I'll Give You a Dollar If You Consider This Art: Stories, Poems, Comics, and Other Ponderables Ripped from the Diaries of Toddy Smith and Darren Nuzzo

by Toddy Smith, Darren Nuzzo

A mechanic milks a cow, a recluse walks outside for the first time in three weeks, two teenagers watch tennis on mute, a grown man drinks a juice box in his underwear -- all of these moments strike the artful balance between intellectual acuity and lighthearted absurdity, establishing Toddy Smith and Darren Nuzzo as the new literary voices to listen to, laugh with and follow. At times it will feel like you're scrolling through Twitter or two drinks in at a comedy club; other times it will feel like you're at the public library or your local art gallery. You'll find characters you want to hug and ones you hope never to meet again. From light and humorous to sad and dark, the book captures the times we're living in now while paying respect to the works that came before. Driven by the diary entries of best friends Toddy Smith and Darren Nuzzo, this book is the result of two old-souled writers creating art in the internet age, heavily rooted in literature, yet shaped by the 21st century.

Genres: Poetry

240 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 2019

Reviews

[Taryn Harbert · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book. I’m a fan of Todd’s vlogs, but unfortunately this book falls short on the literary heart and high on the irony. The best audience for this book is the very audience it makes fun of. Rule #1 of being a writer - don’t insult your reader. The book reminds me a lot of the Twitter account “guy in your MFA class”. The pretension of the writing is on another level.

This is the book that the “I’m not a hipster, you’re a hipster” stereotype publishes. Full of angst with buds of talent sprinkled here and there but ultimately lacking the one piece that makes a book: heart.

I’ll keep my dollar, thank you.

[advika · Rating 4 out of 5]

honestly this was sooo good and so much better than i expected it to be. i knew i’d like it because i like the writing todd has put out in the past but i still didn’t have super high expectations since this would include longer stories. but it was amazing!!! it was the perfect mixture of humor and real life, and i could relate to so many of the characters/identify others as people in my life. it was thought-provoking and an easy read while still feeling substantial

[m · Rating 5 out of 5]

So so so amazing. Loved tagging my favorite stories and savoring them. I was hesitant to finish it because I didn’t want it to end. Watched Toddy in concert in Houston (I was the girl in the green tank top screaming) and wanted to bring this book to throw at him. Darren has also tweeted me. I’m just so in love with this book. Please read it.

[Sabrina Peixoto · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book inspired me to write my own poetry. I related to the messages of feeling like your art/writing is not worth anything. Yet their writing had depth and truth in it. It was interesting to read a book with two voices integrated together. My favourite thing was the mixture of poems, short stories, and little comics! Loved this book, it was the first book I write my thoughts and reflections down on every page.

[Linzee G · Rating 3 out of 5]

Such great comments on what it's like to grow up. This book captures everything I felt when I moved out of my mother's home and put those feelings into words on paper. I will be revisiting this book often for guidance and support. That's what makes an impactful read.

[Geetika · Rating 2 out of 5]

Liked it but I Todd's actions won't let me rate it higher. Hard to separate the art from the artist when you see things online in real time. Maybe Darren's new book won't be overshadowed by Todd. Sorry Darren.

[GhalaDotCom · Rating 3 out of 5]

Waiting for my dollar! I would consider this art, 100% this was hysterical at times and gut wrenchingly heartbreaking at others. You have both, very deservedly, gained my respect 👍

[lo · Rating 5 out of 5]

man a book has never had me crying like this before

[El · Rating 1 out of 5]

Guess I'm not getting a dollar because this was pretty awful.

[Andrea Molina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just perfect

It’s one of those books you can’t put down. As a person that struggles with life and it’s meaning, this book thought me that you need to seek the funny and happy little moments and that it’s not that bad to be sad sometimes.

[Derek Weiser · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite stories (in no particular order):
- Sixteen Weeks Russian
- Is it Art*?
- She Just Kept Running
- Pythagoras: The One-Hit Wonder
- What Is Who Is
- Seven Hundred Miles North of Here
- Those Buggy Eyes
- Growing Up Again

[Sheala · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my all time favorites