Yes, not read one, but I think I will do soon.
Funniest novels Page 2
Rommel might part in his downfall is ace.
I think this amongst his best stuff. The books spin between humour, insights into life in the army and very dark stuff about his depression with an amazing lightness.
It's very powerful and very educational.
As everyone else says (and I think there's been a thread on this before) Catch-22 is brilliant. I've read it about 4 times although I've tried a couple of other Heller books but not enjoyed them as much.
Also most Leslie Thomas books - Dangerous Davies, Tropic of Ruislip, Virgin Soldiers etc. I've read all of his books - about 30 - and only not liked a couple of them and that was probably me reading them at the wong time.
And like Sooty I like Tom Sharpe's stuff.
Plus I've read several of Milligan's was memoirs. About 6 of the Trilogy I think.
Tom Sharpe seems to be unfairly forgotten. I think it's because he was a bit right wing and Daily Mail. Unfair for a guy kicked out of South Africa for his political views.
Ben Elton has had a few good books early in his career. Stark and Gridlock are really pretty good.
But Douglas Adams was sublime there was such a gentle intelligence to his writings.
Quote: Griff @ December 6 2009, 7:07 PM GMTThree Men In A Boat is a good call.
Kneeeew I should've got that one as my freebie with The Times.
John Irving and Joseph Heller are both very funny.
As is that bloke who wrote Swimming to Cambodia.
The Bob Geldof biog is very funny.
Quote: Chappers @ December 6 2009, 8:24 PM GMTAlso most Leslie Thomas books - Dangerous Davies
Good call; the TV series does not begin to do justice to the novels, and actually bears very little resemblance to them. On which subject Alexander McCall Smith's No 1 Ladies Detective Agency novels are also very entertaining.
Keith Waterhouse is another name worth a mention. Thinks is a quite startlingly original novel, and Office Life should strike a chord with anyone was has had worked in an office and questioned the futility of the existence.
Quote: sootyj @ December 6 2009, 8:23 PM GMTRommel might part in his downfall
That's quite a typo.
Quote: Griff @ December 6 2009, 8:40 PM GMTIf we're allowed to include non-fiction
Yes please. My reading list has grown substantially since starting this thread.
Quote: Griff @ December 6 2009, 7:07 PM GMTThree Men In A Boat is a good call.
Though arguably not a novel? Going for real oldies Diary of a Nobody is worth a look.
Quote: Timbo @ December 6 2009, 8:38 PM GMTKeith Waterhouse is another name worth a mention. Thinks is a quite startlingly original novel, and Office Life should strike a chord with anyone was has had worked in an office and questioned the futility of the existence.
Did he write Jub?
If non-fiction is in, then dig out some of Alan Coren's essays.
Quote: Chappers @ December 6 2009, 8:43 PM GMTDid he (Waterhouse)write Jub(b)?
Indeed.
And check out Alasdair Gray.
People always steal my Charlie Brooker books.
And Jeremy Clarkson is surprisingly erudite.
Quote: sootyj @ December 6 2009, 8:46 PM GMTAnd Jeremy Clarkson is surprisingly erudite.
Gets a bit sticky at times though.
Quote: Griff @ December 6 2009, 5:57 PM GMTTerry Pratchett's Discworld novels
Douglas Adams Dirk Gently novels
Stephen Fry's The Liar
Those.