Big Dumb Eyes

Stories from a Simpler Mind

By: Nate Bargatze

Narrated by: Nate Bargatze

From one of the hottest stand-up comedians, Nate Bargatze brings his everyman comedy to book form 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 listeners laugh out loud and nod in recognition, but it probably won’t make them think too much.

*Nate’s family disputes this entire story.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2025 Nate Bargatze (P)2025 Grand Central Publishing

Nate is the best.

Hello folks!
I read Big Dumb Eyes in one day—and not because it was short, but because I genuinely couldn’t put it down. Nate Bargatze’s humor translates seamlessly from stage to page. Every chapter feels like you’re sitting in a room with him, listening to one hilarious story after another, told with that classic dry wit and down-to-earth charm he’s known for.The book is packed with self-deprecating tales, quirky observations, and the kind of honest reflections that make you laugh and think at the same time. Whether you’re a longtime fan of his stand-up or just looking for a feel-good, laugh-out-loud read, this book delivers.Highly recommend if you need a good escape and a reminder not to take life too seriously.

Practically perfect

What’s not to like about 6+ hours of listening to Nate Bargatze? I mean really. And Go Vandy!!

Such a fun experience

About 5-6 years ago, while I was feeding my baby boy, I was constantly awake because of breastfeeding, changing diapers, rocking him to sleep, I fell in love with listening to Nate's stand-up. Clean, personal, simple, smart and funny, like him, I hate reading books, but I decided to read (well, listen) this one because of him. The stories about his dad, mom, brother and sister, wife are so lovely and fun. I do it difficult to understand some of the stories and kinda hope to hear more about his stand-up journey and food lol but who am I to judge his content, it is like a 6 hour stand-up right there where I can feel love and laugh out loud, as always.

Just fun

Just a fun listen. Very light, not thought provoking, just an easy listen fun an afternoon drive or a stroll through the neighborhood.

His delivery. So funny.

Loved it all. He’s always charming and fun to listen to. I hope he keeps writing.

His childhood

Truthful, raw, and funny. All things combined to open the world of the “tragically normal” in all of us.

Entertaining

Funny and clean. Felt like I knew the author after listening and was in on the inside jokes. I liked that the author also was the narrator.

Bartgatze at his best!

This was a really fun lesson, we’re fans of Nate‘s and his comedy but I wasn’t sure how a book would come off. I started listening to this on the way to work one day and listen to it every drive until it was finished. It was funny, interesting, and kept me laughing all the way through some miserable commute. I appreciate his clean humor, his family stories, And honestly – hats off to his wife. She’s an angel! Definitely get this book. You’ll enjoy it, and you can listen to it in front of the kids (a relief!).

The funniest audiobook ever!

I’ve never laughed so much. I was a fan of your stand-up but you really took funny to the next level. Congrats, Nate!

Biased

I’ve been a fan for a long time. This book delivered exactly what a Nate Bargatze fan would want. The audio version is the way to go. Thanks to all that made it happen. 🙌🏻