A Best Book of 2021 by NPR and Esquire From Kliph Nesteroff, "the human encyclopedia of comedy" (VICE), comes the important and underappreciated story of Native Americans and comedy.It was one of the most reliable jokes in Charlie Hill's stand-up routine: "My people are from Wisconsin. We used to be from New York. We had a little real estate problem." In We Had a Little Real Estate Problem, acclaimed comedy historian Kliph Nesteroff focuses on one of comedy's most significant and little-known stories: how, despite having been denied representation in the entertainment industry, Native Americans have influenced and advanced the art form. The account begins in the late 1880s, when Native Americans were forced to tour in wild west shows as an alternative to prison. (One modern comedian said it was as "if a Guantanamo detainee suddenly had to appear on X-Factor.") This is followed by a detailed look at the life and work of seminal figures such as Cherokee humorist Will Rogers and Hill, who in the 1970s was the first Native American comedian to appear The Tonight Show. Also profiled are several contemporary comedians, including Jonny Roberts, a social worker from the Red Lake Nation who drives five hours to the closest comedy club to pursue his stand-up dreams; Kiowa-Apache comic Adrianne Chalepah, who formed the touring group the Native Ladies of Comedy; and the 1491s, a sketch troupe whose satire is smashing stereotypes to critical acclaim. As Ryan Red Corn, the Osage member of the 1491s, says: "The American narrative dictates that Indians are supposed to be sad. It's not really true and it's not indicative of the community experience itself...Laughter and joy is very much a part of Native culture." Featuring dozens of original interviews and the exhaustive research that is Nesteroff's trademark, We Had a Little Real Estate Problem is a powerful tribute to a neglected legacy.

In this book, there are puzzles to solve, riddles to unravel, tongue twisters to untwist and lots of jokes too. Look for Bin Laden (or Bin Baby) among all kinds of weird and wonderful characters, and in all sorts of places, and The Posse, Bin Ladketeers, NSA Agent Jimmy Dorch, Patty Hurst and Moonie too!Since the CIA, Interpol, the National Security Agency and the Defense Intelligence Agency have spent zillions of dollars and still haven't had any luck so far, we thought we'd give You the chance to find the world's Number One Most Wanted Man.

Pawsitive vibes only Dogs understand that the key to happiness is simple: to eat well, play well, love well and sleep well. This book gathers together all the best nuggets of life advice gleaned from our four-legged friends, paired with beautiful illustrations that'll put a smile on your face and a wag in your tail. From uplifting canine tails and timeless wisdom ("when you have a struggle, have a snuggle") to practical tips, happiness hacks and life lessons from paw-some breeds (such as that wrinkles are just smile lines, or that sometimes you need a lazy day), The Little Book of Pawsitivity is sure to delight every dog lover. It's both a playful tribute to all dogs for the happiness and unconditional love they bring us, and a reminder to their humans that if we adopt their perky outlook, anything is paw-sible. Other amazing insights include: Life can be ruff, but we are tough Diversity breeds success The best therapists are furry with four legs

The book is a collection of adapted humour inspired by other writers, interspersed with some original texts and a handful of philosophical views, mostly wrapped in humour. The texts include oblique references to adult obsessions and mild vernacular language in common usage by many aged 12 years and over. It is a joke book from cover to cover, most of which is unsuitable for younger children and anyone who cannot read without moving their lips. The book would have been in colour had I found my crayons.

Wedding planner Madeleine lives in a picture-perfect thatched cottage, in a picture-perfect English country village. There's only one problem - dream cottages take a lot of work, and with a leaking roof, and not enough money to pay for it, what Maddie needs now is a big wedding to plan. So she's delighted when she takes on the wedding of Californian heiress Peyton, to all-round good guy Patrick. She's less delighted to find out that she's going to have help - from the admittedly gorgeous, but equally maddening, tall, dark and handsome best man Lorcan. The wedding is set to take place in a castle in rural Ireland, and so, in no time, Maddie and Lorcan are on their way to Ballalee. Life hasn't always been easy for Maddie, and work has become her refuge. But soon the warmth and humour of Lorcan's Irish family and friends start to chip away at Maddie's walls. And as the big day approaches, it might be time for Maddie to focus less on her clients' love life and more on her own... 'Read yourself happy' with Maxine Morrey's latest feel-good and utterly uplifting love story, guaranteed to make you smile. Perfect for fans of Mhairi McFarlane and Sophie Kinsella. Praise for Maxine Morrey: 'An uplifting read that stops you in your tracks and makes you wonder "....but what if?" Absorbing, funny and oh-so-romantic, I loved every page!' Rachel Burton 'A super sweet read, guaranteed to warm any winter evening' Samantha Tonge 'A lovely story that kept me turning the pages' Jules Wake 'A stunning, perfect novel - it literally took my breath away.' The Writing Garnet, 5 stars 'A warm hug of a book.' Rachel's Random Reads, 5 stars