Books like A Very Punchable Face

A breezy, self-deprecating backstage pass to the chaotic world of sketch comedy and the awkward business of growing up. These 12 books are the closest matches in mood, pace and themes, with what each one shares with A Very Punchable Face.

lighthearted
convivial
nostalgic
energetic

01
It Gets Worse
Shane Dawson
A chaotic, laugh-out-loud trip through the most mortifying moments of a millennial internet icon's life.
Shares:
- lighthearted
- nostalgic
- self-deprecating
02
Based on a True Story
Norm Macdonald
A brilliantly unreliable, laugh-out-loud fever dream that blurs the line between memoir and myth.
Shares:
- wry
- the absurdity of fame
03
I might regret this
Abbi Jacobson
A funny, vulnerable road trip through the messy realities of relationships and self-discovery.
Shares:
- wry
04
Shrill
Lindy West
A hilarious, battle-tested manifesto for taking up space and refusing to apologize for it.
Shares:
- wry
05
Yes Please
Amy Poehler
Like sitting down for a boisterous, wine-fueled dinner with your funniest, wisest friend who isn't afraid to tell you the messy truth.
Shares:
- energetic
- self-deprecating
- conversational
- earnest
06
Live from New York
Tom Shales
A chaotic, polyphonic backstage pass to the messy, drug-fueled, and brilliant creation of a comedy empire.
Shares:
- nostalgic
- wry
07
Little Weirds
Jenny Slate
A tender, surreal exploration of heartbreak and healing that feels like sitting in a sunlit garden with your weirdest, most empathetic friend.
Shares:
- earnest
08
Bossypants
Tina Fey
A hilarious, rapid-fire masterclass in navigating life's absurdities with sharp wit and unapologetic confidence.
Shares:
- energetic
- self-deprecating
- wry
- conversational
09
Why not me?
Mindy Kaling
A hilarious, cocktail-hour catch-up with your most successful, unapologetically ambitious friend.
Shares:
- lighthearted
- energetic
- self-deprecating
- conversational
10
The girl with the lower back tattoo
Amy Schumer
A raucous, surprisingly vulnerable late-night conversation with your funniest, messiest friend.
Shares:
- self-deprecating
- earnest
11
I'm Just a Person
Tig Notaro
A masterclass in finding the punchline at rock bottom, balancing devastating loss with deadpan resilience.
Shares:
- wry
12
Vacationland
John Hodgman
A hilarious, painfully self-aware stroll through the haunted forest of middle age and the unforgiving beaches of New England.
Shares:
- self-deprecating
- wry

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