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List of 15 authors like Jenny Lawson

Jenny Lawson writes memoirs that are laugh-out-loud funny. She talks about her life, her struggles with mental health, and all sorts of other things with a lot of humor.

If you like books that are honest, very funny, and maybe a little bit weird, and you are searching for authors who have a similar style to Jenny Lawson, here are some writers you might like.

  1. 1
    Samantha Irby

    Samantha Irby is an essayist and humorist best known for her sharp wit and unapologetic honesty about life’s messy realities. Her essay collection “We Are Never Meeting in Real Life” is a vibrant glimpse into the chaos and comedy of her daily experiences.

    Irby shares candid stories about awkward dating mishaps, trials of adult friendships, hilarious attempts at self-care, and the absurdities of her chronic illnesses.

    Her blunt humor and raw vulnerability will resonate with readers who appreciate Jenny Lawson’s openness and self-deprecating style.

  2. 2
    David Sedaris

    If you enjoy Jenny Lawson’s raw, humorous take on life’s absurd moments, David Sedaris is an author you’ll appreciate. His book “Me Talk Pretty One Day” is a standout collection filled with sharp wit and hilarious honesty.

    Sedaris shares snapshots from his life, from childhood speech therapy mishaps to the challenges of adapting to life in France as an adult. The stories highlight his ability to find humor in awkward and uncomfortable situations, transforming ordinary experiences into comic gold.

    His narrative is self-deprecating and transparent, similar in style to Lawson, making “Me Talk Pretty One Day” an entertaining and relatable read.

  3. 3
    Augusten Burroughs

    Augusten Burroughs is an author known for his humorous and brutally honest memoirs about life’s messy moments. In his book “Running with Scissors,” Burroughs writes openly about his unusual and chaotic childhood.

    He describes leaving behind a dysfunctional family to live with his mother’s eccentric psychiatrist and his family. The stories he shares are both bizarre and funny, making you laugh at situations you never expected.

    If you’ve enjoyed Jenny Lawson’s candid stories about her struggles and quirky situations, Burroughs offers a similar blend of humor and emotional depth in navigating life’s absurdities.

  4. 4
    Nora Ephron

    If you enjoy Jenny Lawson’s humorous and honest approach to life’s messy situations, you might appreciate Nora Ephron’s writing style. Ephron writes with warmth and sharp wit, blending personal stories with funny, relatable observations.

    Her book “I Feel Bad About My Neck” is a collection of essays that explore the amusing but challenging realities of growing older. Ephron freely admits her anxieties about aging, skincare tricks, and the everyday quirks that come with middle age.

    Her stories about hair dye disasters, kitchen obsessions, and complicated handbag relationships are funny and down-to-earth. Ephron’s book offers the kind of reading that feels like an engaging chat with a witty, candid friend.

  5. 5
    B.J. Novak

    Readers who appreciate Jenny Lawson’s humorous and honest writing style will find a similar charm in B.J. Novak’s work.

    Novak, known for his clever humor and sharp observations, offers a witty and unusual collection of stories in his book “One More Thing: Stories and Other Stories.”

    This book is full of imaginative, often absurd short stories that playfully twist everyday life into something unexpected. In one memorable story, a rematch between the hare and the tortoise humorously explores ambition and fame.

    Novak’s dry, insightful humor and his talent for short, punchy storytelling make his work enjoyable and relatable.

  6. 6
    Allie Brosh

    Allie Brosh is an author and illustrator known for her hilarious and heartfelt storytelling that often blends humor with honest vulnerability. Her book “Hyperbole and a Half” combines quirky illustrations and raw, relatable essays.

    Brosh openly shares her struggles with adulthood, battling anxiety, dealing with dogs whose antics defy explanation, and the misremembered adventures of childhood. Her irreverent yet thoughtful style feels authentic and invites readers to laugh alongside life’s absurd moments.

    Fans of Jenny Lawson’s humor and openness will find a similar and refreshing voice in Allie Brosh’s writing.

  7. 7
    Chelsea Handler

    Chelsea Handler is an author and comedian known for her candid, hilarious takes on life’s absurd moments. Her book “Are You There, Vodka? It’s Me, Chelsea” shares stories from her life that blend outrageous situations with sharp humor.

    Handler tackles topics like awkward family encounters, ridiculous dating scenes, and the chaos of friendships with refreshing honesty.

    Her storytelling style is bold, unapologetic, and self-deprecating, which Jenny Lawson readers will appreciate for its humor and openness in sharing personal randomness and misadventures.

