Kevin Smith offers life advice in new book

Film director and comic-book geek extraordinaire Kevin Smith dispenses wisdom in his new book, a touching reflection on his life and career.

Smith, director of “Clerks,” “Mallrats” and “Jersey Girl,” reflects on why he decided film was his future, and brings his humor and potty mouth along for the ride in “Tough Sh-t: Life Advice From a Fat, Lazy Slob Who Did Good.” Fans who listen to his various podcasts probably will have heard these stories, but they are still fresh and insightful.

Entertainment junkies will savor the insider look at how movie studios operate, especially The Weinstein Co. Smith also reveals a systematic blow to his fanboy fascination with Bruce Willis when he directed the actor in “Cop Out.”

Smith has a habit of sometimes giving out too much information, but it's always at his expense. His stories do reinforce his theme that if someone like him can succeed in living out his dreams, then so can you.

He comments frequently on his weight, and that is understandable considering what happened to him on a Southwest Airlines flight. Smith isn't ashamed to reveal the episode in detail, including the mainstream media's reaction to the event.

Like most of his films, though crude on the surface, “Tough” explores fundamental truths.

Smith comes across as an honest guy who loves his family, friends and profession. His advice is inspiring, and the letter from his daughter at the end of the book demonstrates what parents hope to hear from their children.

Even if he won't admit it, the biggest part of Kevin Smith is his heart.