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Tough Shit: Life Advice from a Fat, Lazy Slob Who Did Good

Kevin Smith

3.90 · Rating details · 7,940 ratings · 854 reviews

That "Kevin Smith? The guy who did Clerks a million years ago? Didn t they bounce his fat ass off a plane once? What could you possibly learn from the director of Cop Out ? How about this: he changed filmmaking forever when he was twenty-three, and since then, he s done whatever the hell he wants. He makes movies, writes comics, owns a store, and now he s built a ...more

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Hardcover, 263 pages

Published March 20th 2012 by Gotham Books (first published January 10th 2012)

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Aug 01, 2018 Mitch Albom added it

Shelves: love

Kevin Smith is nicer than he lets on, thinner than he thinks, and smarter than almost anyone in the room. He has todays world - and tomorrows running for cover. ...more

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Sep 07, 2016 Naksed marked it as dnf

Shelves: memoirs, celebrities, audio-book

I don't like memoirs that are written as a way to settle scores and it seems that a lot of film director Kevin Smith's memoirs are either about talking trash against other celebrities (like Neil Patrick Harris and Bruce Willis) or sucking up to them (Ben Affleck, Harvey Weinstein).

I totally get that Willis can be a prima donna but isn't it your job as a director to manage that megalomania commonly found amongst "stars", get a performance out of them and achieve the movie you envision? I have a ...more

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May 09, 2012 Michael rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: audio-book, read-in-2012

I "discovered" Kevin Smith's Clerks years ago on my college's cable system and immediately loved it. I've been a fan of Smith's voice ever since that time, enjoying his films and then subscribing to many of the podcasts Smith produces as part of his Smodcast network.

If you've listened to a lot of Smith's commentaries, podcasts and various question and answer DVD releases, you've probably heard different variations of the some of the stories and incidents Smith relates here in Tough Shit: Life I "discovered" Kevin Smith's Clerks years ago on my college's cable system and immediately loved it. I've been a fan of Smith's voice ever since that time, enjoying his films and then subscribing to many of the podcasts Smith produces as part of his Smodcast network.

If you've listened to a lot of Smith's commentaries, podcasts and various question and answer DVD releases, you've probably heard different variations of the some of the stories and incidents Smith relates here in Tough Shit: Life Advice from a Fat, Lazy Slob Who Did Good. But that familiarity won't necessarily ruin the enjoyment of this book, nor the "life advice" Smith is trying to share with his readers (or in my case, listeners since I consumed this as an audio book).

Told in typical Smith fashion (meaning lots of use of the f-word and body function humor. If that's not your cup of tea, you probably won't enjoy this book in the least. But then again, you shouldn't be surprised because this is, after all, Kevin Smith), the stories detail Smith's influences, his career and his life. In between learning about how Smith decided that he didn't want to just dream a filmmaker but actually decided he was a filmmaker to his courtship and marriage to his wife Jen, the book finds Smith as his self-critical best. Yes, a lot of time is spent praising his latest release Red State and the way in which Smith "bucked" the independent movie system that helped launch his career, but in between those chapters is some fascinating commentary from inside the indie system during its rise in the mid to late 90's.

Smith doesn't pull any punches either (again, not a shock if you've listened to his Dogma commentary). One chapter relates Smith's disappointment at getting to direct one of his childhood heroes in Bruce Willis and how Smith went from a fellow actor in one movie to an adversary and director in Cop Out. It doesn't necessarily make the movie any better as a finished product, but you may have a bit more respect for Smith in getting the film completed and it's a necessary piece to understand why Smith has decided to pursue other passions besides filmmaking.

If you like Kevin Smith, this book is a must read, even if you've probably heard some of these stories before. If you don't know who Smith is, go and find his movies on DVD or Blu-Ray immediately and start watching them.

And while Smith does use a lot of f-bombs and adult content to relate his story, like his influence of George Carlin, Smith never lets his crude language overshadow the true heart of the book and the stories he's relating. As you read (or in this case listen), you can hear the passion in Smith's voice as he tells the story of his own life in his own words. ...more

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Jun 23, 2019 Vikas rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: nbtr

I have followed Kevin Smith for many years now not as much as to follow his movies or shows or blogs or podcasts. But enough that I have seen his older stuff at least till Red State and I see his YouTube videos of his, I love the passion which he brings to the movie reviews. Dude just loves movies and comics he is my people. So I had this so I had to read it. This is circa 2011 Kevin Smith who had discovered Weed and was an active smoker, was fatter, didn't have his heart attack 2019 Kevin Smith ...more

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Mar 09, 2012 Laura rated it really liked it

