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.

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.

I don't watch late night TV and am not a fan of Craig Ferguson; however, I had seen him in "Saving Grace" and something else. I was tempted to give the book a try because I like comedy, and this was advertised as a "funny memoir." I found it interesting at times, but neither funny nor entirely believable. It is hard to believe how productive he was, given the extent of his alcoholism and drug addiction. Like many other Hollywood stars, he comes across as a narcissistic bastard. I don't even find his crude humor all that funny, although I might have back when I was in high school. I will give him credit for his performance; he is a good narrator.

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.

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.

Interesting, inspiring, honest

I love how he is so comfortable with himself.

From the Bar to a Star

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.

This is a true adventure about a sensitive, farty boy who grows into a sensitive farty man. It's an open, honest, heartwarming, witty, entertaining, unabashed autobiography. This may sound trite but these are accurate descriptions. If you love Craig you will love his story and become an even bigger fan of the man. He doesn't glorify his alcoholism or his drunken antics: he is straightforward, matter-of-fact, and naturally good humored about his trials. Craig Ferguson is an adventurer and I was delighted that he shared the journey.
The last chapter will make you swell with pride to not only be an American, (if that applies), but proud to be a human who has survived your own adventure. If you are also a sensitive, farty person, this final chapter will bring tears to your eyes.
Bravo Craig! and thanks

Well worth the time to listen to this. Not overdone......good to get the background of this talented, funny man.

This was very raw, truthful and I enjoyed his stories of his early life and the years in New York and in London as a drummer. His life seemed tragic, and sometimes sad, but this made me care about him even more. My only issue with him was that he kept stating, "Separation of church and state comes from the Constitution". That's not true, and many celebrities and politicians say this, but the separation of church and state comes from a ruling by a judge, it is nowhere in the Constitution. Other than that, who wouldn't love him?