Tickle Your Funny Bone

Are you looking for something to read that will make you laugh? Then why not think about reading one of the many books written by some of America's humorists.

What's a humorist, you say? Isn't that the same as a comedian? Well, yes and no. A humorist can be a comedian and vice versa, but humorists tend to be more focused on the written word than comedians are. A humorist is more likely to tell a story that happens to be funny, while a comedian is telling a joke or anecdote to make you laugh.

One of America's greatest humorists was Will Rogers. Born in Oklahoma (November 4, 1879), he lived a somewhat nomadic life searching for a profession. As a young man, he developed a talent for roping tricks, which he learned from cowboys when he was just a kid. This led to a life as a performer. While performing his tricks for audiences he began telling stories. Finally people were coming to hear his stories more than his rope tricks. These "stories" were actually more of a commentary on the articles he had read in the paper.

Rogers continued performing (including several appearances in motion pictures) and by the 20s he had also added public speaking to his other skills. This led to radio appearances, which led to a newspaper column.

Much of his writings were political in nature, but Rogers was probably the most read and popular columnist of his day. He had an everyman quality about him that his readers could identify with. At the time of his death in 1935 (an airplane accident) he was at the pinnacle of his career.

-- Request works by Will Rogers from the Catalog

Looking for some other humorists when you're done with Will Rogers? Then check out some of these other American humorists. Hopefully you find one that will tickle your funny bone!

James Thurber -- Known for his cartoons, he was also a prolific writer of humorous short stories.

Bill Bryson -- His books cover everything from hiking the Appalachian trail to the history of domestic life to the oddities of the English language.

Nora Ephron -- She was a woman of many talents - writer, journalist, director and blogger. Her look on life, love and growing older made her a favorite of many.

Dave Barry -- The former syndicated columnist has had a successful career from his quirky look on American life. His writings were even turned into a television show, Dave's World.

David Sedaris -- He reached mainstream success when he was featured on NPR's This American Life. His (somewhat exaggerated) stories and observations of life have put him at the top of the bestseller's lists for years.

Erma Bombeck -- The author of more than a dozen books which take a very humorous look at suburban life.

Jon Stewart -- As host of Comedy Central's The Daily Show, Stewart entertains millions of people on a nightly basis with his off beat look at the day's events.



-- Post by Tracy