American on Purpose

The Improbable Adventures of an Unlikely Patriot

By: Craig Ferguson

Narrated by: Craig Ferguson

Length: 7 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

“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 best-selling 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 US 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.

©2009 Craig Ferguson (P)2009 HarperCollins Publishers

One of the best

This is one of the best biographies I have read and listened. The man is interesting and having Craig Ferguson actually read it comes off so much better. He's not reading a book, he is tell

Craig does it again

Craig Ferguson is a global icon. From glassgow to New York he has fought and found his way to the top. I think he is one if the truest people in Hollywood is Los Angeles today

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.

Great book!

Nice immigrant story, and Graig's performance is always just great!
Really enjoyed this audio.
A highly recommended read for the entertainment and motivational value.

Fan of Late Late Show, great to hear Craig again

What did you love best about American on Purpose?

Was a huge fan of Craig's Late Late Show, so it was nice to spend some time listening to his story leading up to that hosting job. There isn't a lot about his time on CBS, or even Drew Carey for that matter, but what is there is very interesting to hear. The book was written fairly early on in his stint as LLS host. Craig spends most of the book on his years in various bands, relationships and battle with alcohol. I'd really love a follow up that gives incite into his later years with Geoff (Josh Robert Thompson) and the decision to leave late night, as well as life on the road doing stand up and his turn as game show host and history channel host. All in all a good listen.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Its Craig's autobiography, so I'm going to say him.

Which character – as performed by Craig Ferguson – was your favorite?

Dick Cheney

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, rather lengthy for one sitting.

I laughed, I cried...

Craig's a great writer, and a fantastic storyteller. Telling his own story, he highlights the missteps, triumphs, and tragedies that brought him to US shores and how he made it his. It is both an "outsider's" look at our amazing country, and a deeply personal look into the life of a genuinely funny, caring and honest human. Get it.

Thank you!

I liked his HONESTY! Of course also his sense of Humor-I related to his beginning, I lived it almost exactly the same. We’re 2 weeks apart in our sobriety! I love his patriotic spirit and his love of family. I will endorse this book to anyone who will listen to me. Thank you, I thoroughly enjoyed it!!!

American born to be!

I came from the same streets, and have had very similar experiences. This book is Honest, and tells a tale of what it takes to truly succeed is hard work, making sure you're in the right place at the right time, not being afraid to look like a fool, and the guts to try anything!

Great coming to America story

Craig Ferguson tells his love affair with America and has you laughing the whole way!

Authentic & inspiring

A very true and authentic autobiographical story about struggle and perseverance. I loved every minute of it. And read by Craig himself too. Really great book!