Since the announcement of Nate Bargatze’s new clean comedy book Big Dumb Eyes: Stories from a Simpler Mind I have been waiting for the Amazon truck like a kid waiting for Christmas morning.
Well, my copy just arrived, and I can’t wait to crack it open.
From Old Hickory to Center Stage
Born and raised in the Nashville suburb of Old Hickory, Nate’s roots run deep in Tennessee soil. His father, Stephen Bargatze, was a professional clown and magician, instilling in Nate a flair for performance from a young age. This Southern backdrop, filled with quirky family tales and small-town charm, heavily influences his comedic style.
In Big Dumb Eyes, readers are treated to stories that reflect this heritage, like the memorable chapter “My Sister the Alien,” where a family mishap at church turns into a hilarious anecdote.
Critical Acclaim and Reader Reception
While some critics mention that the written format doesn’t capture the full essence of Bargatze’s live performances, many agree that the book still delivers genuine laughs and heartfelt moments.
For those who prefer an auditory experience, the audiobook version, narrated by Bargatze himself, brings his stories to life, capturing the nuances of his comedic timing and delivery. In a Barnes & Noble review one listener shared,
“This audiobook feels just like stand up Nate Bargatze. A 6 and a half hour audio book finished in the blink of an eye! Life stories peppered with Nate’s humor and delivery kept me listening from start to finish. If you are a fan of Nate and his stand up, then you will LOVE this audiobook. I really enjoyed Nate being the Narrator. I thought the audiobook went bye very quickly and flowed well. While I didn’t need them, I enjoyed the thought behind the “blank pages” to get your head above water. That audio section was both funny and relaxing.!”
Why Big Dumb Eyes is one of the best books for parents 2025
Big Dumb Eyes isn’t just a collection of funny stories; it’s a celebration of Southern life, family, and the quirks that make parenting both challenging and rewarding. Bargatze’s reflections on his Tennessee upbringing offer a comforting reminder of the shared experiences that bind communities together. For parents juggling the chaos of daily life, this book serves as a gentle nudge to find humor in the mundane and cherish the simple moments.
In a world where parenting often feels overwhelming, Big Dumb Eyes provides a much-needed respite—a chance to laugh, reflect, and connect with the universal truths of family life. So, pour yourself a sweet tea, settle into your favorite chair, and let Nate Bargatze guide you through a journey that’s as heartwarming as it is hilarious.
Nate’s Career
Nate Bargatze’s comedic journey began in 2002, and over the past two decades, he has risen to become one of America’s most beloved stand-up comedians. Known for his clean, relatable humor, Bargatze has released several acclaimed specials, including Full Time Magic (2015), The Tennessee Kid (2019), The Greatest Average American (2021), and Your Friend, Nate Bargatze (2024).
His storytelling, often drawing from his Southern upbringing and family life, has resonated with audiences nationwide. In 2024, he achieved a milestone by selling over one million tickets to shows, making his tour the highest-grossing in comedy that year. Beyond stand-up, Bargatze has hosted Saturday Night Live twice and launched the popular Nateland podcast, further showcasing his comedic versatility.
Nate Bargatze: Comedian, Husband, and Dad
For parents, especially those navigating the challenges of raising children in today’s fast-paced world, Bargatze’s book offers a refreshing pause. His tales of childhood misadventures, family dynamics, and the simplicity of earlier times resonate deeply.
Beyond the stage and now the pages of Big Dumb Eyes, Bargatze is a devoted husband and father—a role he weaves into both his comedy and his storytelling. Married to his wife Laura since 2006, the two share a daughter, Harper, who often pops up in Nate’s routines as the source of both innocent hilarity and heartfelt moments.
Nate’s parenting style, much like his humor, is grounded, self-aware, and laced with the kind of humility Tennessee is known for. In interviews and podcast appearances, he talks about the joys and absurdities of raising a child while juggling life on the road, often marveling at how kids can both humble you and turn your world upside down in the best way.
In Big Dumb Eyes, Laura even joins the fun with snarky and loving footnotes, offering parents a relatable look at the partnership and compromise that come with marriage and raising a family. For Tennessee parents, it’s refreshing to see a public figure embrace the chaos of family life with such honesty and good humor.