Shelves: biographies-and-memoirs, bookshelf, 2012-reads

http://www.owltellyouaboutit.com/posts/tough-shit/

For someone who was around seven when Clerks premiered, I was very excited when I opened my box from Penguin Audio and saw this book. I didnt need anyone to tell me who Kevin Smith is, what he looks like, or why hes famous. I knew all that already thanks to my two older brothers. So I would like to half-heartedly dedicate this review to them. Brian and Blake, without you I would have been as clueless about who Kevin Smith was as all my friends http://www.owltellyouaboutit.com/posts/tough-shit/

For someone who was around seven when Clerks premiered, I was very excited when I opened my box from Penguin Audio and saw this book. I didn’t need anyone to tell me who Kevin Smith is, what he looks like, or why he’s famous. I knew all that already thanks to my two older brothers. So I would like to half-heartedly dedicate this review to them. Brian and Blake, without you I would have been as clueless about who Kevin Smith was as all my friends were when I told them about this book. Sometimes I forget that the guys I hang around are younger than me and that my taste in films and music in the 90s was heavily influenced by my teenage brothers.

Even though I saw most of Kevin Smith’s films when I was probably too young to be watching them, I loved them instantly. No matter what the critics said, I found them hilarious. I also have a major soft spot geeky guys of any kind, especially since I’m a pretty geeky girl. It was pretty eye-opening to read all this behind-the-scenes stuff about the movies I enjoyed years ago. Honestly, I was totally oblivious to critic opinions about the films. I just watched them, and enjoyed them. I had no clue how much crap Kevin Smith put up with to make some of his films. There’s some pretty cool insight into the movie business, both indie and big six. I think all of that stuff is interesting enough, but there is a lot more to Smith’s book than film talk and cum jokes (though, there are a lot of those).

This book also offers some really great advice about discovering your passion and going for it. By chronicling his years from making Clerks trough today, he explains how he really got where he is: by not listening to people’s negative crap and following his dream. Of course, it’s not all as simple as that. There is tough shit to be endured, and that’s what I think Smith is trying to say in this book. There will be hardships and probably some failings. You have to take chances, but it will pay off in the end when you can look back and say you’ve accomplished something worthwhile (whether it be art, work, or an awesome family). The awesome part is that this advice is delivered in a voice that a younger generation can relate to. Kevin Smith may be close to twenty years older than me, but he talks like your best friend. He’s full of witty pop-culture references and profanity that color the speech of a lot of people today. He’s relatable, and I think that’s what makes this book work. He’s giving advice, but it doesn’t really feel like it. At least, not in the same way that your parents or teachers (or whoever) give you advice.

Kevin Smith reads this book himself, and it’s perfect. I mean, after all he’s a good speaker and only he can deliver his words just right. Also, he stops reading a couple of times to throw in some quick comments and I found that really entertaining. I also loved his voices for Terrantino and Bruce Willis. They were pretty close. At the end, he includes something his daughter wrote about him, and it has to be the sweetest thing ever. I’m pretty sure she reads it herself, which is also pretty cute.

If you know who Kevin Smith or have seen his films, you should grab this. If you don’t and you enjoy crude but witty humor, you should grab it anyway. There’s always time to watch the films after.

This book was provided by the publisher for review. I did not receive any payment in exchange for the review nor was I obligated to write a positive one. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, the book's publisher and publicist or the readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. ...more

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Jan 17, 2015 رؤيا شعبان rated it really liked it

Shelves: read-in-2015, مقالات

" I finally said it aloud. I want to be a filmmaker. Id say that for a few weeks until my sister, Virginia, gave me awesome advice.
Then be a filmmaker.
Thats the idea, I said. I want to be a filmmaker.
You dont have to want to be a filmmaker, just be a filmmaker, Virginia said. Every thought you have, think it as a filmmaker. Youre already a filmmaker; you just havent made a film yet.

كيفن سميت مخرج افلام مميز و انسان رائع
استمتعت بقراءة الكتاب كثيراً كثيراً
رغم اني كنت ابحت عن شئ ما لو اجده
و ...more

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Mar 29, 2012 Sam Quixote rated it really liked it

Since I saw a headline on my RSS feed - "Fat Director kicked off flight" - and clicked on it, then (after reading the brief article surrounded by many ads) going to the Smodcast website, I've been hearing about Kevin Smith's life ever since. For a solid 2 years and change I've had Smodcast and its many, many attendant podcasts whenever I've had a long drive with myself or a walk to work or washing up and needing something non-musical. But having listened to the many entertaining stories Kevin Since I saw a headline on my RSS feed - "Fat Director kicked off flight" - and clicked on it, then (after reading the brief article surrounded by many ads) going to the Smodcast website, I've been hearing about Kevin Smith's life ever since. For a solid 2 years and change I've had Smodcast and its many, many attendant podcasts whenever I've had a long drive with myself or a walk to work or washing up and needing something non-musical. But having listened to the many entertaining stories Kevin has imparted, along with having seen his Q&A specials "Too Fat for Forty" and "Kevin Smith Burn in Hell", I realised after the first chapter of this book that for a person who shares everything, there's very little left to surprise someone who's been following along and listened to every story.

