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The Cool Side of My Pillow: A Book of Essays
I wanted to write another book, but I had already yammered on about myself in two previous autobiographies, so it was time to mix things up. The Cool Side of my Pillow is a collection of essays. Don’t let that fancy word fool you. I’m not trying to get highbrow or rant myself blue, but there are experiences and observations outside of the entertainment industry that I feel are worth sharing. What’s it about? Mostly, things that matter to me, like putting in the effort, being honest and not treating the environment like it’s the enemy. Is it self-help? I hope not, but you will find musings about fame, mysterious carvings, UFOs and my general disdain of loud noises. Is it political? If it is, I’ll refund your money. There are no conspiracy theories in The Cool Side of my Pillow, just snarky humor and a sincere desire for us all to find peace on earth. I hope you like this book. It’s my first effort at “self-publishing,” so there won’t be any national book tour, marketing blitz or glowing reviews to get your attention – just me throwing it out to the “Inter-webs” and hoping you’ll find it. Regards, Bruce Campbell
146 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 17, 2020
31 people are currently reading
397 people want to read
About the author
Bruce Campbell
158 books758 followersBruce Lorne Campbell is an American actor, producer, writer and director. He is best known for his starring role as Ash in the Evil Dead trilogy of horror/slapstick movies, and has since become a B-movie icon.
His acting style is an "over-the-top" machismo that lends itself well to roles such as that of Ash Williams, whom Campbell himself has dubbed "an idiot and a jerk like the rest of us". This style is parodied in the film The Majestic where Campbell appears as Roland the Intrepid Explorer in the B movie Sand Pirates of the Sahara, written by Jim Carrey's screenwriter character. Campbell also excels at "reverse acting", a frequent filming technique of Sam Raimi's where action sequences are filmed in reverse of how they will appear in the film. Campbell offers advice about getting into the film industry on his website.
Campbell is well-known for his trademark sense of humor, which he often couples with deadpan (and somewhat sarcastic) comic delivery.
His acting style is an "over-the-top" machismo that lends itself well to roles such as that of Ash Williams, whom Campbell himself has dubbed "an idiot and a jerk like the rest of us". This style is parodied in the film The Majestic where Campbell appears as Roland the Intrepid Explorer in the B movie Sand Pirates of the Sahara, written by Jim Carrey's screenwriter character. Campbell also excels at "reverse acting", a frequent filming technique of Sam Raimi's where action sequences are filmed in reverse of how they will appear in the film. Campbell offers advice about getting into the film industry on his website.
Campbell is well-known for his trademark sense of humor, which he often couples with deadpan (and somewhat sarcastic) comic delivery.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
November 8, 2021
"Problems scare us and confuse us, but turning our back or running away won’t make them suddenly vanish.
Hail to the King, baby!
Bruce Campbell blesses us with another killer book. This book is a collection of essays about him being young and older, his life experiences, and even a little bit about his experience with an UFO. It’s far out.
Everything this man writes is interesting. It’s raw, it’s wacky, and it’s gory as all hell. He’s lived his life to the fullest and I’m amazed at all he has accomplished or wanted to. And Bruce’s story is far from over. I’m excited to see what he writes next because I’m sure it’s going to be groovy.
Hail to the King, baby!
Bruce Campbell blesses us with another killer book. This book is a collection of essays about him being young and older, his life experiences, and even a little bit about his experience with an UFO. It’s far out.
Everything this man writes is interesting. It’s raw, it’s wacky, and it’s gory as all hell. He’s lived his life to the fullest and I’m amazed at all he has accomplished or wanted to. And Bruce’s story is far from over. I’m excited to see what he writes next because I’m sure it’s going to be groovy.
December 24, 2020
ITS BRUCE CAMPBELL
READ IT! There is no excuse if you don’t. If you don’t, you already don’t appreciate him and all of this glory.
READ IT! There is no excuse if you don’t. If you don’t, you already don’t appreciate him and all of this glory.
October 18, 2022
Huge fan of Bruce Campbell - his movies, his books, and him as a human. This collection of essays was written during the start of covid and it's an interesting thing to re-live that time through his words here. We were all in a different place then and hearing his hopes for the future, well, we all see how things are 1.5 years after this book. But the entire book is not related to the pandemic, just a couple of essays (in case that is a deterrent). Lots of great experiences shared and fun memories, Campbell actually goes a little deeper in these essays than he has in some of his prior collections. He is witty, humble, funny, and thoughtful with THE COOL SIDE OF MY PILLOW. I dig it. And all of this just makes me respect him a little more and look forward to seeing him on the screen again, whether it be a re-watch or something new!
