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The finalists for the $5,000 Thurber Prize for American Humor are:

Lamentations of the Father by Ian Frazier Find this book in our catalog
"Frazier’s work is funny and elegant and poetic and of the highest literary aspiration, all at the same time. More serious than a “gag� writer, funnier than most essayists of equal accomplishment, Frazier is of a classical originality." (catalog notes)

I Was Told There'd Be Cake by Sloane Crosley Find this book in our catalog
"Wry, hilarious, and profoundly genuine, this debut collection of literary essays is a celebration of fallibility and haplessness in all their glory. From despoiling an exhibit at the Natural History Museum to provoking the ire of her first boss to siccing the cops on her mysterious neighbor, Crosley can do no right despite the best of intentions-or perhaps because of them. Together, these essays create a startlingly funny and revealing portrait of a complex and utterly recognizable character that's aiming for the stars but hits the ceiling, and the inimitable city that has helped shape who she is. I Was Told There'd Be Cake introduces a strikingly original voice, chronicling the struggles and unexpected beauty of modern urban life." (catalog notes)

Wrack and Ruin by Don Lee Find this book in our catalog
"The trick to reading Don Lee's wonderfully silly second novel... is to take nothing seriously, even when you should. The book concerns the eccentric sculptor-turned-brussels sprout farmer, Lyndon Song, and his estranged brother, Woody, an uptight Hollywood producer. Lyndon's refusal to sell his farmland to a golf course developer results in an unwelcome visit from his brother, who has been secretly hired by the developer." (extract from PW review in catalog)

The Idiot Girl and the Flaming Tantrum of Death : reflections on revenge, germophobia, and laser hair removal by Laurie Notaro Find this book in our catalog
"The "New York Times" bestselling author of "The Idiot Girls' Action-Adventure Club" returns with her first collection of all new essays and personal observations in three years--and her funniest yet." (catalog notes)



The winner will be announced October 1


See Readers Place for my suggestion list of more recent American humor, called "Generation Gap."

Labels: humor, Thurber Prize