Don't get me wrong, the book is admirable in that it encourages the reader to overcome any hesitation or doubt they may have and go out and just do it. Smith uses his father as an example for the rest of the book - Don Smith was a man who worked 20 years in a job he hated (the US postal service) to provide for his family and then after a too-short retirement, died of heart failure, screaming. The message to Smith was clear - never do a job you hate, never have regrets so when the time comes, you won't go out in as much pain.

From there we get a whirlwind look at Smith's career, the story of "Clerks", and a brief synopsis of every film made since then. The filming of "Cop Out" and his clashes with Bruce Willis are documented, as well as the filming of "Red State" which takes up several chapters. What became known as the "Too Fat to Fly" incident with South West is detailed, and a loving final chapter to his wife Jennifer Schwalbach closes out the book along with a short note from their daughter Harley Quinn Smith.

But for most Kevin Smith fans looking for something new or different from what Kevin usually blogs/tweets/podcasts about? It's not in this book. "Tough Shit" is basically a summary of Kev's career as well as a look into the memorable events of the last couple of years, all of which has been thoroughly talked about through Kevin's many podcasts. I suppose for those who haven't been following the pods this is a good place to get his thoughts on the South West incident, Bruce Willis, and Red State, but for those who have the book might seem a bit like overheated leftovers.

That said, the book's message is put out clearly - if I can do it, so can you. Kevin is the encouragement any artist reading this book might lack and, with it, that artist might go on and create and find confidence in their work and create more. And for that alone, this book is worth it.

Despite the feeling of déjà vu I felt while reading it, Smith writes so fluidly (a theme in and of itself in the book) and with such verve, humour, and intelligence, the book is never dull and having read some other reviews of this book, is an inspiration to many readers. For anyone looking for a book that markets itself as a self-help book but is really a series of funny essays in the life of a charming and gifted storyteller, this book can do no wrong. A quick read but fun, "Tough Shit" is a good time with common sense wisdom amid the jokes. ...more

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Oct 06, 2016 Aistė Aidukaitė rated it really liked it

Shelves: audiobooks

I'm going to start this by saying that my favorite film is a black and white indie from 1990s (you know where I'm going with this).
So I have no problem with Kevin Smith ranting about being too fat to fly. Or eating his wife's pussy. Also, he recorded his own audiobook and he was high while doing it. I'd say this was well worth 5:55 hours of my time.

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Jan 05, 2012 Cayr rated it really liked it

Shelves: biography-memoirs

Reading Kevin Smith is kind of a guilty pleasure for me. On the one hand, his humor can be base and vulgar. On the other hand, he is a very good writer, extremely intelligent, and his sense of irony and effortless wit are a joy to behold. (It doesn't hurt that I also happen to find him very attractive, and that I am a fangirl who understands the whole comic book thing.) Sometimes he hides his light under a barrel tagged with profanity, but it strikes me as more of a marketing ploy to keep his Reading Kevin Smith is kind of a guilty pleasure for me. On the one hand, his humor can be base and vulgar. On the other hand, he is a very good writer, extremely intelligent, and his sense of irony and effortless wit are a joy to behold. (It doesn't hurt that I also happen to find him very attractive, and that I am a fangirl who understands the whole comic book thing.) Sometimes he hides his light under a barrel tagged with profanity, but it strikes me as more of a marketing ploy to keep his younger audience engaged.

Smith is a chronicler. This is his third memoir, and while it may be hard to believe that a guy his age has experienced enough in his life to fill three volumes, his journey has actually been pretty fascinating. Smith shares with readers how a regular guy from NJ decided one day that he wanted to make movies, and then did. The life advice he gives is no joke. Very real coaching on how to attain your dreams; sometimes told with a wink and a nudge, but very sage advice, regardless.

If you can get past the first chapter, which is full of sophomoric humor and jism jokes, you may find the rest of the book to be quite the surprise. Smith always treats the reader to insider (and sometimes bizarre) stories about hollyweird, and this book is no exception. He gives behind-the-scenes peeks at what is involved in making movies, what box office dollars actually mean and provides a frank and honest description of getting things done (and not getting them done) in tinseltown.

In his last memoir, Smith romanticized about working with Bruce Willis. In this memoir, he recounts his experience of working with Willis on the set of "Cop Out", and describes the fanboy disillusionment that arose from directing the star.

