Adult

I’ve enjoyed Black’s demented sense of humor since his glorious days on the underappreciated show The State. Now I only seem to get to see him whenever he turns up on VH1. Thankfully, this book gives me plenty to enjoy while I await Michael Ian Black’s next great project.

What does the world need more than anything? Less posturing and more understanding. Albom’s beautiful story of a clergyman and rabbi is one of those simple tales that causes one to pause, block out the madness of the world and re-focus on humanity.

I am one of those people who watches the 24-hour marathon on TBS of the modern holiday classic A Christmas Story, which is largely based on this book. Jean Shepherd was a masterful storyteller who makes me laugh on nearly every page of this and any other of his wonderful nostalgic looks at his always enjoyable and sometimes not-so-innocent childhood in the Midwest.

Christie Mellor has provided the perfect antidote to any parent who has had one of “those” days. I hate to sound cliché, but this is “laugh out loud” funny (or, for those of you under the age of 25, “lol”).

Buckley is exactly the author to turn to if you are in a bad mood and want a hearty laugh. I wish he had written this book before I attended college in Washington, D.C., as I completely relate to the hidden treasures – and humor – lining the streets of our nation’s capitol. A fun and informative read.

I am trying to tackle some Classics this summer that I have never read, and it was with pleasure that I tackled the gifted writer Anaya’s lauded coming-of-age story. A beautifully-written book.

Full disclosure: I think The Office is one of the greatest human contributions of the 21^st century, and I needed funny books to boost my spirits this past month. Kaling, a star and writer for The Office, provides a variety of wonderful observations that make a great coffee table book or bathroom reader.

Ever deal with any obstacles? I didn’t think so. For those of us who have stumbled, though, Wagers provides a heartwarming and personal, informative and practical guide to organizational success. Quick reading – lasting lessons.

The heart-wrenching story of a peasant woman’s daily trials and tribulations in a small village in India.

The author’s mother, Daphne Cavin, was featured in Tom Brokaw’s superb The Greatest Generation. This book expands on this poignant story of love, set in World War II. Warning: have Kleenex ready, as this one is a tear-jerker.

Pilchen is a dependable British storyteller whose engaging characters always make you want to turn the page to find out what happens next.

I know, this sounds like an "academic" book, and I will admit that Maxwell sometimes delves into graphs. However, the majority of the book includes inspirational anecdotes about people from Harriet Tubman to Jaime Escalante. I read this book in three hours, and I now have a better clue as to who deserves my vote for President.

Subtitled “A Most Glorious and Definitive Compendium of the World’s Favorite Canned Meat,” this is the book I have been waiting for my entire life. I love Spam! Maybe it is just in reverence to Monty Python, but I have always gotten a kick out of all things Spam, and this book makes the perfect gift for the Spam aficionado or curious bystander. Great photos and hilarious (and often fascinating) tidbits about Spam.

I know! There’s a new Richard Paul Evans book out called The Mistletoe Inn, but at over 300 pages, I cannot include it on this list. Regardless, if you’ve never read one of his Christmas stories, you’re in for a treat.

You may have read Frazier’s bestseller Great Plains. If you haven’t, you should. I understand, however, that at 320 pages, you may want to reach for lighter faire. Hence, take a crack at this collection of five pieces Frazier published in the New Yorker. His writing made me want to go fishing in Montana or hanging out with Cheyenne in Kansas.