5 Books That Will Make You Laugh: ft WORLDS LAUGHTER DAY

5 Books That Will Make You Laugh: ft WORLDS LAUGHTER DAY

World Laughter Day celebrates the joyous power of laughter and its profound capacity to rejuvenate and heal. It serves as a poignant reminder of the significance of humour and laughter in our everyday existence.

Held annually on the first Sunday of May, it seeks to spotlight the myriad benefits of laughter. This occasion encourages people to relax, forge connections, and partake in laughter-inducing activities, often participating in group laughter sessions.

The idea behind World Laughter Day is to spread the message that laughter is a powerful tool for improving physical and mental health, reducing stress, and enhancing social connections. The day is celebrated through various events and activities such as laughter yoga sessions, comedy shows, and community gatherings where people come together to laugh and spread joy. The aim is to create a positive and uplifting atmosphere that promotes laughter, happiness, and well-being.

Life is nothing short of a movie. It is full of action, drama, comedy, and angst. Sometimes, life makes us laugh out loud whereas other times it makes us cry tears of angst. In the last few years, we all have seen some pretty dark stuff. The pandemic and the number of wars has left the world numb with terror and tragedy. Despite this, we should never let life get the best of us. Finding little moments of joy and snippets of laughter are the things that we all need to live a sane and healthy life. Keeping this in mind, Dr. Madan Kataria first came up with the concept of World Laughter Day in the year 1998. Since then, every first Sunday in the month of May is celebrated as World Laughter Day worldwide.

What better place to find laughter and joy than in books? Over the centuries, a plethora of humorous books have been published. From witty nonfiction treatises to fun romantic comedies, there is a wide gamut of books in the genre of comedy.

Here is a selection of books that will make you laugh out loud and keep you company not only on World Laughter Day this May but any day of the year.

 1. THE HITCHHIKER’S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY by DOUGLAS ADAMS

Our first pick is the classic sci-fi comedy, "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" by Douglas Adams. Join the bewildered Arthur Dent as he finds himself on an intergalactic adventure, guided by the eccentric and charmingly absurd Hitchhiker's Guide. Adams' unique brand of humor and satire is sure to leave you in stitches. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking a lighthearted and thought-provoking escape into the cosmos.

Imagine you were living your everyday ordinary life and then suddenly a mysterious loudspeaker announces that Earth will be demolished soon? Because it's in the way of a new hyperspatial express route? Luckily for Arthur Dent, his best friend turns out to be an extra-terrestrial who helps him escape the weird construction mayhem. But by doing so, the unsuspecting human is thrown into a vast galaxy beyond. A hilarious and life-altering adventure has just begun.

2. THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG AT THE NIGHT TIME by MARK HADDON

Christopher Boone is a 15-year-old boy with Asperger's syndrome who lives with his father. He loves mathematics, dogs, and Sherlock Holmes. He hates the colour yellow and brown and also dislikes being touched. One night he is shocked to find his neighbour’s dog is killed with a garden fork. Christopher takes matters into his own hands and decides to find the murderer. Will Christopher ever be able to solve this murder?

Despite the serious undertones, Christopher’s literal thinking, candid observations, and quirky perspective on everyday situations often result in unintentionally hilarious moments. It’s a book that makes you chuckle while also warming your heart. Perfect for a feel-good read, this novel reminds us that laughter can be found in the most unexpected places, even in a mystery. A brilliant pick for anyone in need of both joy and insight.

3. GOOD OMENS by NEIL GAIMAN & TERRY PRATCHETT

Before she exploded, Agnes Nutter (Witch) was very clear: the world will end on a Saturday. So, naturally, everything is going to shit, but an unlikely pairing; an angel and a demon, have grown accustomed to living among the mortals here on Earth and team up to sabotage the End Times. From antics with the Antichrist (he’s taken home by the wrong family and named Adam) to the summoning of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (they’ve got some big personalities), Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett have spun a raucous tale about Good, Evil, and everything in between.

If you're looking for a blend of the supernatural and satire, "Good Omens" is the perfect choice. In this collaborative work by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, you'll discover the delightful and unlikely friendship between an angel and a demon trying to prevent the apocalypse. The humor in this book is nothing short of divine. "Good Omens" offers a witty and imaginative take on the age-old battle between good and evil.

4. THE 100-YEAR-OLD MAN WHO CLIMBED OUT THE WINDOW AND DISAPPEARED by JONAS JONASSON

This book is a perfect pick for World Laughter Day. Imagine a 100-year-old man escaping from his nursing home and accidentally landing in an adventure filled with crime lords, elephants, and a suitcase full of cash! This quirky, laugh-out-loud novel is packed with absurd situations and dark humor that will keep you entertained from start to finish.

Allan, the main character, is like a vodka-loving, explosive-expert version of Forrest Gump. As the story jumps between his present-day runaway adventure and hilarious flashbacks of his accidental involvement in major historical events, you can’t help but laugh at the sheer ridiculousness of it all. With its satirical tone and outrageous storytelling, this book is a reminder that laughter truly knows no age. A must-read for those who love their humor, smart, silly, and slightly explosive. 

5. WHERE’D YOU GO, BERNADETTE by MARIA SEMPLE

For those who love humor blended with a touch of mystery, this book is a true gem. When Bernadette Fox, a brilliant but socially awkward architect, vanishes just before a family trip to Antarctica, her daughter Bee takes matters into her own hands. Told through emails, letters, and documents, the story unfolds in a hilarious and heartfelt way as Bee pieces together the puzzle.

Maria Semple’s sharp humor shines throughout the novel, especially as she pokes fun at the quirks of Seattle’s upper class. It’s a witty, engaging read that keeps you laughing while keeping you hooked on the mystery. This book proves that laughter and curiosity make the perfect pair, and it’s just right for anyone celebrating World Laughter Day with a good story and a lot of smiles.

Laughter is the best medicine. It not only makes us happy but also strengthens our immune system and lessens our stress. Finding laughter is no easy feat, especially in today’s high-stress world. Nevertheless, it is up to us to take little breaks from reality and get our dose of happiness, and these best comedy novels provide a fantastic escape from the everyday grind. Whether you’re looking for wit, absurdity, or a touching story wrapped in humour, this list offers something for everyone.

As you immerse yourself in these stories, they’ll ignite inspiration and resonate deeply with the spirit within you, evoking laughter and fostering growth, renewal, and a renewed perspective on life. Enjoy reading!