In one chapter, Smith goes into details about his run-in with the airline that said he was too fat to fly. He turns the story on its ear, with his unique ability to turn his personal humiliation into hilarity.

The very worst part of the book is when Smith writes that he is going to stop making movies. I can't help but think that the guy who gave us Clerks, Chasing Amy, Jersey Girl (yeah, I pretty much loved Jersey Girl, even though the fallout from "Bennifer" killed it at the box office)and Dogma, still has more to say via the medium. Smith goes on at length about his SModcasts and his plans to keep writing.

The best part of the memoir? When Smith references my favorite book of all time: The Outsiders. (though admittedly, he was probably referencing the movie).

Near the end of the book, Smith gets candidly personal and writes about his family...he goes on and on about his wife, the fabulous Ms. Schwalbach...who stole him away from the rest of us girls. He tells the story of their meeting and how Jen and his daughter Harley have changed his life. A very entertaining read. ...more

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Mar 20, 2012 Brandon rated it really liked it

Shelves: view-askew, non-fiction, biographies, comedy, 2012, memoir

It's been 10 years since I watched my first Kevin Smith movie. Since then, I've seen all of his films, read all of his books and graphic novels, listened to hundreds of episodes of shows contained on the SModcast network and taken in two live shows. Therefore, it's fair to say that I'm a pretty big fan of his. With that information, it's hard to feel like I'm really reviewing this book given my massive bias. I'm going to give it a shot though.

I knew that even before I picked up this It's been 10 years since I watched my first Kevin Smith movie. Since then, I've seen all of his films, read all of his books and graphic novels, listened to hundreds of episodes of shows contained on the SModcast network and taken in two live shows. Therefore, it's fair to say that I'm a pretty big fan of his. With that information, it's hard to feel like I'm really reviewing this book given my massive bias. I'm going to give it a shot though.

I knew that even before I picked up this memoir/motivational book, I was going to be confronted with stories and events that I already know a great deal about. If anything, Smith is known by his fans for being incredibly transparent. So much so that no aspect of his life ever seems to be off limits for discussion (look for the chapter when he discusses - in detail - his sexual exploits with one Jennifer Schwalbach, his wife). Given that I generally enjoy going for long walks with my iPod (which I've renamed iSMod - I know, I know), I spend the majority of those long walks listening to him talk about everything from his recent physical (in incredible detail, mind you) to his life-altering obsession with Wayne Gretzky.

I already knew all about topics like the Red State development, the incident on South West and the story about his Dad's passing but he makes it all seem fresh. There's something to be said about his writing - it's pretty effortless.

Despite the fact that with the exception of a few select films in Clerks, Clerks 2, Chasing Amy and Red State, he's usually publically lambasted by critics for his poor efforts. When facing those oh so important opinions whenever he approaches a new direction in life, he often needs to find a way to remain positive.

After answering several questions on Twitter, he had the idea to write a full book dispensing his advice for those who seek it. A self-help or motivational book makes perfect sense for Smith, so it's a wonder he hasn't done this already. Granted, he'll be the first person to tell you that he certainly isn't perfect but he'll also let you know that if he can achieve his dreams then so can you. ...more

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Feb 14, 2014 Peter Derk rated it liked it

Listened to on audio, read by the author. The guy's done enough podcasting that it works pretty well.

If you're not really familiar with Kevin Smith, this is an awesome point of entry.

Do me a favor, if I ever write a book someday, don't refer to it as a Point of Entry. Sorry, Mr. Smith.

But really, he goes through his whole career here, the interesting parts, the weird parts, and some of the funniest.

One of my favorites, the oft-told tale where Kevin and friends decided to protest the churchy ...more

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Apr 04, 2012 Eric rated it liked it

Recommends it for: Hardcore Kevin Smith fans

Shelves: humor, memoirs, audiobooks

Smith discusses a wide variety of topics in this book -- what inspired him to make Clerks, the Weinstein's, making Cop Out with Bruce Willis, Wayne Gretsky, Red State, the Southwest incident, George Carlin, podcasts, Quentin Tarrantino, and meeting his wife. But if you are looking for any sort of motivation or advice in any of them, you can safely skip this book. If you are looking for occasionally funny, always interesting look at Hollywood from a fringe insider, this is a decent book to read. ...more

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May 25, 2012 sixthreezy rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

If you are interested in reading this book, I highly recommend listening to the audiobook version that Kev himself narrates. Yes, @ThatKevinSmith narrates his own book, but are you surprised? The man just has such a way with words, and anyone who is familiar with SIR! or any of his podcasts will know what I am talking about. He's mesmerizing as a reader, or narrator, and I could not help but being fully transfixed to his narration of his own story. No one could have read it any better than he ...more

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Mar 27, 2015 Avery (ThePagemaster) rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: gave-away, non-fiction, goodwill

By now, everybody has probably heard of Kevin Smith, to some degree. He's the guy that made Clerks, and even refers himself, a couple of times, as "The Guy that did Clerks". One of favorite movies, as well as Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back; not movies that I go to all the time. Just some that I watch every now and then to keep the humor alive and are fun to quote.

