"Predictable Adventures, Surprisingly Well-written"
I purchased this audio book while it was on sale. I thought, "Why not...could be entertaining." I have to say it was entertaining, but it didn't make me laugh out loud. Craig Ferguson did make me say "Ha!" in agreement few times, but I finished his book feeling the same about him as when I started. I don't have a strong desire to start watching his late night show...I don't really want to search for his old stand-up clips...and I don't want to re-watch any Drew Carey shows.
The way Ferguson describes and vocalizes his love of his hometown Glasgow is surprisingly poetic. In fact, there were moments throughout this book that I found Ferguson deep and well-spoken. In fact, I do have an urge to read Between the Bridge and the River. So, I guess Ferguson did end up promoting one of his products well after all.
"Brilliant!!"
This would have to be one of the best books I have downloaded. Craig's honesty and wit make this a brutally honest story. I didn't know wether to laugh or cry, but as his story unfolded I did both. A must listen for all fans of Craig Ferguson. This story would not have been as enjoyable if Craig had not narrated it himself.
"The Scotsman Does It Again"
Craig paints an honest and unsanitized picture of his life, his struggles and his successes. With more lives than a cat and more luck than the Irish, this Scotsman's journey is retold with humor, wit, cheek and a little more humor on top!
Too many memorable moments were related to pick just one.
A fantastic listen. A memorable, humorous and insightful account of a memorable, humorous and utlimately successful life. Story telling at its best. You'll only do yourself a favour if you listen to this fabulous book!
"Scot's Delight"
Craig Ferguson is funny in his performances, and funny, in an understated way, in his narrative of his life.
Craig, of course. As the case with others who have been through rehab, he has a clear understanding of his faults and bad choices. He is not preachy, just honest.
The way a Scot says "book", sorta like buuuk! Being Scottish is a key aspect of the book, so it's natural for Craig to narrate. And you would not want a plummy Scottish actor to narrate either.
Actually, it was more one that I reserved for times when I needed for-sure listening pleasure, so I eaked it out. I didn't want it to end.
I now have some of Craig's movies back-orded on Netflix. I've never seen his late night show, but have seen a DVD of his live performance, and the performance rings true to his book.
"Craig is a gentleman and a firecracker"
He's wonderfully straightforward and very funny, doesn't shy away from his past darkness and pettiness, and inspires me with much he's taken responsibility for his life. Plus between his great delivery and the brogue he's a pleasure to listen to. And he makes this cynical reader feel practically patriotic.
"Very entertaining"
Although I am not a fan of the raunchy aspects of Ferguson's late night TV show, I really enjoy his books. They are well-written and well-read. Ferguson sugar-coats nothing and there are lessons to be learned from his experiences. This is the second of his books I have listened to and enjoyed both.
"Entertaining, poignant tale of a life journey"
In the comedy-memoir genre, it ranks up there with Bossypants for me.
Yes, I'd listen to Craig again. His story is authentic and there's wry humour and honesty, without a hint of pathos or arrogance. The love of his family - and the women in his life - shines through. This is a man who has learned from his life choices and I was glad to hear that, in the end, he triumphed.
He has a great voice and good pacing, when he tried other accents, they were believable. HIs choice of words was authentic. There was a clear arc in the telling - starting off young and exuberant and ending up older and wiser, despite being battered along the way. He has a deft hand - didn't overplay the drunkenness, drugs or his sorrow at what had gone wrong. He's consistently likable, grateful and positive.
Very enjoyable. I'm going to PVR or YouTube-search his shows, so that I can see him in action.
"Who Better to Read Craig Ferguson than CraigyFerg"
Heartfelt, witty and surprising.
Since there is really only one character, that would be Craig Ferguson
You can feel the emotions as he reads the story.
Craig's timing is impeccable.
If you are a fan of Craig Ferguson, or merely coming to America stories, you owe it to yourself to read this book. Even better, get the audiobook version, and allow Craig to read it for you. His voice would have been in your head anyways.
"I love Craig!"
Interesting, inspiring, honest
I love how he is so comfortable with himself.
From the Bar to a Star
"Required reading if you claim to be American"
This is quite easily one of the best bits of writing I've encountered in the past 10 years. I've been a Ferguson fan for a long time now and had heard mention of his book and finally set out to see what everybody was raving about.
My only regret is not jumping on this sooner.
His story is entertaining as well as enlightening. His experiences are both tragic and inspiring. The fact that he's been able to overcome so much and have such a fiercely positive take on what he's learned and why he values having become and being an American is moving.
He mostly sticks to his life story which is riveting. But towards the end he gives a short personal take on what becoming an American meant to him and what he believes continues to make America the "greatest idea for a country that anybody has come up with so far." Coming just before the end of the book his speech is both unexpected and powerful. It isn't condescending or elitist in the tiniest bit. In fact it is something that I think all Americans should have to read.
I've already told just about everybody I know that if you only read/listen to 1 book in the next 12 months make it "American on Purpose" or you will truly be doing yourself a disservice.