American on Purpose

The Improbable Adventures of an Unlikely Patriot

By: Craig Ferguson

Narrated by: Craig Ferguson

“With American on Purpose, Craig Ferguson somehow manages to avoid the pitfalls of self-indulgence and self-importance that plague most (okay, all) Hollywood autobiographies. He has, instead, written a book that is hilarious and irrepressibly daft, yet also kind, poignant, and undeniably wise. It was a joy to read.” — Dennis Lehane, New York Times Bestselling author of The Given Day

Ferguson delivers a moving and achingly funny memoir of living the American dream as he journeys from the mean streets of Glasgow, Scotland, to the comedic promised land of Hollywood. Along the way he stumbles through several attempts to make his mark—as a punk rock musician, a construction worker, a bouncer, and, tragically, a modern dancer.

To numb the pain of failure, Ferguson found comfort in drugs and alcohol, addictions that eventually led to an aborted suicide attempt. (He forgot to do it when someone offered him a glass of sherry.) But his story has a happy ending: success on the hit sitcom The Drew Carey Show, and later as the host of CBS's Late Late Show. By far Ferguson's greatest triumph was his decision to become a U.S. citizen, a milestone he achieved in early 2008.

In American on Purpose, Craig Ferguson talks a red, white, and blue streak about everything our Founding Fathers feared.

Good listen if you're a fan

As a fan of his tv show and his stand-up, I thought this was a great listen. It certainly sheds light on many of the life experiences he references on the Late Late Show. While there are laughs to be had, this isn't a comedic work, however, so don't purchase it with that expectation.

Great Book

I loved this book! Craig's sense of humor shines through, even in his darkest hours, and it's even more enjoyable to listen to with his lilting Scottish brogue. He never let his struggles get him down and his love for America is evident. It makes me proud to be an American. I hope someday he takes the top spot in late night TV, he's better than all the rest.

Very Entertaining, touching, and funny!

I truly enjoyed this book. It is an "autobiography" for those of you disappointed that there isn't more humor. Yet Craig Ferguson's wit and charm do shine throughout the book. His is a true rags to riches story for what that's worth. I found it very interesting to hear about his experiences growing up in Scotland to fulfilling his dream of living in the U.S.

The only thing that would have made it better is some more insight on his personal life, but maybe that's just not him.

He's one talented and lucky guy!!!

Note: He is not at all preachy.

This could be a great historical immigrant autobiography detailing life in our times for future generations. He is about my age and I could completely visualize the drugging of the 70's and 80's as it was so similar to my own experience.

Articulate immigrant who LOVES America and why

Early in this book he cleverly refers to America as the "Land of Failure". But he means this in a VERY positive way. He says it is the only place he knows where you can fail over and over again until you finally get it right and succeed. He sure did. Due to severe alcohol and drug problems he actually plotted his own suicide and almost pulled it off. But friends helped him find treatment and recovery. As of the book's writing he has been sober for 17 years.

I loved the stories of his family, his Uncle who is so dear to him, and his comedy and acting friends. As for his marriage failures he blames no one but himself and he sure seems to have it all together now. After reading this I enjoy his late night TV show even more.

Laughed, chuckled and giggled.

Craig Ferguson is a very very funny man. He's gone through a lot in his life and came out smelling like a rose , or Heather on the other side.