What I liked the most about this book was the book itself. It reads like Kevin Smith really wrote this, and it does have his humor, ...more

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May 02, 2017 Marta rated it really liked it

Recommends it for: Kevin Smith fans

Shelves: dude-lit, humor, nonfiction, memoir-biography, audio, own-audio

If you are a Kevin Smith fan, you'll dig this book. If you have no idea who Kevin Smith is, but like intelligent hilarity even if it is overrun with profanity and bodily fluids, you'll also dig this book. Otherwise steer clear.

I have been a Kevin Smith fan ever since I saw Clerks in a tiny Budapest art movie theater. I like dude-humor, the honesty of it. It is odd because I am not a fan of pointless cursing. But Kevin Smith and his bros have a way of twisting that language in creative, hilarious ...more

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Jul 11, 2016 Nadia rated it it was amazing

Shelves: nonfiction, humor, selfmade-hero

That was great! Although most of the stuff in this book I heard during one or another Q&A recordings it was really interesting and inspirational to read it all at once.
Kevin Smith is a great story-teller and he takes you to a whole new level of entertaining. I think I could listen to him reading some restaurant menu and he still would find a way to make it funny and interesting.
I just don't agree with his description of himself. I think Kevin Smith is really talented man. You can see it ...more

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Apr 30, 2012 Traci rated it really liked it

You seem to either love or hate Kevin Smith. I have yet to find someone who is ambivalent about the director (unless they literally have no idea who he is). And that's OK; someone like Smith who turned filmmaking on its head with "Clerks" deserves to be revered or reviled.

This is an interesting, if expletive-filled, book. Yeah, there's a lot of swearing here, so if you've got delicate ears - or eyes, I guess - this may not be something you want to pick up. Smith writes exactly the way I imagine You seem to either love or hate Kevin Smith. I have yet to find someone who is ambivalent about the director (unless they literally have no idea who he is). And that's OK; someone like Smith who turned filmmaking on its head with "Clerks" deserves to be revered or reviled.

This is an interesting, if expletive-filled, book. Yeah, there's a lot of swearing here, so if you've got delicate ears - or eyes, I guess - this may not be something you want to pick up. Smith writes exactly the way I imagine him talking, which is refreshing in a way. Some "biographies" have co-writers (either credited or not) who help the author polish the work so much that you wonder who really wrote the thing. No doubt about the author here - it's Smith all the way.

What comes out most in this book is the love Smith has for two things: his family and movies. Smith would be the total homebody dad and husband if it weren't for touring to support his films. And it's obvious how much he's been in love with movies since he and his dad used to hit the local theater weekly. Indeed, some of the most touching moments of the book are Smith talking about his dad. They didn't have a mushy father-son relationship - this was before all that touchy-feely sh*t was in vogue. Smith's dad was a man's man, a postal employee who loathed his job, a smoker, a grunter. In fact, it was his dad's feelings about his job that spurred Smith to find his own way; he watched his father trudge off to a job he hated each and every day, and Kevin vowed to not be that guy.

Which brings me to the most shocking part of the book, Smith's plans to get out of the film business. I was really surprised to read that he plans to make one last movie, and then that's it - curtain closed on his directorial career. I was all "WTF???" (my poor attempt to sound like a Smith character) But he makes his point eloquently: he's been in the movie biz for 20+ years now, both as the boy wonder and then as the senior director. He's been enamored of the Weinsteins and Miramax, and he's also thumbed his nose at them when they moved on to the next boy wonder (he also stole a lot of their promo tricks, which he worked to his advantage, and which really pissed off Harvey). But as Smith himself pointed out, it's no longer fun and wonderful for him to be the director. He's told the stories he's wanted to tell, and he's getting tired of the business. He's becoming his dad trudging off to work, and remember, he does not want to be "that guy". So he's taking his talents in another direction, the podcast, and live tours of him and his band of merry men talking on stage, which was always his favorite part of the movie promo stuff anyway.

It's a cool book, told by a cool guy, a self-professed schlub who made good. If nothing else, pick it up for the chapter about George Carlin, one of Smith's childhood heroes. I cried, and like Smith, I miss George. And much as it may pain me as a movie fan, I admire Kevin Smith for taking control of his life and doing what he wants to do. I wish him luck in his next career, and we'll always have The Quick Stop.

