By: Izabella Engelbrink
Journalist, filmmaker, and now author Cameron Crowe published his memoir The Uncool a year ago on Oct. 28. Some Cameron Crowe various work includes films like Almost Famous, Singles, Say Anything and Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Crowe’s memoir gives a deeper understanding of his insane life as a journalist for Rolling Stone magazine and will enthrall a range of audiences from music lovers, film lover, or anyone interested in Crowe’s life.
The memoir centers around the beginning of Crowes’ time writing for Rolling Stone magazine. Starting from the age of eleven and ending with Crowes adaption Almost Famous the Musical on opening night on Broadway, November 3, 2022.
For readers who haven’t watched a Cameron Crowe film, it would be best to watch his Academy Award Winning Film Almost Famous and familiarize yourself with his other work. His memoir follows his real-life experience and stories of the time spent traveling and writing for Rolling Stone in the late 60’s early 70’s. That later went on to inspire Almost Famous.
Crowe is unashamed and surprisingly real in his memoir. He does not hold back on the juicy anecdotes that readers crave. With stories of American country singer Kris Kristofferson showing up drunk to meet his in-laws. To Gregg Allman from band the Allman Brothers destroying Crowe’s interview tapes, prank calling famous actor Cary Grant, and the months Crowe was roommate with musician David Bowie.
Despite Crowes’ thrilling stories of the era, he spends a great deal of time writing about his complex family. Although his memoir goes into great details about his career as a journalist, and a behind the scenes of his rise to film maker; Crowes memoir really is a love letter to his family.
Crowe’s mother, Alice Crowe, is a central figure in his memoir. For readers who have watched Almost Famous, the fictional portrayal of Crowes anti rock and roll mother by actor Frances McDormand is unforgettable. Crowes’ memoir gives an invitation to understand his complex family. Crowe is extremely vulnerable in his writing; relaying the hardships his family faces and perfectly illustrates their unconventional nature. By the end, readers will feel sympathy for Crowes’ sisters and will be amused by his eccentric parents.
The Uncool is an average size read, about 315 pages. The memoir is very interactive with various photos either of Cameron Crowe or taken by him. Crowe paints a perfect portrait of his life and the lifestyle of a music lover during the early 1970’s.
Overall, The Uncool could be enjoyable for many audiences. Whether it is the film, music, or book lovers or those who have no prior knowledge of Cameron Crowe and would like to spice up their reading. Cameron Crowes’ memoir The Uncool is an enjoyable read that deeply portrays family bonds, the all-consuming love of music, and everything rock and roll.
