humorists, american

"#1 New York Times bestselling author Laurie Notaro isn't exactly a domestic goddess--unless that means she fully embraces her genetic hoarding predisposition, sneaks peeks at her husband's daily journal, or has made a list of the people she wants on her Apocalypse Survival team (her husband's not on it). Notaro chronicles her chronic misfortune in the domestic arts, including cooking, cleaning, and putting on Spanx while sweaty (which should technically qualify as an Olympic sport). Housebroken is a rollicking new collection of essays showcasing her irreverent wit and inability to feel shame. From defying nature in the quest to make her own Twinkies, to begging her new neighbors not to become urban livestock keepers, to teaching her eight-year-old nephew about hoboes, Notaro recounts her best efforts--and hilarious failures--in keeping a household inches away from being condemned. After all, home wasn't built in a day. Praise for Laurie Notaro "Notaro is a scream, the freak-magnet of a girlfriend you can't wait to meet for a drink to hear her latest story."--The Plain Dealer "If Laurie Notaro's books don't inspire pants-wetting fits of laughter, then please consult your physician, because, clearly, your funny bone is broken."--Jen Lancaster, author of I Regret Nothing "Hilarious, fabulously improper, and completely relatable, Notaro is the queen of funny."--Celia Rivenbark, author of Rude Bitches Make Me Tired"--.

Jenny Lawson explores her lifelong battle with mental illness. A hysterical, ridiculous book about crippling depression and anxiety? That sounds like a terrible idea. But terrible ideas are what Jenny does best. Furiously happy is about "taking those moments when things are fine and making them amazing, because those moments are what make us who we are, and they're the same moments we take into battle with us when our brains declare war on our very existence." It's the difference between "surviving life" and "living life". This is a book about embracing everything that makes us who we are - the beautiful and the flawed - and then using it to find joy in fantastic and outrageous ways.

A collection of essays that explores the humor of the Old Southwest, drawing on tales, almanac entries, turf reports, historical sketches, and profiles of local characters that reflect the humor of the region from 1830 to 1860.

Examines the final years of Mark Twain's life, covering his persistent humor and wit in old age despite deaths in his family and complicated relations with his daughter, Clara, focusing on his appearance, in 1906, at a meeting at the Library of Congress in a completely white suit, his feuds with other noted individuals, and interactions with the likes of Bram Stoker, Helen Keller, and others.

Tells the life story of American author Mark Twain, drawing from original research including access to previously unpublished correspondence. Discusses his adventurous youth, his world travels, the tragic events that befell his family, and his growth as a writer and social critic, including his views on race.

In an illustrated memoir, the creator of the Bloggess blog shares humorous stories from her life, including her awkward upbringing in Texas and her relationship with her husband.

Contains fourteen essays that explore various aspects of the life and work of American author Mark Twain, discussing his career-shaping experiences, the Mark Twain persona, his writing and performing career, and his legacy.

Presents a collection of humorous autobiographical essays by National Public Radio commentator, David Sedaris, in which he discusses his nervous tic, hitchhiking trips, odd jobs, and strange relationships.