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

Just WOW!

Craig gives you (Americans) a look at what it’s like to grow up in a society where your hand is cast from birth BUT your dreams can be accomplished with a lot of moxy (and some luck no doubt). I also love the undercurrent (not in your face) of how it feels (and how easy it can be) to sink into addiction. But also how much if YOU want to make a change in your life it’s never impossible.

Great Bouok

I won't say it's a must read/listen. I will say it made me feel like I could accomplish something if I put my mind and effort to it. I enjoyed Craig's story about his life. That says a lot about someone I don't know.

I loved it!!

A true pleasure to listen to. Funny, heartwarming, honest telling of a Patriot in the making. Welcome to America Mr Ferguson!!!!!

I felt like I was sitting in a pub with CF himself

If you could sum up American on Purpose in three words, what would they be?

This novel is hilarious, witty, fun, soulful and changed my outlook on life. There are too many golden nuggets in this book for me to go into detail. Prior to reading this book, I was fan of CF, after reading this book, I consider him one of my heroes. "Read" it!

Love this book.

If you could sum up American on Purpose in three words, what would they be?

Love Scotish People

What did you like best about this story?

The best part of this book is that Craig narrates it. It would have taken away from the book if he did not narrate it.

Have you listened to any of Craig Ferguson’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not listened to other books he has narrated, but I have seen TV shows and movies he was in.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Kilts are not the only funny thing about the Scots.

Craig Ferguson's autobiography

More about Craig's life story than becoming an American.
If you like Craig Ferguson you will enjoy this book.
It was great hearing him tell his own story

A great book by my favorite late night talk show host

Craig is such a likable person and this autobiography just reinforces my belief. It was a sad day when he retired from his hosting gig. Late night has been boring ever since.

Unabashedly Honest

This is an excellent auto biography penned completely by the author himself. Many Hollywood stars use ghost writers but Craig Ferguson does not. It is a pleasure to listen to Craig, with his scotish accent, tell the tale of his upbringing, turbulent years and eventual success in Hollywood. The audible boook allows use to literally hear his pain, struggle, humor and love throught this journey. His story keeps the reader enthralled and wanting more. I have listened to this from start to finish twice and I know I will listen to it many more times. Thank you to Mr. Ferguson to allow us to take a peak into your amazing, terrifing and triumphant life journey.

Great Scot! ..and what a patriot

Also being American by choice this book spoke to me in several ways.

Craig takes the listener on an entertaining journey from being a wee Scottish lad, insecure and unsure about himself, through his range of achievements and life experiences.

Understandably he keeps you laughing through the highs of his life but his story telling abilities shine through as he drops you down again and again into his struggle with addictions, yet he still keeps you laughing.

A great listen, and a highly recommended read for the entertainment and motivational value.

Fergie Furg

Where does American on Purpose rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It was very entertaining, he has had quite the journey to get where he is now.

What did you like best about this story?

He does not skip parts of his life that one would not normally want exposed.
He is frank and candour about his problems with drugs and alcohol.

What does Craig Ferguson bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He is a funny man, and that comes across in his narration, who else would you want this read by.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It definitely made me laugh.

Any additional comments?

Thoroughly recommend this book, very entertaining.