December 31, 2021
Breezy, easy to read, lacking any pretensions, and full of humility, Bruce Campbell's latest book is perfect for those looking to be lightly entertained by escaping into the amusing essays and tangents of a guy who's been around a while. He waxes on the environment, his encounters with celebrities, and a possible UFO sighting, among other things. Never too serious, but not without some wisdom, The Cool Side of My Pillow, if it ends up being the last book I read in 2021, wouldn't be a bad one to end with.
September 22, 2022
Hubby & I have been binge-watching Burn Notice. Fun show with Bruce Campbell as the protagonist’s best friend, Sam Axe. Sam is my favorite character and I wondered how similar the actor and character were.
To my delight, I found this book in a discount bin! While I am usually reluctant to learn too much about an actor for fear of ruining my enjoyment of their work when I learn our views are diametrically opposed, I decided to chance it.
I’m glad I did. This is an enjoyable read of essays, musings, by Campbell on a variety of topics. He may not be Sam Axe, but the actor is just as likable! I wish him success and quiet days in nature in the future.
To my delight, I found this book in a discount bin! While I am usually reluctant to learn too much about an actor for fear of ruining my enjoyment of their work when I learn our views are diametrically opposed, I decided to chance it.
I’m glad I did. This is an enjoyable read of essays, musings, by Campbell on a variety of topics. He may not be Sam Axe, but the actor is just as likable! I wish him success and quiet days in nature in the future.
December 31, 2024
The latest autobiographical work from Bruce Campbell is a series of essays, the author mostly shaking his head at an increasingly nonsensical world but also celebrating the nice moments, like the peace and quiet of nature and pleasant encounters with famous people. It’s a lot of common sense with a few good laughs that stops very promptly. You get the sense he could write a bunch more of these.
3.5
3.5
March 8, 2021
I listened to the audiobook version of this. The Narrator was Bruce himself and the narration was perfect as expected. He's a natural story teller and just an inherently entertaining guy so it's no surprise this collection of auto biographical essays was a great listen end to end.
July 29, 2025
Starej fotr si stěžuje na městskou infrastrukturu pro cyklisty, nedomyšlenou velkotěžbu dřeva nebo hlučnou mládež s reprákama místo sluchátek, a protože je to známej herec a úspěšnej autor, vydá to celý jako knížku za prachy. Borec.
January 16, 2021
I will happily listen to anything written and narrated by Bruce Campbell. His sense of humor and sense of humanity are a balm to my soul. He revisits a few stories from past books but that's ok, they are good stories.
I like that he embraces who he is, knows he's an actor, appreciates his fans but it can all be a grind if he doesn't take care of life and enjoy the small things and he loves talking about the small things. Trees, travel, riding his bike, taking walks, infrastructure of roads and highways that could be better, meeting people, brushes with celebrity, musing on what makes celebrity. I enjoyed it all.
I loved how much I grinned and empathized throughout.
I can definitely recommend this book, especially if you listen to it, and this author.
I like that he embraces who he is, knows he's an actor, appreciates his fans but it can all be a grind if he doesn't take care of life and enjoy the small things and he loves talking about the small things. Trees, travel, riding his bike, taking walks, infrastructure of roads and highways that could be better, meeting people, brushes with celebrity, musing on what makes celebrity. I enjoyed it all.
I loved how much I grinned and empathized throughout.
I can definitely recommend this book, especially if you listen to it, and this author.
February 4, 2022
For fans not just of Bruce Campbell the actor but also Bruce the writer, this book is a nice follow up to his two memoirs. This one is labeled as a book of essays but its really another chance to get to chill out and hear Bruce tell us more stories from his life as well as a few of his thoughts on life. Very enjoyable.
January 7, 2022
If you know and love Bruce Campbell, you should read this book.
If you've read Bruce Campbell's other books, you should read this book.
If you don't know Bruce Campbell, I'm not sure why you would read this book, but it wouldn't hurt. It's a decent collection of anecdotes and philosophies.
If you've read Bruce Campbell's other books, you should read this book.
If you don't know Bruce Campbell, I'm not sure why you would read this book, but it wouldn't hurt. It's a decent collection of anecdotes and philosophies.
June 10, 2024
A collection of essays by B-movie hero Bruce Campbell.
