Laughing matters! It’s known to improve health and mental perspectives. So, what strikes you as funny? Satire, self-deprecation, snarky sarcasm? For me, I’m a sucker for physical slapstick and dry wit.

The Genre Explorers Book Club took a break from serious reads to try out humorous fiction — seeking books that resonated with our funny bones. Below you’ll find a short list of some of our favorites.

Funny and witty: If you need a good laugh, read “Killers of a CertainAge” by Deanna Raybourn, and discover how four retired female assassins with moxie respond when targeted by their employer. Reader, Jen Goertz, noted that their text communications were hidden under the most garish, cat-themed tracking app called “Menopaws.”

Banter-filled and offbeat: Are you hooked by fast-paced, unconventional stories and relish dialogue that ranges from playful to sarcastic? Consider “Dial A for Aunties” by Jesse Q. Sutanto, “The Spellman Files” by Lisa Lutz, or “I See You’ve Called in Dead” by John Kenney.

Quirky: These stories are for those who delight in eccentric and endearing characters. George Mahood shares how he took extreme measures to introduce joy into his life in this true story, “Every Day is a Holiday.”

Sweet and amusing: Some stories gently entertain by simply bringing a smile to your face. Try “Sourdough” by Robin Sloan and “The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency” series by Alexander McCall Smith.

Upbeat and whimsical: For charmingly playful, try “The Spellshop” by Sarah Beth Durst – an award-winning fantasy romance.

Humorous horror: If horror is more your style, try “Christmas Creeps from the Deep” by D. M. Guay. “The author is hilarious! The dialogue is so funny, I’ve written down quotes,” described Becky Allison.

Children’s humorous reads: Multiple readers found humor in children’s books. “The Wonky Donkey” by Craig Smith, the “How to Train Your Dragon” series by Cressida Cowell, and “Srsly Hamlet” by Courtney Carbone (from the OMG Shakespeare! series) are books for children of all ages. Emily Pedersen explained, “I realized that I like to share humor, so I prefer to read children’s books with my family. We experience the fun and laugh together!”

Joy and happiness: Funny people are gifted at sharing their joy. Stephen Ditto recommends “100 Rules for Living to 100” by Dick Van Dyke and “I Shouldn’t Even Be Doing This!” by Bob Newhart. Ditto revealed, “I remember watching Newhart when I was a kid – he was so funny! He has those perfectly timed pauses!”

These humorous autobiographies point us toward the spring choice for the Genre Explorers Club —memorable memoirs. You can join us by reading and reflecting on the moments that shaped another person’s life.

For title suggestions, browse the “Memorable Memoirs” category in the library catalog and follow the Genre Explorers Book Club on Facebook. 

We invite you to share your reads with us at a book club party at the Kremmling Library on May 11 or the Hot Sulphur Springs Library on May 13. Contact these libraries for party details.

Shelly Mathis is a library associate for Grand County Library District. Reach her at smathis@gcld.org