Review of Big Dumb Eyes
by Johny McFliggen, PhD Literature & Business, Oxford
Ah, "Big Dumb Eyes" by Nate Bargatze. The very title conjures an image that is both absurdly self-aware and delightfully irreverent—qualities that Bargatze has skillfully honed in his stand-up routines. While the existence of this book might be more myth than reality, let's indulge in a bit of speculative literary critique, much like Don Quixote tilting at windmills.
In the hypothetical pages of "Big Dumb Eyes," one imagines Bargatze turning his comedic lens inward, offering a tapestry woven with the threads of his Southern upbringing and the often surreal experiences of life on the comedic stage. If I were to draw a parallel, I would liken it to Steve Martin's "Born Standing Up," where the narrative dances between the profound and the hilariously mundane. Bargatze's hypothetical prose would likely echo the dry wit and observational humor that his fans have come to adore, much like the way Jerry Seinfeld wields a joke like a scalpel—precise and cutting, yet never drawing blood.
The book, one might speculate, would be less a chronological autobiography and more a collection of vignettes, each chapter standing alone like a perfectly timed punchline. Such a structure would allow Bargatze to meander through his memories and musings with the same ease he displays on stage, perhaps offering insights into the life of a comedian that only someone with his unique perspective could provide.
Considering other comedian-authored books, one might draw comparisons to "Bossypants" by Tina Fey or "Yes Please" by Amy Poehler. Both works blend humor with sincerity, revealing the humanity behind the persona. Bargatze’s hypothetical endeavor would likely follow suit, inviting readers to peer behind the curtain of his life with those big, dumb eyes that are anything but.
In a world where comedians are increasingly expected to comment on the socio-political landscape, Bargatze's imagined tome might eschew grand statements in favor of subtle observations—much like his stand-up. His humor is not about shaking fists at the heavens but rather chuckling at the absurdity of it all, akin to how David Sedaris finds levity in life's minutiae.
Ultimately, "Big Dumb Eyes," whether it exists or remains in the realm of possibility, would serve as a testament to Bargatze's gift for finding humor in the ordinary. It would remind us that sometimes, the most powerful stories are told with a wink and a nudge, rather than a loud proclamation. And while Nate Bargatze may not have penned this particular masterpiece just yet, one can hope that such a work might someday grace our bookshelves, waiting patiently to be devoured with the eagerness of an audience awaiting the next joke.
Purchase Link: Big Dumb Eyes on Amazon
