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Funny Dad Memoirs to Make You Laugh Out Loud
Because everybody loves a good dad joke.
Published on May 16, 2022
Missed Translations: Meeting the Immigrant Parents Who Raised Me
Sopan DebThis touching memoir from Deb, a comedian and writer for The New York Times, had us literally LOL’ing. Deb sets out for India, on a journey of self-discovery and to get to know his secretive father. He finds his way back to New Jersey to reconnect with his equally tight-lipped mother and the family history that helped shape him into the man who overshares on stage today.
Sh*t My Dad Says
Justin HalpernAn earnest exploration of the now-ubiquitous “dad joke.” This book started as a simple Twitter account, in which the author would tweet real things his dad said. The tweets are hilarious and outrageous, especially when read completely void of context. It’s that kind of brutal honesty that makes “Sh*t My Dad Says” a heartwarming take on the relationship between a father and son.
You're Not Doing It Right: Tales of Marriage, Sex, Death, and Other Humiliations
Michael Ian BlackBlack (you might remember him from “Wet Hot American Summer” and cult favorite comedy troupes Stella and The State) brings his trademark sardonic wit and brutal honesty to this hilarious memoir. These essays are teeming with his dry humor: Black spares no one, including himself. An unflinching, gut-busting look at marriage, parenthood, and career.
Home Game: An Accidental Guide to Fatherhood
Michael LewisLewis (“Moneyball,” “The Big Short,” “The Blind Side”) knows the ins and outs of sports and markets, but he had no clue how to raise a baby when his first kid was born. “Home Game” is a frank, engaging, and funny account of how Lewis lovingly bumbled his way through figuring out how to keep his children alive (and thriving).
Man vs. Baby: The Chaos and Comedy of Real-Life Parenting
Matt Coyne“Man vs. Baby” is a particularly fun read for first-time parents in need of some levity as they navigate the trenches of 3 a.m. feedings, interrupted sleep, and dirty diapers. Coyne’s touching memoir about the first year of his son’s life is an expletive-laden how-to guide.
Dad on Pills: Fatherhood and Mental Illness
Chris GethardComedian and new father Gethard writes about his darkest fears as a dad who struggles with mental health (like that his son will also have a giant forehead full of suicidal thoughts) with humor and heart. For fellow mentally ill parents, Gethard’s hilarious personal essay is a reassuring pep talk full of compassion, empathy, and kindness (and, OK, sometimes a few punches to the throat).
Daditude
Chris ErskineErksine is known for making the most mundane aspects of suburban fatherhood entertaining in his columns for the Los Angeles Times and Chicago Tribune. If you’re a fan of Dave Barry or Bill Bryson, you’ll enjoy Erksine’s witty musings about daily life with his family that blend humor, truth, and, underneath it all, a whole lot of love.
Dirty Daddy: The Chronicles of a Family Man Turned Filthy Comedian
Bob SagetWhether we grew up with him as Danny Tanner on “Full House” or tuned in weekly to watch him introduce America’s funniest home videos, Saget was one of our favorite clean-cut comedians. But those who knew him — and roasted him on Comedy Central — knew otherwise. In his memoir, Saget sheds the squeaky clean image to share his entertaining (and often vulgar) life story that will have you seeing him in a whole new light.
I'm Sorry...Love, Your Husband: Honest, Hilarious Stories From a Father of Three Who Made All the Mistakes (and Made up for Them)
I'm Sorry...Love, Your Husband: Honest, Hilarious Stories From a Father of Three Who Made All the Mistakes (and Made up for Them)
Clint EdwardsHaving made peace with the fact he’s not winning a World’s Best Dad award anytime soon, Edwards riffs on the dumbest things he’s done as a parent in this irreverent collection of essays. If you’re in need of a realistic representation of a father learning and growing as he’s raising three babies, Edwards delivers in the funniest way possible. Be warned: There’s an entire essay devoted to poop.
The Book of Dads: Essays on the Joys, Perils, and Humiliations of Fatherhood
Ben GeorgeWant the experience of sitting around with 22 writers talking about the scariest and most meaningful parts of fatherhood? “The Book of Dads” is a beautifully written anthology any dad can relate to.