He discusses a variety of topics from getting lost while hiking, noise pollution, the environment, dealing with COVID, dealing with fame.... I don't always agree with him but I like how well thought out his arguments are, and he is always witty and wry.
This is a quick read or listen in my case, and if you've never read his other works it'd be a nice introduction to his style.
The audiobook is read by Campbell and as usury he does a great job as narrator.
He discusses a variety of topics from getting lost while hiking, noise pollution, the environment, dealing with COVID, dealing with fame.... I don't always agree with him but I like how well thought out his arguments are, and he is always witty and wry.
This is a quick read or listen in my case, and if you've never read his other works it'd be a nice introduction to his style.
The audiobook is read by Campbell and as usury he does a great job as narrator.
May 23, 2021
A nice quick read of Bruce Campbell's musings on the world. Definitely a read for fans of Bruce.
July 17, 2022
I'm the type of person who will watch pretty much anything if there is a chance to see even a cameo of Bruce Campbell. To said cameo, I will inevitably yell, "BRRRRUUUUUUUUCE!!!!!" at the top of my lungs and sit there with a stupid grin on my face until a few minutes after he has left the scream. If he shows up again, see above. That is also how I felt while reading The Cool Side of My Pillow: A Book of Essays by Bruce Campbell.
This book is exactly what it says it is in the title, a book of essays...by Bruce Campbell. While there are autobiographical elements, it is not an autobiography per se nor it is really a memoir except that it references memories. If you are looking for more life/career details, read one of his other books. They are also very good.
My main takeaway from this is that Bruce Campbell and I share similar opinions on many topics. Maybe I have watched him on screen so much that he now lives rent-free in my brain. No matter. Some of the things we have in common:
-Midwestern upbringings
-We are both treehuggers.
-COVID-19 made us both wonder why we were doing so many dishes. The answer is in this book.
-We both love to walk while being stuck in a world that caters to cars.
-Central Park is always a new experience no matter how many times you go.
-The perks of being a lefty.
-You can keep your background noise and your salt.
Bonus points: I have a friend who bikes Moab enough that I will tell him to keep an eye out for a stranded Bruce Campbell in the future. We can't be having that happen again.
This book is exactly what it says it is in the title, a book of essays...by Bruce Campbell. While there are autobiographical elements, it is not an autobiography per se nor it is really a memoir except that it references memories. If you are looking for more life/career details, read one of his other books. They are also very good.
My main takeaway from this is that Bruce Campbell and I share similar opinions on many topics. Maybe I have watched him on screen so much that he now lives rent-free in my brain. No matter. Some of the things we have in common:
-Midwestern upbringings
-We are both treehuggers.
-COVID-19 made us both wonder why we were doing so many dishes. The answer is in this book.
-We both love to walk while being stuck in a world that caters to cars.
-Central Park is always a new experience no matter how many times you go.
-The perks of being a lefty.
-You can keep your background noise and your salt.
Bonus points: I have a friend who bikes Moab enough that I will tell him to keep an eye out for a stranded Bruce Campbell in the future. We can't be having that happen again.
April 14, 2021
Reflections and lessons learned:
“It’s your sister Cheryl...!”
I’ve never been a huge fan of video nasties (as I’m a bit of a scaredy cat), but Campbell stands out as an actor that understands the place of the oeuvre with a foot firmly planted in reality - it’s a bonkers world for him admittedly but being so open and out there makes him a fabulous writer and engaging narrator. Particularly up to date on content too! He completely understands the film industry and accompanying levels of fame and is a fan himself, and treats his fans with that reflective, understanding love. Of all the topics around fame and media I did not expect a Princess Di piece! Definitely going to revisit some of the acting career and books
“If you’re tired of the noise it’s not like it’s impossible to stop... we’ve learned that flattening the curve takes distance and time... If you want to stop the spread of a media virus the answer is simple - fewer interactions”
“It’s your sister Cheryl...!”
