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

I loveme some accent

This was a delightful surprise. I could tell
his insights are authentic. He certainly hid this depth when he did the Late Late Show. perhaps that is why i always thought he had a good deal of sadness in him. I look forward to watching him again. It will be with different eyes.

And that Scottish accent is to die for. I think he is well aware of that!

A True Raconteur; Ferguson is a joy to hear!

I had originally purchased the Kindle version, but several chapters in I decided to get this audio version as well; chiefly as it was Craig Ferguson reading his own work.

It is absolutely the icing on an an already colorful and delicious narrative of a colorful and rich life! My husband and I (already fans of Ferguson from the Late Late Show) spent a pleasant weekend listening to this biography on my phone (several chapters of which helped us pass the time far more pleasantly during a storm-induced power outage than we'd heretofore ever done).

Not since David Niven's "Bring on the Empty Horses!" have I been so thoroughly entertained by a celebrity biography! Well done, Mr. Ferguson! Well done!

excellent listen

great story start to finish.
very captivating and interesting with plenty of humor. Never seems to take himself too seriously. would recommend to fans and non fans alike

Scottish comedian navigating America

I am a fan of Craig Ferguson's stand-up and the Late Late Show but even if you aren't familiar with him this is a great memoir. He comes from modest beginnings and achieved the American dream. I read the book but enjoyed it more as an Audible book read by the author.

Craig never fails to deliver

Craig Ferguson is an intelligent man. Even now after all these years, I’m impressed with his gift of gab and razor sharp wit. Despite the copious amounts of decadence he admits here, his gift has never dulled. I’m grateful for this. This book is well worth your time.

A crazy trip down memory lane

Honesty meshed with trajedy, growth, wisdom and hilarity. It's his life and it was a wild ride. Welcome to America!

Listened on Purpose

Gotta say, I don't usually go for biographies, but considering I'm a fan of Craig Ferguson and its narrated by himself I figured I'd give it a shot. It didn't let me down. This book gives an excellent account of his path to fame (both the highs and the lows). If you're a fan of the late night Scotsman, this book is for you.

Scotty

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

I liked this book, not quite finished with it yet. Great story, especially for anyone on the edge of trying to quit drinking.

What did you like best about this story?

Craig is likeable. His story about alcoholism is sad.

What three words best describe Craig Ferguson’s voice?

Genuine, scottish, rolling.

Brilliant!

Craig Ferguson has a unique perspective on life and on America. He is one of the funniest guys around so the book is highly entertaining. I actually listened to this book right before the election, and it was really nice to listen to good things about this country in the midst of all of the propaganda and trash talk that goes on during an election. Plus, listening to a Scottish accent for a few hours is always nice on the ears.

Loved this book!

Would you listen to American on Purpose again? Why?

Craig Ferguson is funny and fun loving and I love listening to his brogue. His story is quirky and interesting all the way through with never a never a dull moment. His reasonng for becoming an American is inspriational.

What was one of the most memorable moments of American on Purpose?

One of the most memorable moments int he book is his description of and reflection on the event he was asked to MC with the U.S.President in attendance and he is a brand new American.

What about Craig Ferguson’s performance did you like?

The lively, cheery lilt of his voice is mesmerizing.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The rough stuff he went through in childhood is particularly moving to me.