Tough Sh-t

Life Advice from a Fat, Lazy Slob Who Did Good

By: Kevin Smith

Narrated by: Kevin Smith

Profane, honest, and totally real advice from comedian and director Kevin Smith - one of America's most original voices....

Take one look at Kevin Smith: He's a balding fatty who wears a size XXL hockey jersey, shorts, and slippers year-round. Not a likely source for life advice. But take a second look at Kevin Smith: He changed filmmaking forever when he was 24 with the release of Clerks, and since then has gone on to make nine more profitable movies, runs his own production company, wrote a best-selling graphic novel, and has a beautiful wife and kids. So he must be doing something right.

As Kevin's millions of Twitter followers and millions of podcast listeners know, he's the first one to admit his flaws and the last one to care about them. In early 2011, he began using his platform to answer big questions from fans - like "What should I do with my life?"- and he discovered that he had a lot to say. Tough Sh-t distills his four decades of breaking all the rules down to direct and brutally honest advice, including:

• Why he has accepted Ferris Bueller as his personal savior, and what the Tenets of Buellerism can teach about hiding in plain sight and lip-syncing in the face of danger
• Why it's really fun to eat but not so fun to be fat
• What to do about people who don't like your policies ( for starters, tell them to pucker up and smooch your big ol' butt)
• What Kevin's idol Wayne Gretzky can teach us about creativity and direction

For anyone who's out of a job, out of luck, or just out of sugary snack foods, Tough Sh*t is an unabashedly honest guide to getting the most out of doing the least.

©2012 Kevin Smith (P)2012 Penguin Audio

Review for Tough Sh-t

Common sense sound advice mixed in with an interesting life story. Simple, smart, hilarious and entertaining. Loved the references and Kevin Smith reading his own words made it seem like I got to spend a few hours hanging out with someone i would choose to be friends with.

All artists should read...

Whether you're a Kevin Smith fan or not, if you have any creative drive, this is a book you should hear. It's not for everyone, but it's filled with a ton of wisdom from a guy who has constantly walked his talk. If you're afraid you can't do it, this book is for you.

Loved this!!

What made the experience of listening to Tough Sh-t the most enjoyable?

I think one of the things I enjoyed the most was having Kevin Smith "read" the book himself. Nothing better than getting it from the author themselves! I also like getting a kind of inside perspective on the film industry. It's fascinating to hear his take on the many experiences he's had throughout his career.

What did you like best about this story?

I really enjoy Kevin's way with words and his sense of humor as it colors the many stories he has to share in this particular book.

What does Kevin Smith bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Again, the listener gets to hear it in his own words. Reading the book I would just be attempting to imagine it in his voice.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The parts of the audiobook that feature his wife Jennifer and his daughter Harley make me tear up without fail. I love that he's such a family man.

Any additional comments?

For those not terribly familiar with Kevin just be aware that the man has a tendency to cuss. So if you have an issue with that, this book may not be for you, but if you can get passed that it is definitely worth a listen.

kevin smith is a master of the spoken word.

this is an excellent book by Kevin Smith. It is elevated by listening to him recount the story because it feels like he's sitting in your Den over a few beers discussing his life which is awesome. It's funny, sometimes insightful and it's got a lot of d**k and fart jokes which makes it amazing. Great read!!!!!!! snoogins.....

just buy it already!!!

it was a great decision to purchase the audible version than hardcover for the first read. With Kevin Smith being the narrator and adding his own adlibs made this listening very entertaining. It gave it a more personal experience as if you had a one on one interview with the man himself. Well done sir!

not so silent bob

Would you consider the audio edition of Tough Sh-t to be better than the print version?

yes, it's always great to hear kev telling his own tales.

Which scene was your favorite?

kevin discussing his reaction to the BS dealt to him by southwest airlines

What’s an idea from the book that you will remember?

what a JERK bruce willis really is!

Any additional comments?

if you're a fan of kevin smith you'll love this

Kevin Smith does it again

I am always amazed at how much Kevin Smith can fully encompass my thoughts and feelings with his amazingly witty and crude wordplay. I loved this book and it has forever changed me. As I listened I went through a full gambit of emotions. I could listen to this man speak forever and love his "view askew" on the world. (sorry couldn't resist.) At the risk of sounding like I have a huge man crush hard on for him I truly love his work and am I am inspired by this man in all that he does.

inspirational numbskullery

Kevin Smith, you either love him or hate him. He has never been one to NOT laud his successes AND failures to anyone who will listen. That however, is simply a character flaw that I'd wager at least 80% of Americans suffer from. The difference being, Kevin Smiths successes and failures are actually interesting.

Smith narrates his own sort of autobiography in this title, while lending nuggets of wisdom and hope to the read/listener to reach for their goals, consequences be damned and be proud of not only the result, but the effort.

The story itself, gives a unique introspective view into the rise of Smiths star, through his own eyes. His mannerisms and style, and obvious feeling is put into this production in a way that makes you feel that you are literally having a (very fun) one sided conversation with the ever self important (and rightfully so), Kevin Smith. Like him or hate him, this autobiography is worth the read/listen, as despite what you may not like about Smith, he worked his ass off to get where he is, and he delights in recanting the tale to whoever will listen, and does so with a wit to match the unlikely story of his success.

Here's to Kevin Smith - a hero for the nerd class that does things his own way and never asks forgiveness for doing so.

-L

Truly inspiring

Where does Tough Sh-t rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

it is my first.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Kevin Smith :)

Which character – as performed by Kevin Smith – was your favorite?

Bruce Willis

What’s an idea from the book that you will remember?

That his father died screaming and always hating his job. And the fact that the experience made Kevin to always follow his dreams.

Any additional comments?

Kevin, is a true inspirer. The book made me realize that it is time to follow my gut and to not give up just because someone told you one time you are not good enough. Kevin Smith ruuuuules!

Unpretentious and unfiltered look

An unpretentious and unfiltered look into life and living. I took a chance with my monthly credit to try something I would not normally read. I was rewarded by a very fun look into his life and his values. The only thing I didn't enjoy to the depth covered was concerning his Southwest experience. But perhaps its inclusion and degree of coverage indicate how profoundly the incident cut his soul. Thanks Mr. Smith for sharing and inspiring.