In a literary landscape often dominated by complex narratives and profound revelations, Nate Bargatze’s debut book “Big Dumb Eyes: Stories from a Simpler Mind” offers something refreshingly different—a collection of stories that celebrates the ordinary moments of life with extraordinary humor. As one of comedy’s fastest-rising stars, Bargatze brings his distinctive stand-up style to the written page, delivering a memoir that feels like a casual conversation with a naturally funny friend.
The Art of Finding Humor in Everyday Life
What makes Bargatze’s book stand out is his uncanny ability to mine comedy gold from the mundane aspects of daily life. Whether he’s describing his teenage car (named “Old Blue”), his attempts at reading water meters, or his bizarre encounters with rats in a Chicago basement apartment, Bargatze transforms ordinary experiences into laugh-out-loud anecdotes.
The title itself—”Big Dumb Eyes”—reflects Bargatze’s self-deprecating humor, referring to his wide-eyed expression that apparently makes people speak to him “real slow” as if “I’m not all there.” This sets the tone for the entire collection: unpretentious, accessible, and genuinely funny without trying too hard.
His comedic strength lies in his narrative style—a meandering, conversational approach that feels authentic and unpolished in the best possible way. The book reads exactly as Bargatze speaks, complete with his distinctive Southern cadence that you can hear in your head as you read.
The Southern Perspective
One of the book’s most endearing qualities is its distinctly Southern point of view. Bargatze’s childhood in Tennessee provides rich material for stories about:
- His hometown of Lakewood, a tiny town that “existed inside another tiny town” with a comically overstaffed police department
- The experience of seeing snow in the South, where “a half inch of snow” would cause everything to shut down while the entire town gathered “at the one big hill behind our church” to sled until it turned to mud
- His father’s career as a professional clown and magician named “Yo-Yo”
- The cultural shock of moving from Tennessee to Chicago and New York
When describing his move to Chicago, Bargatze captures the cultural disconnect perfectly: “Once I was talking to this guy and I honestly don’t remember how religion even came up… this dude looked at me and goes, ‘Wait, you’re Christian? So you believe in God?’ And I go, ‘Wait, you don’t?'”
Family at the Heart of the Humor
What gives Bargatze’s stories emotional depth is the centrality of family in his narrative. His relationships with his parents, siblings, wife Laura, and daughter Harper provide both hilarious anecdotes and touching moments:
- His father’s influence: From forcing young Nate to cut the umbilical cord at the birth of his own daughter to teaching his children life lessons through terrifying roller coaster rides, Bargatze’s father emerges as a lovably eccentric character.
- The sibling dynamic: His descriptions of the competitive relationship with his brother Derek (“I’m three years older than Derek, so he was literally born in second place”) highlight family tensions with affection rather than bitterness.
- Marriage humor: Bargatze’s portrayal of his relationship with his wife Laura, particularly their arguments about shopping, budgeting, and what to have for dinner, will resonate with many couples.
- Parenting struggles: His stories about maintaining his daughter’s belief in the Christmas Elf show a father desperately trying to preserve childhood magic.
Critique: Where Simplicity Sometimes Falls Short
While Bargatze’s “simpler mind” approach creates accessible humor, it occasionally results in chapters that feel underdeveloped. Some anecdotes end abruptly or lack the satisfying conclusion that his best stories deliver. His “Random Food Thing” segments, while amusing, sometimes feel like filler material that could have been expanded into more substantial chapters.
The book’s structure is intentionally loose, which works well for Bargatze’s casual style but occasionally makes the collection feel disjointed. A stronger thematic organization might have helped create a more cohesive reading experience.
Additionally, readers hoping for deeper reflection or growth throughout the narrative might be disappointed. Unlike many memoirs that build toward moments of personal transformation, Bargatze seems content to entertain rather than enlighten—which is perfectly fine for a comedy book, but might leave some readers wanting more substance.
Writing Style: The Voice of a Natural Storyteller
Bargatze’s writing voice is authentic to his stand-up persona—straightforward, unpretentious, and deliberately simple. He writes:
“You can read this book anywhere or any way you want. You can read it in bed. You can read it upside down. You can read it in the car, but only when you’re driving. That’s a joke, in case that is not clear.”
This direct address to the reader creates an intimate tone as if Bargatze is performing just for you. His self-awareness about his own limitations (particularly his academic struggles and general cluelessness) becomes a strength rather than a weakness, making him a relatable and likable narrator.
Highlights: The Standout Chapters
The strongest chapters in “Big Dumb Eyes” include:
- “The Ballad of Old Blue” – A surprisingly touching tribute to Bargatze’s first car that explores how our attachment to possessions shapes our identity
- “Raised by a Clown” – A poignant chapter about his father’s difficult childhood and transformation through faith, revealing the emotional depth beneath the humor
- “The Time I Made the NBA” – A hilarious account of playing in a church basketball league (the Nashville Baptist Association) that brilliantly captures the absurd intensity of recreational sports
- “I Would Leave a Note” – His fish-out-of-water experience in Chicago that perfectly illustrates cultural differences between the South and the North
Who This Book is For
“Big Dumb Eyes” will particularly appeal to:
- Fans of Bargatze’s stand-up comedy looking for more of his distinctive humor
- Readers who enjoy unpretentious, accessible memoirs without heavy emotional baggage
- Anyone who appreciates observational humor about family dynamics, relationships, and everyday awkwardness
- Those who connect with Southern storytelling traditions and perspectives
If you enjoy the humor of Jim Gaffigan, Brian Regan, or Jerry Seinfeld—comedians who find humor in everyday observations rather than shock value—you’ll likely appreciate Bargatze’s approach.
Final Verdict: A Simple Pleasure Well Worth Your Time
At its heart, “Big Dumb Eyes” delivers exactly what it promises—stories from a simpler mind that entertain without requiring deep analysis. In a world where content often tries too hard to be profound or provocative, there’s something refreshing about Bargatze’s straightforward approach to humor.
While the book isn’t perfect—some chapters feel undercooked, and the structure is loose—these imperfections actually enhance its charm. Like a conversation with a funny friend, the book doesn’t need to be polished to be enjoyable.
Bargatze has successfully translated his stand-up persona to the page, creating a reading experience that feels authentic to his voice. For fans of his comedy, this book offers a deeper look at the experiences that shaped his perspective. For newcomers, it serves as an excellent introduction to his distinctive brand of humor.
In a literary landscape often fixated on complexity, Bargatze reminds us of the simple pleasure of a well-told story that makes you laugh. And sometimes, that’s more than enough.
