Date Movie. 2006. DVD DATE.
From the writers of Scary Movie comes this silly, slapstick spoof on current romantic comedies such as Hitch, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Bridget Jones' Diary, and more.
The Devil Wears Prada. 2006. DVD DEVI.
The staff of a high profile magazine lives in fear of their "dragon lady" editor, but Andrea is determined to stick it out as her assistant so that she may gain entry into the world of journalism.
Idiocracy. 2007. DVD IDIO.
Private Joe Bowers, the prototypical Average Joe, wakes up 500 years in the future after being part of a forgotten Army experiment. But instead of progressing intellectually, society has become stupider! Now Joe is the smartest man alive, and has been appointed Vice President. Can he solve all the problems of this dumbed-down world?
John Tucker Must Die. 2006. DVD JOHN.
When three girls discover they're all dating the same guy, a smooth-taking basketball star of their high school, they decide to put their heads together and get revenge!
The Mad Adventures of Rabbi Jacob. 2004. DVD MAD.
An anti-Semitic French businessman on his way to his daughter's wedding unwittingly stumbles on a group of Arab terrorists. He is forced to disguise himself as a Hasidic Jewish rabbi, which leads to one crazy slapstick situation after another.
Mean Girls. 2004. DVD MEAN.
When an American teenager who has been home schooled in Africa moves to New York, she must enter a public high school. Survival of the fittest takes on a whole new meaning when she falls for the ex-boyfriend of the most popular girl in school.
Meet the Fockers. 2004. DVD MEET.
What kind of parents name their son Gaylord Focker? Find out in this sidesplitting sequel to Meet the Parents, when the two quirky families finally meet face to face!
My Super Ex-Girlfriend. 2006. DVD MY.
When Matt discovers that his clingy and neurotic girlfriend is actually G Girl, a crime-fighting superhero, his attempts to end their relationship are thwarted by her vengeful temper!
The Pink Panther. 2006. DVD PINK.
Steve Martin stars as Jacques Clouseau, the loveably inept and indecipherably accented French policeman in this remake of the classic film.
A Prairie Home Collection. 2006. DVD 791.44 FRA.
This DVD set contains highlights from the acclaimed National Public Radio Show A Prairie Home Companion . Guests include Emmylou Harris, Taj Mahal, The Everly Brothers, and Robin and Linda Williams.
The Producers. 2006. DVD PROD.
Matthew Broderick, Nathan Lane, and Uma Thurman star in this laugh-out-loud film about a down-and-out musical producer with a Broadway hit so offensive that it just might make him rich!
Raising Helen. 2004. DVD RAIS.
Helen is living the life she's always dreamed of with her career at a top modeling agency on the rise. But her carefree lifestyle comes to a crashing halt when she suddenly finds herself responsible for her sister's children - Audrey, Henry, and Sarah. No one doubts that Helen is the coolest aunt in New York, but the transformation from super-hip to super-mom is super difficult.
Stranger than Fiction. 2006. DVD STRA.
Harold Crick leads a mundane existence as an IRS auditor until one day he begins hearing a voice narrating his every move and thought. Suddenly, life isn't so predictable anymore!
Compiled by Ed Ashcroft. Updated by Emilia Burka, June 2007.
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