three books that will make you laugh
by Raphael C. of HIgh Tech High International '14
What makes a good comedic book? What makes the people laugh? These three novels are all about making the reader laugh and find deeper meanings through light-hearted banter and a crazy, twisted plot. Find what makes a book funny and entertaining in these three hidden gems.
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The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
by Douglas Adams - 216 pages In The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, the comedy comes from the author's choice to catch the reader off guard with seemingly random events that sustain the plot. Instead of using traditional jokes, the plot makes us laugh because it is random and disorienting. For instance, the author tells us that Vongon's poetry is the third worst in the galaxy. It had nothing to do with the plot and didn’t add anything, but it was random and unexpected, and that is what kept me reading this book. This book was not filled with witty jokes and comebacks. Instead, it is an odd plot and random events make this type of writing humorous. |
Good Omens
by Terry Pratchett & Neil Gaiman - 288 pages Good Omens starts with two beings: one from Hell, and the other from Heaven. Aziraphale, the angel from Heaven, owns a secondhand bookstore. Crowley, the demon from Hell, drives a 1920’s Bentley. Both realize that Earth isn't such a bad place and shouldn’t be destroyed. The humor in this book stems from the very interesting plot and characters. Aziraphale and Crowley, who are best friends even though they are complete opposites, want to save humanity so they both keep a very close eye on the antichrist. If the antichrist has to choose between good and evil, then that would be the end, and armageddon would begin. They have to work together to keep him away from anything like that. When you read Good Omens, you will remember the funny and clever parts and the great relationship between Good and Evil, Crowley and Aziraphale. |
Lamb
by Christopher Moore - 464 pages In Lamb, the comedy comes from the author's use of dialogue and witty, back-and forth banter. Biff, the main character, has been resurrected by an angel named Raziel to complete the the Bible because he knew Jesus, who he calls Joshua. The author then puts his own twist on history with witty banter that actually had me laughing at loud while reading. Most of us don’t want to read long dialogue that forces you to stop and think when we read a comedy. This book will keep your attention even if you have a short attention span. It doesn't go more than three pages without including something funny. |