The best part about the “Lose Your Own Adventure” book Who Killed John F. Kennedy? is that this hilarious parody of the famous Choose Your Own Adventure books tells you upfront that no matter what choice you make, you’re going to lose — but that doesn’t stop you from playing
Even though you can’t technically win at Who Killed John F. Kennedy?, it does give you the joy of reading excellent spoof — a pleasure that inspired us to round up a few of our other favorite parody books.
National Lampoon’s Doon
It’s difficult to choose the best National Lampoon parody, but this 1985 Ellis Weiner-penned send-up of Frank Herbert’s 1965 science fiction novel Dune ranks pretty high up there.
The Official Preppy Handbook
The bestselling parody book that ended up accidentally defining an entire generation of popped-collar, Lacoste shirt-wearing Ivy League types, and all the people who wanted to be like them.
The Yuppie Handbook
Of course, the big problem with parody books doing incredibly well is that there will inevitably be parodies of the parody. Such was the case with 1983’s The Yuppie Handbook.
The Official Silicon Valley Guy Handbook
And then there is the parody of the parody of the parody.
The Jewish American Princess Handbook
We promise, this is the end of the Handbook parodies. Please keep reading.
Fifty Shames of Earl Grey
Fifty Shades of Grey wasn’t a parody, but it was a rip-off — a crappy bit of thinly disguised Twilight fanfiction. That’s why we’re 100% behind Andrew Shaffer for writing the best of the many parodies on the book we make snarky comments about at least once a day.
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies
Well, the idea is funny. The book? Not so much.
Go the Fuck to Sleep
It seems so easy in retrospect: write a really short children’s book for parents with the word “fuck” in the title, make a boatload of money.
A Game of Groans: A Sonnet of Slush and Soot
Hey, it’s not like George R. R. Martin is producing another A Song of Ice and Fire book anytime soon. Someone had to fill the void.