Big Dumb Eyes - by Nate Bargatze (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

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.

Review Quotes

"[Big Dumb Eyes] offers a comfortable seat next to Nate's easy charm."--GoBookMart

"Bargatze's book cover might advertise 'a Simpler Mind, ' but he certainly isn't stupid. There's a genius required for what he does."--USA Today

"Bargatze's comedic genius shines through as he mines humor from his 'simpler mind'... Bargatze's writing style is refreshingly conversational, capturing the essence of his stand-up persona: straightforward yet rich with humor."--Rimshas Corner

"For fans of Bargatze's stand-up, this book will feel like catching up with an old friend. For newcomers, it serves as a great introduction to his brand of comedy... It's a book that doesn't overstay its welcome, doesn't demand too much, and leaves you smiling, maybe even chuckling to yourself in public."--Following Films

"The Southern comic delivers a good-natured memoir of his years in the trenches... Bargatze never takes himself too seriously, but there's plenty of grown-up self-awareness here along with the yucks."--Kirkus Reviews

"A hilarious love letter to [Nate's] family and hometown." --The Tennessean

About the Author

Hailed as "The Nicest Man in Stand-Up," by The Atlantic Magazine, and "One of the Funniest People," by CBS Mornings, Grammy Award-winning & Emmy-nominated comedian, NY Times #1 best-selling author, podcaster, director and producer Nate Bargatze is selling out shows and breaking venue attendance records with more than 1.9 million tickets sold on his 2026 Big Dumb Eyes World Tour.