I’ve never been a huge fan of video nasties (as I’m a bit of a scaredy cat), but Campbell stands out as an actor that understands the place of the oeuvre with a foot firmly planted in reality - it’s a bonkers world for him admittedly but being so open and out there makes him a fabulous writer and engaging narrator. Particularly up to date on content too! He completely understands the film industry and accompanying levels of fame and is a fan himself, and treats his fans with that reflective, understanding love. Of all the topics around fame and media I did not expect a Princess Di piece! Definitely going to revisit some of the acting career and books
“If you’re tired of the noise it’s not like it’s impossible to stop... we’ve learned that flattening the curve takes distance and time... If you want to stop the spread of a media virus the answer is simple - fewer interactions”
August 16, 2021
I Love Bruce Campbell. I’ve been a big fan of him since I was a kid, when I used to watch him on Xena and Hercules and first saw him in the Evil Dead movies. I was even lucky enough to meet him about fifteen years ago at a book signing. So I was super excited when I stumbled across this collection of essays. The Cool Side of My Pillow is a much more low key release than his previous books, coming during the COVID crisis and being (I believe) self-published. If you’ve enjoyed any of his other releases, or are a fan but new to his writing, you’ll still enjoy this one. Campbell waxes on a variety of topics, from Stephen King to his aversion for noise, with his typical clever manner. I was entertained all through this read and thoroughly enjoyed the essays which range from autobiographical to advice giving. Campbell fans should definitely pick this one up!
April 10, 2023
I tripped over this book on Amazon and had no idea it even existed. Having read all of Bruce’s previous books and met the legend in person this time last year, it was a great discovery.
The title is completely misleading. There’s probably a single “essay” in this book, and it’s great, all about Bruce’s opinions on forestry and logging. All of which I agreed with which was nice!
This book could more accurately be described as a book of anecdotes, stories and topics which didn’t make the cut of his previous two autobiography entries.
Recommended?: if you like Bruce, you’ll love this. It’s more of the same but it’s all great. There’s anecdotes about COVID, the celebs he’s met, a hilarious story auditioning for Mel Brooks and of course, a bit about Evil Dead too! Groovy.
The title is completely misleading. There’s probably a single “essay” in this book, and it’s great, all about Bruce’s opinions on forestry and logging. All of which I agreed with which was nice!
This book could more accurately be described as a book of anecdotes, stories and topics which didn’t make the cut of his previous two autobiography entries.
Recommended?: if you like Bruce, you’ll love this. It’s more of the same but it’s all great. There’s anecdotes about COVID, the celebs he’s met, a hilarious story auditioning for Mel Brooks and of course, a bit about Evil Dead too! Groovy.
May 20, 2023
Though this was a short and quick read, I found it very entertaining and enjoyed hearing a bit more about the life and thoughts of Bruce Campbell. The format was a bit more "freeing" than his other two biographies and the stories felt more personal.
No spoilers here, but his best chapter was on politics.
Pros: A quick, easy read that was light hearted and entertaining.
Cons: I was glad to hear his thoughts on religion regarding his personal beliefs; however I didn't like the slight throw of judgement towards others who do have different beliefs.
Bottom Line: a very enjoyable read for anyone interested in learning a bit more on what goes on inside the mind of Bruce Campbell.
No spoilers here, but his best chapter was on politics.
Pros: A quick, easy read that was light hearted and entertaining.
Cons: I was glad to hear his thoughts on religion regarding his personal beliefs; however I didn't like the slight throw of judgement towards others who do have different beliefs.
Bottom Line: a very enjoyable read for anyone interested in learning a bit more on what goes on inside the mind of Bruce Campbell.
January 24, 2021
This book was so good! Didn’t know what I signed up for when I decided to read a collection of essays, but honestly loved it! Bruce Campbell has a style of humour very similar to my own and there was so many times when I found myself genuinely cracking up over his writing.
And although there were some essays that I liked less that the others (the tree-planting & exercising ones), they were still super fun to read and all in all I enjoyed this a lot more than other non-fiction and autobiographies I’ve read recently.
Hail to the king, baby!
And although there were some essays that I liked less that the others (the tree-planting & exercising ones), they were still super fun to read and all in all I enjoyed this a lot more than other non-fiction and autobiographies I’ve read recently.
Hail to the king, baby!
June 18, 2021
Calling this collection of essays a "book" is pretty generous. The audiobook runs just over two and a half hours--equivalent to a longish episode of a podcast. Still, it's entertaining and I hope Bruce Campbell writes more.
More than anything The Cool Side of My Pillow reads like a selection of deleted scenes from Campbell's first two memoirs. There are even a few sections copied and pasted from those books. I enjoyed this immensely, especially as narrated by the man himself, but I'm taking away a star for "value for the money".
More than anything The Cool Side of My Pillow reads like a selection of deleted scenes from Campbell's first two memoirs. There are even a few sections copied and pasted from those books. I enjoyed this immensely, especially as narrated by the man himself, but I'm taking away a star for "value for the money".
