Tips for Tuesday - Books: The Uncool & New Beginnings for Christmas; Movie: 31 Candles

We may have been given complimentary copies and/or access for review purposes to any books, products, and/or any other visual or audio media mentioned below. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.

Books: The Uncool & New Beginnings for Christmas

Today, we recommend The Uncool by Cameron Crowe. While the film, Almost Famous, was loosely based on Cameron Crowe's own story, if you want to know his actual story, you'll want to read this fascinating memoir. Although it focuses more on his career as a music journalist, it does delve somewhat into his film career. It mostly covers his first film, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, as well as Almost Famous, and not so much his other films. There is also a large section of the book devoted to the stage musical version of Almost Famous. 

If you are more interested in learning about his personal life, you may be disappointed. There is a lot about the family he grew up with, particularly his mother. However, his ex-wife, the band Heart's Nancy Wilson, barely receives a mention and the only relationship he really talks about at all his the one with his first serious girlfriend. 

However, the focus of the book is right where it should be. The interesting part of the book is the part that covers how he became a teenage journalist and his subsequent music-related career. Still, it would have been nice to learn more about his film career as well. Maybe, someday, there'll be a follow-up book that covers more of that.

Today, we recommend the novella New Beginnings for Christmas by Sally Page. This book is a follow-up to her earlier novel, The Book of Beginnings. Although you don't have to have read that book to be able to follow and enjoy this book, if you have read that book, you may get a little extra enjoyment in getting to find out more about some familiar characters. However, the majority of the characters in the book are new, and Jo, the main character of the previous book, makes only a few cameo appearances in this book.

Although the story is completely new, it is just as compelling. The plot in this book revolves around the character Malcolm from the previous book learning about what is truly important during the holiday season. The carol "The Twelve Days of Christmas" plays a significant role in the book, which fans of the song should enjoy. Also, as in the previous book, there are plenty of touching food family vibes. It's a truly heartwarming holiday story.

Movie: 31 Candles

Today, we recommend 31 Candles. Josh decides to be Bar Mitzvahed at 31 when he learns his childhood camp crush is now a Bar Mitzvah tutor.  Although that may seem like the perfect setup for a great romantic comedy, this film isn't really that. It is, however, quite unpredictable and sweet, and is easily enjoyable if you aren't just looking for another generic romance.

And that's our view. The Uncool was published on October 28. New Beginnings for Christmas was published on October 30. 31 Candles will be available in select theaters starting this Friday November 7, 2025. 

Tune in tomorrow for Where-To-Go Wednesday.

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