CHECK IT OUT:

April is National Humor Month. So go ahead and crack a smile and let out a big belly-aching laugh. Laughter has such an ability to make us feel better. And with joy in our hearts, we can get through the tightrope of life a little more easily. Larry Wilde, director of the Carmel Institute of Humor, recognized the therapeutic value of laughter in our lives. After all, it can improve your health, boost morale, increase communication skills and enrich one’s life. So, in recognition of how humor can enhance our lives, Wilde created National Humor Month founded in 1976.

There are many avenues for getting a good laugh, but a fun way to do it is by checking out humorous books at the Newport Beach Public Library. Here’s a selection of titles to infuse you with some mirth:

“Best American Comics” by Lynda Barry: This is a compilation of comic strips from various cartoonists that portray political, autobiographical stories and parables that allure the reader into different worlds. True to comics, the selection delves into human nature in an often twisted but funny light.

“American Thighs” by Jill Conner Browne: New York Times bestselling humorist Jill Conner Browne writes about her embarrassing anecdotes, general fashion trends, and the idiosyncrasies of aging. Browne writes vignettes reflecting on her youth and how women often wish they could turn back the clock and step into a more youthful body. Her attitude is tongue in cheek about how women trying to regain their youthful figures and wrinkle-free skin.

“A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the White House” by Charles Osgood: One of America’s favorite news personalities, Charles Osgood, has put together an excellent selection of humorous quotes and stories from Republicans, Democrats, and Independent candidates from the 1948 election (Truman vs. Dewey) to the 2004 election (Bush vs. Kerry). These excerpts are guaranteed to give you a good chuckle in revealing jabs and snafus made in the American government.

“Around the World in 80 Rounds” by David Wood: In this entertaining travelogue, the author, a former comedian, explores various golf courses around the world from his personal and humorous perspective. He covers every continent with the exception of Antarctica. He relays his personal observations about local politics, economics, and the flavor of the people.

“13 is the New 18: And Other Things My Children Taught Me — While I Was Having a Nervous Breakdown Being Their Mother” by Beth J. Harpaz: A mother of two boys, Harpaz laments about her struggles with her oldest son, Taz, who has turned 13 and appears to have changed overnight during his teenage years. No longer the sweet loving boy, he appears to need his friends, computers, iPod and cell phone more than he requires his family. Her heartfelt frustration is depicted in a humorous yet honest way.

“Free-Range Chickens” by Simon Rich: This compilation of essays written in dialogue format describes humorous situations from the author’s childhood, work experiences and relationships. Rich is also a writer for “Saturday Night Live.”

So whether you’re able to get a laugh out of a joke, a life situation, an absurdity, or even a funny book, there’s always an avenue for humor to make us smile and even lighten our perspective on unexpected situations.

CHECK IT OUT is written by the staff of the Newport Beach Public Library. All titles may be reserved from home or office computers by accessing the catalog at www.newportbeachlibrary.org. For more information on the Central Library or any of the branches, please contact the Newport Beach Public Library at (949) 717-3800, option 2.