Recently, the world news has been overwhelming. With politics, crime, and unpredictable weather dominating the headlines, daily life can feel heavy. In response to this heaviness, many of us seek an escape through our entertainment choices. For instance, whether it’s music, movies, television, or books, we often turn to lighter fare when the weight of the world becomes too much. Moreover, we crave laughter, and satire, in particular, often gives us that much-needed relief. Consequently, it becomes a valuable tool for navigating our emotions and finding joy amidst the chaos.
What is Satire?
When it comes to funny books, Satire is the genre you may want to pick up. It uses humour and irony to poke fun at the everyday. From things we see in the workplace, at our schools, and in our daily interactions. But it isn’t just to make you chuckle. However, satire is also commentary that critiques society, technology, politics, and human behaviour. While very tongue-in-cheek, it still asks the reader to consider the message underneath the narrative.
Types of Satire
- Cultural – covers human behaviours, society, and cultural norms.
- Juvenalian – covers a harsher moral criticism of society
- Horatian – this is a wittier and lighthearted take on human behaviour
- Political – this focuses on politics, power, and policy
Books To Add to Your TBR
Look What You Made Me Do by John Lanchester
Kate and Jack have been married long enough to have their own language, inside jokes, and personal quirks. When Jack suddenly passes away, Kate is struggling to heal from her grief. And things only get more heart-wrenching when a new TV show focused on a husband cheating on his wife is scripted with the same inside jokes and language only she and Jack knew.
A story of a family spiralling. Bud and Catherine are unsuccessfully navigating an open marriage. The youngest daughter is being sent to a wilderness camp, the middle is dating an online terrorist, and the oldest is dating a much, much younger man. And casting a shadow over it all is the corrupt oil magnate.
Twins Juniper and Athena couldn’t be more different. Athena is a breakout literary star while June struggles through life. However, when Athena suffers a freak accident and dies in front of her sister, June sees an opportunity to become who she always wanted to be.
Being accepted into The House, an exclusive sorority at the university, is exactly what Nina needs to start a life of success. Sloane is a new mom and professor with little help at home who is asked to be the academic liaison for The House. However, both will soon discover there is something dark that comes with success.
Several People Are Typing by Calvin Kasulke
How does a mid-level employee suddenly become one of the highest performers in the company? While having your subconscious suddenly uploaded in the Slack chat helps. While Gerald is trying to figure out how to escape and find his real body, the company is also spiralling in the wake of a huge controversy with their biggest client.
For Human Use by Sarah G. Pierce
Society is always looking for a new way to meet people. When Liv, a sleek new app, appears on the scene, it sets off a maelstrom of positive and negative responses. For Liv, matches people with corpses. Everyone has a stake in the game. Auden, the eccentric creator; Mara, his stepsister/ex-girlfriend; and Tom, the venture capitalist, who battles between the financial windfall and the moral dilemma that can’t be ignored.
Want to explore more genres? We cover everything from fantasy to historical fiction.