August 3, 2021
His biking out in the wilderness story is one of those could have seriously killed you events but after the fact is funny.
Love his practical down to earth views.
First book of his I have done. So while I like him as an actor. Burn Notice and the obvious Evil Dead. I am now liking him more as a person!
I didn't dislike him, I just didn't know him. This makes me feel like I know him more on a personal level. He would be someone I would love to sit and talk to or just quietly enjoy nature.
Love his practical down to earth views.
First book of his I have done. So while I like him as an actor. Burn Notice and the obvious Evil Dead. I am now liking him more as a person!
I didn't dislike him, I just didn't know him. This makes me feel like I know him more on a personal level. He would be someone I would love to sit and talk to or just quietly enjoy nature.
August 5, 2024
A wonderful but brief mix of thematic essay, recollections and stories from the king of the a movie actors, written during the pandemic (where the essays begin.) Campbell is unusually good at writing, and demonstrates the ability for comedic storytelling and narrative eloquence one might not expect from a B Movie horror actor. However as he’s demonstrated in Hail to the Chin, If Chins could Kill and the almost completely fictive “Make Love the Bruce Campbell Way”, he’s as accomplished in writing as he is in brilliant comedy horror.
March 21, 2021
Delightful read!
I thoroughly enjoyed these bite-sized essays on nostalgia and life from Bruce Campbell. He has a very strong and likable writing style and his anecdotes never fail to please.
One can read his takes on zen, ufos, tree hugging and filming Brisco County Jr !
This tome is clearly a something to do while the world is on lockdown production and hey, that's just fine by me ! Has me grinning!!
I thoroughly enjoyed these bite-sized essays on nostalgia and life from Bruce Campbell. He has a very strong and likable writing style and his anecdotes never fail to please.
One can read his takes on zen, ufos, tree hugging and filming Brisco County Jr !
This tome is clearly a something to do while the world is on lockdown production and hey, that's just fine by me ! Has me grinning!!
May 4, 2021
Of all the celebrities in the world, the one I would most want to meet is Bruce Campbell. Of course, I'd probably stutter my way thru, turn beet red and maybe even faint at his feet. Such is my love for Bruce.
I don't know how I missed this when it was first released. But as soon as I saw it, I had to have it, like I have all of his other books. I doled it out over a few days, reading an essay a day just to savor it.
Some essays were super funny, some very serious. A great read.
I don't know how I missed this when it was first released. But as soon as I saw it, I had to have it, like I have all of his other books. I doled it out over a few days, reading an essay a day just to savor it.
Some essays were super funny, some very serious. A great read.
September 22, 2021
I struggled to finish this despite it being a collection of very short essays. It was basically the musings of a grumpy older guy. It reminded me a lot of my Dad. :) Of course, Mr. Campbell IS a grumpy older guy, and I can't blame him for his whining opinions. I think I would have enjoyed his earlier books better, as they are the stories of his film and TV days. But of course I bought this to support a favorite actor during a rough year, so, mission accomplished. I hope he'll keep loving the earth, being kind to strangers, and making great entertainment. Buy this, but don't read it.
April 21, 2021
The Cool Side of My Pillow was a refreshing look at the world through the eyes of Bruce Campbell. This collection of essays was an easy read, casually presented. The absence of politics and injection of "snarky humor" kept it from feeling dull or boring. Would also highly recommend all of his other books if you're a fan!
September 8, 2021
I went with the audiobook because Bruce narrates his own work. I've enjoyed his audio readings since Make Love! The Bruce Campbell way, a misleading title if ever there was one - a silly, full cast thrill ride featuring Bruce as a self-deprecating parody of himself - and this continues the success streak of one of my favorite character actors.
February 10, 2025
Oh, Bruce Campbell. I really enjoyed this collection of essays: it was light and ways to read, full of humour and fun quips, but it also contained some really important and hard-hitting messages and advice. There was a wide range of topics covered, and every essay was written engagingly. It couldn't been about the phone book and I would've read it.
December 29, 2020
This is an intimate work that will take you inside the mind of Bruce Campbell. If you ever wanted to get a sense of who he is as a person, then you will absolutely fall in love with his latest venture.
February 1, 2021
Great!! Enjoyed this one. I was familiar with Bruce Campbell from the TV show Burn Notice and when I saw he had written a book I had to check this out. Now after reading his book I want to see his other movies and read his other books. He is a great guy that I would love to meet one day.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews