It’s National Tell-a-Joke Day (and also National Rum Day…but we’re not just here to keep track of excuses for you to drink…), and with all the serious things going on in the world, we definitely need some reasons to laugh. So here are five books by comedians and entertainers that we’re excited to read and we think you should be, too.

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling (2012)

Jeriann: When we were discussing possible books for this list, Bethany said, “I have a Mindy Kaling book I’ve been meaning to read.” I immediately asked what it was, because I also have a Mindy Kaling book I’ve been meaning to read. Of course, it was the same book.

Bethany: Just from the title, I knew I was going to relate to whatever Mindy Kaling had to say in this book. As I read the blurb, I also knew I’d get to read a new perspective on growing up in the United States. 

We’re both excited to dive in, and you can expect a co-review on this one in the upcoming months.

The Princess Diarist by Carrie Fisher

Jeriann: I’ve never read any of Carrie Fisher’s books, but I do have one on my shelf. Not this one, though. I have a pretty typical appreciation for Star Wars, so I’m excited to read some lighthearted behind-the-scenes info about Carrie’s experiences filming the iconic trilogy. I’m definitely planning to cry as well as laugh with this one, as I know from interviews that Fisher is great at sharing personal details that really hit home.

Self-Inflicted Wounds: Heartwarming Tales of Epic Humiliation by Aisha Tyler (2013)

Bethany: This is a collection of essays by Aisha Tyler, wherein she “recounts a series of epic mistakes and hilarious stories of crushing personal humiliation” and helps the reader to learn from her along the way. I was drawn to it by the final line in the Amazon blurb, that said, “Self-Inflicted Wounds: Heartwarming Tales of Epic Humiliation is about the power of calamity to shape life, learning, and success.” I’m all in for the positive influence of calamity. Accepting chaos is a skill that’s definitely useful in my life.

The Last Black Unicorn by Tiffany Haddish

Jeriann: When the movie Girls Trip came out, I saw clips of Tiffany Haddish EVERYWHERE. She was on a million talk shows doing publicity appearances, and that’s when I learned that this woman is hilarious. If you haven’t seen her talk about going on a swamp tour with Jada Pinkett and Will Smith, you should definitely check it out. She was also my favorite actress in Girls Trip, so I’m excited to hear more from her. I say hear, because Haddish narrates the audiobook version of this book, and I’ve read that that’s a great way to experience it. I’m stoked.

Scrappy Little Nobody by Anna Kendrick (2017)

Bethany: I am a huge fan of Anna Kendrick – for no other reason than she is hilarious to watch in interviews. (Seriously, if her interview persona is anything like her in real life, I kinda want to be her friend.) When I found out that she wrote a book, I immediately decided that I would read it. Scrappy Little Nobody is a collection of humorous autobiographical essays about growing up in show biz and learning to live as an adult.

Jeriann: I’ve actually had this sitting on my shelf for a couple years. I sense a media package needing to be sent to Bethany! And also, probably another co-review!

What’s the last book that had you unable to stop laughing?