...more

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Nov 07, 2012 Fight*Censorship*In*ALL*Forms rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: audio-book, non-fiction, celebrity

***Warning***
If you are easily offended or not a fan of crass, crude, and expletive ridden humor do not read this book!

This book, written and narrated by Kevin Smith, is the genuine article and very....well Kevin Smithish.

This is not the traditional chronological from birth to now memoir but is more event focused and will very often jump back and forth in time. The events that are discussed are chosen based on their importance and impact on Smith's life and creative process.

The major topics ...more

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Apr 29, 2012 Lucy rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: audiobook, memoir

I remember watching Kevin Smiths Clerks and Chasing Amy back in the day I was big into slacker movies in the 90s. I think those are the only two of Smiths movies Ive seen now Im more of a romantic comedy kind of girl. Still, I remember the two films fondly; they introduced me to Smiths humor, and in turn led the way to me listening to this audiobook. Now I know Kevin Smith more as a personality, as well as an annual public speaker at Hall H at Comic-Con. Based on all this I knew I was sure to I remember watching Kevin Smith’s Clerks and Chasing Amy back in the day – I was big into slacker movies in the 90s. I think those are the only two of Smith’s movies I’ve seen – now I’m more of a romantic comedy kind of girl. Still, I remember the two films fondly; they introduced me to Smith’s humor, and in turn led the way to me listening to this audiobook. Now I know Kevin Smith more as a personality, as well as an annual public speaker at Hall H at Comic-Con. Based on all this I knew I was sure to be entertained and amused with Tough Sh*t.

In Tough Sh*t: Life Advice from a Fat, Lazy Slob Who Did Good, Smith talks about his movie career and his influences from George Carlin to Wayne Gretzky to John Hughes. He dishes on which actors impressed him and which actors pissed him off as he takes you behind the scenes of his movies. Smith also gets the infamous “too fat to fly on Southwest” incident off his chest. Smith acknowledges his family by including a loving recognition of his wife Jen and compares his first date with Jen to Lloyd Dobler asking out Diane Court. Behind it all is some good career advice to get paid doing what you love to do.

Kevin Smith’s story is inspirational – he fell in love with film and followed his dream to be a filmmaker. From his first visit to New York’s Angelika theatre he knew he wanted to follow in the footsteps of Slacker’s Richard Linklater and make films. In fact I learned in this audiobook that Smith made his mark on cinema by creating the bromance film genre. Interesting, right?

The part of me that loves Hollywood gossip ate up Smith’s celebrity stories, from Bruce Willis’ on set bad behavior to his falling out with mentor Harvey Weinstein. Smith also gives a fascinating look at filmmaking when he decides to self distribute his Tarantino-esque film Red State. He also gets some jabs in to the movie critics who love to hate him.

Who better than Kevin Smith to narrate his story? It’s his life and his stories and you can hear the passion and enthusiasm in his voice. His story is very personal, and like his films potty-mouthed at times, and I can’t imagine anyone else narrating the book. Smith is a professional podcaster so is obviously very comfortable behind the mic, and the six hours I listened to this audiobook flew by. His sharp humor, intelligence and knowledge of pop culture made for an entertaining listening experience.

This book is for Kevin Smith fans, those who love movies and pop culture, and those looking for some creative inspiration. If you have six hours to spare and are not easily offended, check out this audiobook. ...more

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Jan 06, 2016 Mike Crews rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I have always loved Kevin Smith and his work. I've found myself at times feeling bad for him for not receiving the critical acclaim I feel that his work is worthy of. It's all too easy to cast aside something that is different or look past the depth of one's inelegance because they chose to use crude humor to illustrate their point. After reading this book, I no long feel sorry for Kevin Smith because, for better or worse, he did things his way.

This book is an inspirational text about chasing I have always loved Kevin Smith and his work. I've found myself at times feeling bad for him for not receiving the critical acclaim I feel that his work is worthy of. It's all too easy to cast aside something that is different or look past the depth of one's inelegance because they chose to use crude humor to illustrate their point. After reading this book, I no long feel sorry for Kevin Smith because, for better or worse, he did things his way.

This book is an inspirational text about chasing down your dream career and doing the things you want to do with that career. Some reviews say that this book didn't contain much life advice; to those critics, I would say read it again. Yes, it's not a step-by-step, do these things and be successful kind of book. Some of the lessons you have to draw out yourself, but they are in there. However, this book is a "this is the way I did it; maybe it will work for you" kind of book. (Not a quote from the author).

I enjoyed reading about how Kevin Smith was able to accomplish the things he wanted to do and bring his friends and family along for the ride. Too many times people get a little success and forget where they came from...not Kevin Smith. Here is a man who is successful and challenges those around him to be successful as well. The love he has for his friends, family and mentors is amazing and shared throughout the book. I teared up a couple of times during this book, and I don't do that often.

