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Comedy, Humor, and Laughter

Do you enjoy April Fool's Day? I admit, prank humor isn't my favorite. But I do love to laugh, and I particularly enjoy reading books of any genre that, somewhere in the course of the novel, make me shed a tear and make me laugh out loud. The best story characters will do that to you.


I'm currently working my way through all the J.D. Robb In Death books, and every single title has dialogue between characters that makes me chuckle. Here's an example:
"I vote the classic crime of passion." Peabody, once again wrapped up like a woman facing the Ice Age, walked out of the building with Eve. "Jewelry, cash, credits, plastic, electronics, fancy sports equipment still on premises, no sign of break-in, obvious signs of hanky-panky."
"How does hanky-panky translate to sex? Who comes up with words like that?" 
What are some books you enjoy for their touch of humor? Name an author who excels at comedy writing. Is there a certain type of humor you relate to most? Leave us a comment!

Please come back and visit us throughout the month of April as the entire team Blood-Red Pencil team explores comedy, humor, and laughter in literature.

Dani Greer is founding member of this blog. You can connect with her at Facebook, Twitter, and The Wild Idealist. She can be a bit of a clown.

Comments

  1. Off the top, I can't think of an example, but I love a reading a book and giggle-snorting at a passage. The image will remain long after I reach "the end."

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  2. I usually don't read funny books, but every book should have some humor, even if it's black humor. Straight serious books must have some light elements to break the darkness.

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  3. I'm currently reading Carl Hiaasen's Basket Case. He adds some good humor in the mix without compromising the suspense and seriousness of the crime story.

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    Replies
    1. I think that touch of humor in crime and any kind of drama makes the characters so much more human.

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  4. Humor certainly adds a lot to any story in any genre. I just finished reading Slightly South of Simple by Kristy Woodson Harvey for review and the humor in the story is a good contrast to some of the heavy life issues that are dealt with by the characters. For me, that is a true reflection of real life as I know many people, my family included, who have always used humor as a stress reliever.

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  5. I love the JD Robb books. So much of the warmth and connection with the characters comes from the humor that you mention here. That humor helps to bring the characters and the books to life for me.

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