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Book

Big dumb eyes : stories from a simpler mind

Call Number

  • 921 B251 (CEN, OSH)

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Edition

First edition.

Publication Information

New York : Grand Central Publishing, 2025.

Physical Description

viii, 226 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm

Summary

"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 brain got, like, dented or something." Before this accident, he dreamed of being "an electric engineer, or a brain doctor, or maybe a math person who does like, math things for a living." Afterwards, a voice in his head told him, "It's okay. You're dumb now. All you got is standup."* But the "math things" industry's loss is our gain because Nate went on to become one of today's top-grossing comedians who breaks 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 for a stick shift), life as a Southerner (Northerners constantly ask him things like, do you believe in dinosaurs?), and his first apartment where a rat chewed a hole right through the wall to how his wife keeps him in line and so much more. He also reflects on such topics as Vandy football and the origins of sushi (how can a Philadelphia roll be from old-time Japan?). Nate's book is full of heart and 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"--

A humorous memoir by the acclaimed comedian, sharing stories from his life as a self-described "non-genius" following a childhood head injury. Blending personal anecdotes with observational comedy, Bargatze reflects on growing up in the South, his early struggles, quirky life experiences, and his rise to comedy fame. The book features lighthearted tales about family, everyday absurdities, and cultural confusion, offering readers a mix of heartfelt moments and laugh-out-loud humor.

Contents

  • Introduction: The most words
  • The biggest little speed trap in Tennessee
  • Raised by a clown
  • I was almost a genius
  • Random food thing : I guess sushi is old
  • My sister the alien
  • The ballad of Old Blue
  • The perfect sock
  • The time I made the NBA
  • I'm in your head
  • Bowling 101
  • Random food thing 2 : I hate onions
  • Kiss the girl
  • Get your head above water
  • Help wanted : must love snacks
  • I would leave a notes
  • No more guilt-tripping
  • Random food thing 3 : you changed, McDonald's. You changed.
  • The dog chapter
  • No running in the madhouse
  • The bet
  • Random food thing 4 : my parents waited in line three hours for Whataburger
  • I am definitely not shopping right now
  • This it totally our year
  • Take another breath. You're welcome.
  • I believe in elves
  • My barber makes me work out
  • Random food thing 5 : I better talk this over with my wife
  • The Bargatze way
  • Conclusion: Congrats
  • Acknowledgments.

Subjects