Big Dumb Eyes: Stories from a Simpler Mind

AN INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
A #1 TORONTO STAR BESTSELLER
AN INSTANT USA TODAY AND INDIE BESTSELLER
A GLOBE AND MAIL BESTSELLER

From one of the hottest stand-up comedians, Nate Bargatze brings his everyman comedy to the page in this hilarious collection of personal stories, opinions, and confessions.

Nate Bargatze used to be a genius. That is, until the summer after seventh grade when he slipped, fell off a cliff, hit his head on a rock, and "my skull got, like, dented or something." Before this accident, he dreamed of being "an electric engineer, or a doctor that does brain stuff, or a math teacher who teaches the hardest math on earth." Afterwards, all he could do was stand-up comedy.* But the "brain stuff" industry's loss is everyone else's gain because Nate went on to become one of today's top-grossing comedians, breaking both attendance and streaming records.

In his highly anticipated first book, Nate talks about life as a non-genius. From stories about his first car (named Old Blue, a clunky Mazda with a tennis ball stick shift) and his travels as a Southerner (Northerners like to ask if he believes in dinosaurs), to tales of his first apartment where he was almost devoured by rats and his many debates with his wife over his chores, his diet, and even his definition of "shopping." He also reflects on such heady topics as his irrational passion for Vandy football and the mysterious origins of sushi (how can a California roll come from old-time Japan?).

BIG DUMB EYES is full of heart. It will make readers laugh out loud and nod in recognition, but it probably won't make them think too much.

*Nate's family disputes this entire story.

Author: Nate Bargatze
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Published: 05/06/2025
Pages: 240
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.95lbs
Size: 9.10h x 6.10w x 1.10d
ISBN: 9781538768464


Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 04/21/2025
Kirkus Reviews 06/01/2025

About the Author
Nate Bargatze is a Grammy-nominated comedian, podcaster, actor, director, and producer from Old Hickory, Tennessee. Hailed as "The Nicest Man in Stand-Up" by The Atlantic; Nate is well known for his specials including The Tennessee Kid, The Greatest Average American, and Hello World. Nate is one of the top selling touring acts, breaking venue attendance records with more than 1.2 million tickets sold on his The Be Funny Tour. Nate also runs Nateland Entertainment, a family-friendly content company where he produces standup comedy specials, showcases, sketches, and scripted episodic content for film, television, podcasts, music and more. He lives in Nashville with his wife and daughter.