The Uncool Book Review: Mr. Cameron Crowe is, once again, "all heart"

Mr. Cameron Crowe is the man who's written and directed many culture defining Hollywood movies, most notably Jerry Maguire (Mr. Tom Cruise, 1996) and Almost Famous (Ms. Kate Hudson, 2000). "The Uncool" is his autobiography.

I've always believed autobiographies belong to the top shelf of all books out there. Yes, I said "all books". Not just Non-fiction, but all. Why? Because I think there's nothing more insightful, enriching, and even entertaining than a life well lived. You can read all the books in the world, laced with all kinds of fascinating theories and concepts. But it all pales in comparison to hearing a remarkable man tell his story in first person. More often than not, life doesn't care a fig about theories and concepts. And you learn that in two ways. One, by growing old. And two, by learning from someone who's there already.

Coming to Mr. Crowe, I've been a great fan of his work. Both Jerry Maguire and Almost Famous have really meant a lot to me. If you're not aware of Almost Famous, it's perhaps one of the most profound and beautiful films on life, love and music. (Or life in love with music). A semi-autobiographical account of Mr. Crowe touring with The Allman Brothers Band as a teenager, the movie shows Mr. Crowe calling his mentor (and legendary "Rock Writer" Mr. Lester Bangs) in one of his lowest moments. Pleased to have him pick up, he says, "I'm glad you're home". To which Mr. Bangs replies, "I'm always home. I'm Uncool". That's where the book's title comes from.

"The Uncool" is a battle cry for the misfits in the sea of Rockstars and "the cool". They're the thinkers, writers, builders.. the well intentioned "nice guys" in a world where ashholes seem to win. "The Uncool" are those lone-wolf outcasts, whose subtlety seems be holding them back. But eventually, they win (or so is the hope). Mr. Crowe thinks he's "The Uncool". I agree.

But no matter how sweet and self depricating, Mr. Crowe has had an amazing life. At 14, he began his journey as a "Rock Journalist". By 21, he had already toured with the likes of Led Zepellin, Eagles, and Mr. David Bowie for MAJOR Rolling Stone cover stories. Not just that, he had also written seminal interviews with folks like Mr. Neil Young, Mr. Eric Clapton and Ms. Joni Mitchel, to name a few. Over 40 years later, his work is still considered definitive and legendary in the field of music journalism.

And then he got into films.

His first film came out when he was 25. He directed his first feature at 32 (which won an Oscar for Best Song). And then came Jerry Maguire, Vanilla Sky, Almost Famous, and more. As of today, his films have earned over 10 Oscar nominations, winning 3. Not bad for "The Uncool", right?

Naturally, there's a lot to learn from Mr. Crowe. And I did. About history of music and culture. About writing. About films. About passion. About "taste". About reaching out to the unknown. About leaving a mark. About love. About loss. About life...

Really loved the book. Grateful to have picked it up.

The Uncool, by Mr. Cameron Crowe.

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