2016-08-30T20:25:00ZThe Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.
Comedians are often some of the most multi-talented people in the entertainment field. With the goal of making us laugh, comedians find themselves not only telling jokes, but singing, dancing, playing the straight man, performing dramatically, miming, and impersonating.
With all of these talents, it’s no surprise that many have found success writing books. Many of our favorite performers have published memoirs, collections of essays, and more that give insight into their history and personal perspective. If you’re looking for your next favorite book, or just finished binge-watching "Parks and Recreation" and need a little more Amy Poehler or Nick Offerman in your life, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Below you’ll find some of our favorite books written by professional funny people.
"The Girl With the Lower Back Tattoo" by Amy Schumer
Amy Schemer is a rock star of the stand-up world. She’s had her own show, her own movie, and is currently on a stadium tour during which she will add her name to the very limited list of comedians who have played Madison Square Garden. Her new book, "The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo" is a collection of extremely funny, personal, and observational essays mined from her past.
"Sick In the Head" by Judd Apatow
With his involvement modern comedy classics "The 40-Year-Old Virgin," "Knocked Up," and "Trainwreck," as well as the ahead of its time television series "Freaks and Geeks," Judd Apatow is one of the most prolific comedic minds of our time. His book is a collection of intimate interviews with other great comics of the past 30 years, including Mel Brooks, Jon Stewart, Roseanne Barr, Chris Rock, and Louis C.K.
"Modern Romance" by Aziz Ansari
If you don’t know Aziz Ansari from his stand-up, chances are you’ve seen him before on "Parks and Recreation" or his Netflix original series "Master of None," or possibly just from the background of Kanye West’s music videos. Regardless of where you know him from, he’s one of the funniest humans alive. To Aziz, the advent of the technological generation, and its effect on how humans act with regard to intimacy, has been both fascinating and confusing. In "Modern Romance" he talks to experts and explores the oddities and complexities that present themselves when practicing in modern forms of courtship, from Tinder to texting and eggplant emojis.
"Bossypants" by Tina Fey
After her stint as one half of the greatest "Weekend Update" team to ever grace the news desk in Studio 8H, Tina Fey wrote "Bossypants," a memoir of her childhood, her dream of working as a comedian on television, and her recurring nightmare of being chased through a local airport by her middle-school gym teacher.
"Yes Please" by Amy Poehler
The other half of the greatest "Weekend Update" team to ever grace the news desk in Studio 8H, Amy Poehler’s "Yes Please" is a funny and inspirational read. Filled with stories, pictures, lists, poetry, and chapters with titles such as "Treat Your Career Like a Bad Boyfriend" and "The Robots Will Kill Us All,” Poehler is sure to please.
"My Booky Wook" by Russel Brand
You’ll probably recognize Russell Brand as the musical sexpot Aldous Snow from “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” but before breaking big, Brand was living quite a life. In his book, the comic is strikingly candid about his relationship with heroin, and his ability to freely form words into captivating sentences translates extremely well from the microphone to the page.
"Zombie, Spaceship, Wasteland" by Patton Oswalt
Other than Chris Hardwick, there are few people who might find more pleasure in the newfound popularity of "nerd culture" than Patton Oswald. The title of the book comes from its thesis: that all young writers will eventually find themselves writing one of three stories — zombies, spaceships, or wastelands.
"Born Standing Up" by Steve Martin
One of the first funnymen I was introduced to as a child, Steve Martin is a legendary performer of stage, screen, magic, and banjo. His memoir recounts stories of his childhood, including starting his career at Disneyland and the discipline and sacrifice it took to perform as much as he did. This one is a personal favorite, and a must-read for any aspiring performer.
"Paddle Your Own Canoe" by Nick Offerman
Nick Offerman wasn’t exactly playing himself when he took the role of Ron Swanson in "Parks and Recreation," but the character wasn’t that far off from the real man. In his book, Offerman offers insights on manhood, love, style, and carpentry.
"The Bedwetter" by Sarah Silverman
Sarah Silverman amazes me in her ability to say something shockingly awful with a smile that shines. Her book captures that sensibility and brings it to stories that are personal and poignant.
"Sleepwalk With Me" by Mike Birbiglia
With his new movie "Don’t Think Twice" getting a wide release (go see it, it’s great), I thought it might be a good time to remind people of Mike Birbiglia’s first breakout story, "Sleepwalk With Me." Throughout the course of the book, Birbiglia tells stories of his childhood, teenage make-out sessions, and that time he sleepwalked out of a second-story hotel window.
Tyler Lauletta Tyler Lauletta is a sports reporter for Business Insider covering everything from the latest in NFL trades to the NBA playoff race to that weird rugby highlight you don't quite understand but know to be impressive. Hailing from Philadelphia, he is a known Truster of The Process. He graduated from Temple University. You can contact him at tlauletta@businessinsider.com with your questions, pitches, or if you ever feel like gloating after your favorite team beat the Philadelphia 76ers. Read more Read less Read the original article on Insider Picks. Copyright 2016. Follow Insider Picks on Twitter.ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7o8HSoqWeq6Oeu7S1w56pZ5ufonyowcidnKxnk6S6prDImqVmmp%2BkuLR5kWlob2Vo