General Humor:
* David Sedaris: Known for his witty and often dark humor, Sedaris' essays and stories are a blend of the absurd and the poignant. (e.g., "Me Talk Pretty One Day," "Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim")
* Erma Bombeck: A pioneer of humorous writing, Bombeck's essays capture the everyday joys and frustrations of family life. (e.g., "The Grass Is Always Greener Over the Septic Tank")
* Bill Bryson: Travel writer Bryson's humorous observations on different cultures and countries make for hilarious reads. (e.g., "Notes from a Small Island," "A Walk in the Woods")
* Nora Ephron: A master of wit and relatable observations on life, love, and relationships. (e.g., "Heartburn," "I Feel Bad About My Neck")
* P.G. Wodehouse: Classic British humor, often revolving around eccentric characters and hilarious situations. (e.g., "Jeeves and Wooster" series)
* Mitch Albom: Combining humor with heartwarming stories about life lessons. (e.g., "Tuesdays with Morrie," "The Five People You Meet in Heaven")
Satire and Social Commentary:
* Kurt Vonnegut: Often uses black humor and satire to explore social and political themes. (e.g., "Slaughterhouse-Five," "Cat's Cradle")
* Douglas Adams: Creator of the "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" series, known for his absurdist humor and clever wit.
* Christopher Moore: Uses historical figures and fantastical settings to create comedic and thought-provoking stories. (e.g., "Lamb," "A Dirty Job")
* Dave Barry: A master of comedic observations on contemporary life. (e.g., "Dave Barry's Greatest Hits," "Dave Barry's Complete Guide to Guys")
Memoir and Personal Essays:
* Tina Fey: Her humorous memoirs capture her experiences as a comedian and actress in the world of entertainment. (e.g., "Bossypants," "Yes Please")
* Amy Schumer: A comedian known for her bold and often crude humor, her memoirs explore her life and career. (e.g., "The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo")
* Cheryl Strayed: Her memoir "Wild" blends humor and vulnerability as she recounts her journey on the Pacific Crest Trail.
* Jenny Lawson: Known for her darkly humorous essays about mental illness and everyday life. (e.g., "Let's Pretend This Never Happened," "Furiously Happy")
Children's Humor:
* Roald Dahl: Classic children's author who combines humor with imaginative stories. (e.g., "Matilda," "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory")
* Lemony Snicket (Daniel Handler): Known for his darkly humorous "A Series of Unfortunate Events" series.
* J.K. Rowling: While her "Harry Potter" books are primarily fantasy, they also incorporate humor and witty dialogue.
This is just a small selection of authors who have written best-selling humor books. There are many other talented writers out there who can make you laugh and think. Don't be afraid to explore different genres and styles to find the authors who fit your sense of humor.