  8. 8
    Bill Bryson

    Bill Bryson is a writer known for his humorous memoirs and travel stories filled with wit and clever observations. If you enjoy the quirky narratives of Jenny Lawson, you might appreciate Bryson’s “A Walk in the Woods.”

    In this book, Bryson attempts the ambitious task of hiking the Appalachian Trail with his friend Katz, who isn’t exactly in great shape or prepared for life in the wilderness.

    Their adventure mixes comedy, mishaps, and sharp insights about nature, friendship, and life’s absurd side. Bryson invites readers into his world with warmth and humor, creating a connection that feels personal and genuine.

  9. 9
    Celia Rivenbark

    Celia Rivenbark writes humor that will resonate with readers who enjoy Jenny Lawson’s sharp wit and straight-talking style. Her book “We’re Just Like You, Only Prettier: Confessions of a Tarnished Southern Belle” brings together a series of funny essays about southern life.

    Rivenbark blends humor and honesty in her stories about topics like outrageous school fundraisers, weird beauty fads, and navigating family gatherings. Her observations feel authentic, and her funny yet blunt take on southern culture offers plenty of familiar, relatable moments.

    Readers looking for comedy with a southern flavor will find this collection relatable and highly entertaining.

  10. 10
    Tina Fey

    Tina Fey is a comedian, actress, and writer known for her sharp wit and humorous observations about life. Her memoir “Bossypants” offers readers a funny peek behind the scenes of her career and personal experiences.

    She covers everything from her awkward childhood to her time at “Saturday Night Live,” where she became the first female head writer in the show’s history.

    Fey shares funny and relatable anecdotes about balancing life as a mother with her demanding career and navigating the challenges of a male-dominated industry.

    Readers who enjoy Jenny Lawson’s openness about life’s absurd moments will find a similar charm and honesty in Fey’s storytelling.

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    Sara Benincasa

    If you enjoy Jenny Lawson’s humor and openness about mental health, you might appreciate Sara Benincasa. Her memoir, “Agorafabulous!: Dispatches from My Bedroom,” tells Sara’s personal story about anxiety and agoraphobia. The book balances sharp humor with raw honesty.

    Benincasa shares moments of struggle, like navigating college while dealing with anxiety attacks, in ways that feel relatable and real. Her candid storytelling creates a book that is as funny as it is moving.

  12. 12
    Mindy Kaling

    If you enjoy Jenny Lawson’s humor and candid views on life’s odd moments, Mindy Kaling might resonate with you too. In her book “Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?

    (And Other Concerns)”, Kaling shares witty insights into her life as a comedy writer, actress, and everyday awkward experiences. She reflects on friendships, dating stories, career mishaps, and childhood insecurities with a funny, honest voice that feels relatable and genuine.

    You’ll laugh at her stories about awkward auditions, questionable fashion choices, and humorous takes on life and pop culture.

  13. 13
    Laurie Notaro

    Laurie Notaro is an author known for her sharp humor and unapologetic honesty. She captures life’s absurdities with wit and candid storytelling in “The Idiot Girls’ Action-Adventure Club.”

    This book is a hilarious collection of essays that showcase Notaro’s misadventures, mishaps, and unforgettable moments.

    From the chaos of attempting adult life to her laugh-out-loud social faux pas, Notaro shares relatable experiences that resonate with anyone who enjoys Jenny Lawson’s sense of humor and authentic voice.

  14. 14
    Phoebe Robinson

    Phoebe Robinson is a comedian, actress, and author known for her sharp wit, insightful humor, and honest storytelling.

    In her book “You Can’t Touch My Hair: And Other Things I Still Have to Explain,” Robinson mixes personal anecdotes with timely discussions about race, feminism, and everyday life.

    With plenty of humor, she talks openly about awkward dating situations, her experiences as a Black woman navigating Hollywood, and the bizarre moments she faces on a daily basis.

    Robinson’s writing style is straightforward, hilarious, and relatable, appealing directly to readers who enjoyed Jenny Lawson’s funny and brutally honest look at life’s challenges.

  15. 15
    Jenny Slate

    Readers who enjoy Jenny Lawson’s quirky humor and sincere storytelling might also connect with Jenny Slate. Slate is a comedian, actress, and author whose book “Little Weirds” offers a whimsical exploration of everyday moments, emotions, and the strangeness of human experiences.

    Her writing moves gracefully through personal reflections and imaginative scenarios. Slate shares stories about heartbreak, loneliness, nature, and self-discovery in a refreshingly original way.

    Her distinctive voice, playful yet deeply thoughtful, creates a world readers can easily immerse themselves in.