Thursday, June 17, 2010

Need a little laugh

I commute to work. Fifty minutes there and fifty minutes back, if I'm lucky. I do this three times a week.

For the last few months I have been listening to books on CD in an attempt to enjoy my drive and not get so frustrated with the traffic. I've listened to lots of different authors and different themes: Nora Roberts, Scott Turow, Sidney Sheldon and Anita Shreve to list a few. (There isn't a lot of YA books on CD in my library). Lately I've picked books have been a little gloomy and depressing.

The latest is Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. It's 20 hours long, while most other books are only six. Although Jane Eyre is excellently written and entertaining, I'm starting to feel a little depressed. All these books about angst are starting to get to me. I think I need to go get a Nick Hornby or Larry Doyle book.

What about you? Do you ever get sick of the same dark themes and need a little humor? What's one of the funniest books you've read? I need some ideas.

14 comments:

Jessie Oliveros said...

I remember thinking Garrison Keillor was pretty funny. I love Jane Eyre. Mr. Rochester is my Mr. Darcy.

Aubrie said...

Jane Eyre is one of my favorite books and one of the reasons why I'm a writer today! Yes it is dark, but there are high points along the way, and a few real big ones toward the end.

I think dark themes are much more interesting than happy go lucky themes and they catch people's attention, drawing them in.

That is a long commute. I drive an hour and ten minutes to one of my jobs, but it's only one day a week. And yours is three. Good for you for filling in the time with books!

Patti said...

Don't get me wrong. I love Jane Eyre. I just need a little break with something light, not so intense.

Eric W. Trant said...

I like dark because it is usually better written. Funny and fun too often have a flippant and sometimes condescending tone and voice to them.

For me, light reading is a straight-up action man-book, something in the same section as Clancy (I've read too many Clancy's to read anymore of them...).

I drive 50min each way (on a good day) five times a week.

And my CD player is busted...

- Eric

Patti said...

I feel for you Eric. Your right about the dark and intense usually being better written, but light is good sometimes.

Jessica Nelson said...

I used to adore Julie Garwood and Amanda Quick. I've heard Janet Evanovich is hilarious. :-) Sandie Bricker cracks me up too. I love a book that makes me chuckle because it can be so hard to find.

Anonymous said...

Strangely enough, I've never considered Jane Eyre as dark. It's my favorite novel. Then again, I love low key drama.

I can't remember the last really good book that made me laugh- but if you're desperate for a giggle go to YouTube and search for Brian Regan. He's hilarious (and clean)!

Laura Pauling said...

I loved the heart and humor of Ally Carter YA books.

patti said...

Hey, Patti.
I've been told I have no sense of humor.

The last book I laughed at was one of Erma Bombeck's, I fear.

Sorry to be of NOOO help! But I will pray for you during that drive!

Blessings,
Patti

Melissa Hurst said...

I read Hex Hall recently and I loved it. While it had some dark themes, there was plenty of humor as well.

K. M. Walton said...

My Life on a Plate by India Knight.

I could barely get through a page without laughing out loud.

Patti said...

Thanks for the great ideas. I'm headed to the library.

Hope everyone has a good weekend.

Janet Johnson said...

I'm with you. The angst and gloomy ones leave me a little oppressed. A YA one that had me laughing out loud was Fame, Glory, and Other Things on My To-do List by Janette Rallison. Very fun.

prashant said...

I think dark themes are much more interesting than happy go lucky themes
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