After reading "Tough Shit," I felt inspired to chase my own dream and get back to my art. I have been saying I want to be a writer for awhile now, but I have been pussyfooting around about getting started. The part of this book that I really dug was when Kevin told his sister that he wanted to be a film maker. It was the first time he had ever really told anyone. She said, "Then you are a film maker; you just haven't made a film yet. That wisdom hit home for me. I look at it this way: I am a writer; I just haven't been published yet.

If you want to read a story about a "fat, lazy slob who did good" and did it his own way--on his own terms, then this is the book for you. ...more

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Jul 09, 2012 Kim rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: humour, non-fiction, biography, black-humour, usa, male-author, 2010s, 2012

At times hilarious, disturbing, insightful and inspiring the one thing this book wasn't was boring. For those who want an in-depth, detailed biography of Kevin Smith's life look elsewhere. This isn't that book. Instead Smith looks at the key moments in his life, both good and bad, and how they influenced his philosophy and life decisions.

Told in the typical Kevin Smith manner it is irreverent, filthy, funny but at times a bit of a rant with a touch of fanboy thrown in. A lot of what he said ...more

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Apr 20, 2012 Joe Barlow rated it really liked it

The infuriating thing about Kevin Smith is his determination to hide his intelligence and sensitivity behind a cloud of vulgar profanity and fart jokes. CLERKS and CHASING AMY were the films that prompted me to start writing screenplays and making my own short movies, and for years I held him up as an indie role model, although I lost a bit of faith when Smith squelched his unique voice and began churning out mainstream-ish comedies like COP OUT and ZACK & MIRI. Smith feels my pain -- he's ...more

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May 24, 2015 Abigail rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: biographies, film-school, audiobooks, top-10-favorite-audiobooks, marvel-and-dc, comic-book-greatest-stories, 2015-goodreads-book-challenge

This biography about Kevin Smith, narrated by Kevin himself, was incredibly inspiring and exciting to me in ways I can't even begin to describe. It easily has escalated as a late runner in the year towards being a heavily favored choice for my #1 Favorite Book of the Year! I have been a fan of Kevin Smith's movies since the beginning of his career making CLERKS. So to hear him tell essentially his film life story, I was highly interested and intrigued by the stories he told! I especially liked ...more

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Sep 28, 2012 Myha rated it it was amazing

If you know me, you know I love this man and his sense of humor. This is a brilliant extension of his podcast that I have enjoyed over the last 5 years. This book is a retelling of many stories I have heard many times but put together this is a gem of a book. Ironically, this is also a great motivational book told by someone who never strove for greatness but has achieved it many times over by just being himself and doing what makes him most happy. It has a great message as well as being ...more

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Nov 01, 2012 Anelis rated it really liked it

Shelves: humor, geeking-out, biography-memoire, reviewed, pure-fun

Having watched multiple times his Q&As and heard some of his podcasts....and read some of his blog posts.....and seen all of his movies I can say that I had already read at least half of the book before I even read the title.

The audiobook is read by Kevin Smith and I really suggest that you try it first instead of another format. I couldn't imagine a better narrator for this book.

I thought I had gotten over Kevin Smith and his pompous cocky attitude but I guess that deep down I'm still a ...more

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Apr 27, 2017 Veronica Lara rated it it was amazing

Okay I picked this book up and put it down and finally in a April managed to read it all the way through.
If you are not a fan of blatant honesty, nerdisms, and profanity, this shit ain't for you.

I love Kevin Smith's podcasts, movies, tv shows etc. This guy is your best friend who is obsessed with comics and Star Wars. He's a relatable human who just happens to be famous.

This book just further cements him into my mind as an amazing human being who is also very inspiring and encourages people to ...more

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Mar 01, 2019 Cecily Kyle rated it really liked it

Shelves: unopart2

I was never a super fan of Kevin Smith but still always liked him as a person through what I have seen on twitter and other forms of media.
This book really had me laughing and I just love this kind of background information and inside scoop on what really is going on behind the scenes of different films. It was really interesting hearing about his relationship with Harvey Weinstein considering how he is in the media now. It really seemed like the beginning of his downfall.
I really enjoyed this ...more

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Oct 06, 2019 erica rated it liked it

Shelves: nonfictions, memoir

I don't know what I was expecting, but I definitely wanted to read about Kevin Smith's rise to fame. He went from being a regular dude working in a convenience store to the legendary creator of Clerks in only two years. And that transformation came after a sudden decision to become a filmmaker.

