Big Dumb Eyes: Stories from a Simpler Mind

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. In the book’s introduction, Bargatze writes that “This book is never trying to say anything even close to important” (2). What did you think of this statement when you first read it? After reading the book, do you find it to be true? Why or why not?

2. If you’ve seen Bargatze’s standup comedy, how does his memoir compare? Is the humor the same or different in written form?

3. A lot of comedians write memoirs after becoming famous. Have you read other comedy memoirs? How does Big Dumb Eyes compare?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Bargatze experiences culture shock when he moves from Tennessee to Chicago. Have you ever experienced anything like this?

2. Bargatze fails every college class he takes. He claims this is because he lacks intelligence, but there are other factors involved. Have you ever failed a class? If so, what was the reason, or reasons?

3. The author claims owners’ view of pets in the US has changed over the last few decades. Do you think this is true? Have you ever had a pet? If so, how did you care for it?

4. When his wife Laura is pregnant, Bargatze is terrified that he will be too squeamish to cut his baby’s umbilical cord. When she is born, though, he is so overcome with wonder and love that he does it without a single thought or hesitation. Have you ever been very anxious leading up to an event, only to realize that you had nothing at all to worry about?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. How does the book explore class and the relationship between region and socioeconomic status in the United States?

2. Bargatze never comments on American politics in the memoir. Why might this be? Compare and contrast this approach to comedians who include political commentary in their performances.

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. The author uses footnotes throughout the memoir. What role does this play within the narrative?

2. How does Bargatze’s comedic use of exaggeration help to define him as a character? How does this compare to his comedic, onstage persona?

3. There are many running jokes throughout the book, like the focus on McDonald’s, Bargatze’s friend P-P, or the author’s history of driving run-down cars. How do these motifs reinforce the memoir’s themes?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. What topics do you think Bargatze might cover in a second book and why?

2. If any character besides the author in Big Dumb Eyes were to write their own comedy book, who do you think it would be? What would it be about?

3. Imagine creating two playlists to fit the two halves of this book—one for Bargatze’s youth in Tennessee, and one for his adulthood after he moves to Chicago. What songs would be in each playlist?