If you are friends with me on Facebook you probably have a vague idea of what I like to read. If you are friends with me on Goodreads, you probably have a really good idea of what I like to read. But if you don’t, I’ll just say that I tend to read medieval era historical fiction.

And boy do I love a good medieval joke. But historical fiction is usually a pretty serious genre. And at times, depressing.

It’s not because the stories are dry. What I’ve been reading usually isn’t. But I often find myself outraged and furious on behalf of the protagonist(s), because the time they live in is hardly ever good to them.

Don’t get me wrong, I love a very well-researched historical piece. But when it leans more heavily on the historical side of things, the fact I am a 21^st century reader is painfully obvious. I appreciate and value the need for a modern author to write a book true to its time period. Often, I think that’s how it should be. But I have to be in the mood for it. In other words, I have to steel my mind against the rampant misogyny, patriarchal injustice, and sad, sad outcomes.

Most of all, I have to be okay with feeling sad and very, very angry for a couple days.

For that reason, I sometimes need a more moderate book that, while well-researched, leans more heavily on the fiction side of things. The Crown by Nancy Bilyeau is a great example. While the main character, Joanna Stafford, is a product of her time, she is also a badass graced with a little bit of forward thinking and an agent in her own future.

Even if a book strays a little from reality, I sometimes need that. But those can be emotional roller coaster rides, too.

What I want. No. What I need is a book that makes me laugh so hard I cry.

Hyperbole and a Half is where it’s at.

I’ve mostly finished it. It’s too good for words to describe. And I feel like a funny book deserves a funny book review. But it’s so hilarious. I just can’t do it justice. You’ll just have to read it for yourself.

It honestly won’t take you long. Most of it is pictures like this:

I owe all my good fortune to my best friend, Vicky, for introducing this book to me. Really needed it in my life. And there’s another one coming! But it won’t be published until the end of October this year, according to Goodreads. Yikes!

Good thing the author Allie Brosh has a blog.