Smith breezes through this incredible story, and most of his filmography, in the first few chapters. What is he going to do with 200 more pages, I wondered. Well. Let's walk through the remaining ...more

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Nov 20, 2012 Leigh Clemons rated it really liked it

I wouldn't recommend that everyone live his/her life according to the wit and chronic wisdom of Kevin Smith. For me, however, Smith's work in film, podcasting, and now in print have been a literal and figurative lifesaver. I had followed his films and the maiden voyage of SModcast for a long time, but Smith's dive into the full-blown world of podcasting corresponded with a time in my life when I had, well, WAY too much time on my hands. I listened hardcore, and I was hooked.
Smith book reveals I wouldn't recommend that everyone live his/her life according to the wit and chronic wisdom of Kevin Smith. For me, however, Smith's work in film, podcasting, and now in print have been a literal and figurative lifesaver. I had followed his films and the maiden voyage of SModcast for a long time, but Smith's dive into the full-blown world of podcasting corresponded with a time in my life when I had, well, WAY too much time on my hands. I listened hardcore, and I was hooked.
Smith book reveals to a larger audience what those of us who follow his other work already know: he is a hard-working, talented, and genuine person. He has found success in a difficult field, compounded by his refusal to kowtow to the dictates of market-driven cinema in so many instances so he can remain true to himself and the stories he wishes to tell. Within all the rambling stories of his wife's ass, jokes about masturbation and weed, though, lies a man who has worked tirelessly to provide for his family, stayed loyal to his friends, and managed only a minimal amount of compromise in his work. Add to all of this the fact that Smith does not fit the visual (i.e., thin) mold for Hollywood success, and his story becomes even more of an inspiration. Smith is the first to tell you that his book is "not a blueprint: it's just some funny and bittersweet stuff that happened to me that I feel shaped me into a more well-rounded person....[It] is not the Necronomicron. It will not raise the dead." I beg to differ, however. The ability to entertain, shock and inspire is exactly what will raise the dead, or at least rattle their coffins a bit and get blood flowing again in a world of soul-less, self-centered ass covering hypocrites. Over the past three years, I have been able to count on Kevin Smith and his universe for humor and insight and, yes, LOYALTY, at a time when none of those things were present in my own life and I desperately needed them. He is a businessman, yes, and a showman, definitely, but first and foremost Kevin Smith is that rare commodity in today's world: a caring human being. That means he deals with a bunch of tough shit, but it also means that those of us who admire his work do so not only for his talents, but for the person behind the talent who keeps pulling himself up and plugging on, day after day. TOUGH SHIT is not a Tony Robbins how-to guide, but those of us who value it and Smith's work don't need it to be. If we want to know how to get it done and still be able to look ourselves in the eye at the end of the day, all we need is to download a podcast, pop in a DVD, or pray a live show comes to our neck of the woods. We can also follow Smith's lead and remain true to who WE are and find a way to make our own dreams a reality. In this way, Kevin Smith is the hero he has always wanted to be, for he inspires us to dream big, aim high, and not sweat the small stuff. Those are all valuable lessons in a world that encourages conformity, fakery, and obsession with surface crap. So, like his films, Smith's book will not win any fancy literary awards, but it will have an impact for the better on those who read it. In the end, he does what he does best: tell his stories for our amusement, to pass the time until we die screaming. He makes no apologies and expects nothing from us unless we wish to give it. And that, true believers, is the most profound impact anyone can have on another human being. ...more

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Aug 05, 2012 terpkristin rated it liked it

Shelves: non-fiction, beach-books, audiobook, 2012

Really more of a 2.5-star book than a 3-star book for me, this was an enjoyable autobiography of sorts from the man who brought us Clerks, Chasing Amy, Dogma, and other great and not-so-great flicks. There were some great stories in here, including the "full story" of the Southwest "too fat to fly" incident. There were a lot of war/film lover/film industry stories, as well. I admit I'm not much of a movie buff. I sometimes watch them, but really only on the order of a handful each year...I ...more

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About Kevin Smith

Kevin Smith

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Kevin Patrick Smith is an American screenwriter, director, as well as a comic book writer, author, and actor. He is also the co-founder, with Scott Mosier, of View Askew Productions and owner of Jay and Silent Bob's Secret Stash comic and novelty store in Red Bank, New Jersey. He also hosts a weekly podcast with Scott Mosier known as SModcast. He is also known for participating in long, humorous ...more

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“Remember: It costs nothing to encourage an artist, and the potential benefits are staggering. A pat on the back to an artist now could one day result in your favorite film, or the cartoon you love to get stoned watching, or the song that saves your life. Discourage an artist, you get absolutely nothing in return, ever.” — 127 likes

“In the face of such hopelessness as our eventual, unavoidable death, there is little sense in not at least trying to accomplish all of your wildest dreams in life.” — 31 likes

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