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

sensitive farty boy grows into American On Purpose

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

Absolutely outstanding.

I've been a fan of Craig for many years, having always wanted to read this book. I finally got the chance, and to hear it narrated by Craig himself was outstanding. Truly a great insight into his life, a very touching, genuine, and of course funny book. I eagerly await the next autobiography that he's working on now.

He never lets me down!

A memoir by a man that I find incredibly sexy and sweet. Not without his failings, he is charming and honest in his tale.

Craig is hilarious and poignant as always

I have listened to this books a few times though and find Craig Ferguson's highs and lows can get me through many rough days. I find his story touching, uplifting, at times very sad, and at others laugh out loud funny. If you have enjoyed him throughout his television and movie career as well as his stand up you will definitely love this book of his journey to being an American on purpose.

Humor, Heart, and Charm - this autobio has it all!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I have and will continue to recommend this book. Craig Ferguson is charming and funny...very funny...but also unexpectedly sincere, intimate, and uplifting.

absolutely lovely

as a fan of Craig it was beautiful to read this book. ins and outs and upside Down's. I recommend this to any reader who enjoys Craig

it's a beautiful reminder of patriotism.

Well done Craig. it was a beautiful story and that was wonderfully hilarious. it's nice to have a bit of humor in this day and age.

Very entertaining

Any additional comments?

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.

Very Craig.

I miss him on my tv. I got exactly what I wanted from this book.

Amazing!

This book is perfect! A heart warming story of the journey into entertainment, concerning Craig’s comedy and tragedy throughout the world, as he learned from the path he was led into! Thank you for sharing this! If you give this a listen, be prepared to laugh and cry ! I enjoyed this book a lot, would recommend to anyone who has a sense of humor!