I discovered an appalling gap in my book knowledge proficiency this past week. When asked about men, who write humorous books, only two came to mind, Patrick McManus and Craig Johnson. Being someone who really likes to laugh, I found this very disturbing. My goodness, there must be more men who write funny books. A little research provided me with more names to add to my list.
Garrison Keillor came to mind without any research. Fans of public radio know Keillor from his weekly show, “A Prairie Home Companion”. Most of Keillor’s books revolve around the fictitious community of Lake Woebegon, made famous by his radio show. The library has 38 of his books, audio books and some of his “A Prairie Home Companion” radio programs
Steve Hockensmith writes the “Holmes on the Range” detective series. The series stars Otto “Big Red” Amlingmeyer and his brother Gustav “Old Red”. The books are set in the Old West where the two cowboys are detective wannabees. Their hero is Sherlock Holmes, and they solve crimes by “deducifyin’” like their hero. The library has all four of Hockensmith’s books.
Carl Hiaasen novels take a satirical look at Florida, and the people who inhabit it. Hiaasen is often compared to John D. McDonald, but he takes a much more sarcastic view of his home state. He has said about Florida, “The Sunshine State is a paradise of scandals teeming with drifters, deadbeats, and misfits drawn here by some dark primordial calling like demented trout. And you'd be surprised how many of them decide to run for public office." Hiaasen writes crime fiction.
Randy Wayne White also writes about Florida, and he is also called an heir to John D. McDonald. His best-known series features retired NSA agent and marine biologist Doc Ford. The humor in White’s novels comes from the interplay between the recurring characters especially Tomlinson, Doc’s aging hippie/mystic sidekick.
Christopher Moore’s off the wall humor is evident in “Fool”. This is a retelling of the King Lear story from the eyes of King Lear’s jester, Pocket. The kingdom is going to hell in a handbasket, and only Pocket can save the day. This novel is definitely a spoof with plenty of fiendish villains, dimwitted fools, and shaggable wenches. The library only has this one Christopher Moore title. More Moores might be a good idea.
Tom Bodett of Motel 6 "We’ll Leave the Light on for You" fame also writes. (Interestingly, this famous line was an ad-lib.) Bodett originally made a name for himself, as a commentator on NPR’s “All Things Considered”. He has published several collections of his commentaries. The library has a couple of books and an audio book as well as “Williwaw!” which is a juvenile middle grade adventure story, set in Alaska.
Other men who write with humor include Douglas Adams, Dave Barry, Lawrence Block, Bill Bryson, Lewis Grizzard, Peter Mayle, David Sedaris, Donald Westlake and of course the classic American authors James Thurber and Mark Twain. Although this is not an exhaustive list, hopefully readers will find some books by these men that will tickle their funny bone.
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