• American on Purpose

  • The Improbable Adventures of an Unlikely Patriot
  • By: Craig Ferguson
  • Narrated by: Craig Ferguson
  • Length: 7 hrs and 24 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (3,255 ratings)

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American on Purpose  By  cover art

American on Purpose

By: Craig Ferguson
Narrated by: Craig Ferguson
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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

What listeners say about American on Purpose

Average customer ratings
Overall
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Inspiring and very funny

Really enjoyed it! Hard work really does pay off, though the blessings do help




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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Funny, touching, and unflinching

Ferguson’s story makes me want to be a better American. From depressing lows to soaring highs, Ferguson offers funny, touching, unflinching view of what it’s like to be an American immigrant in the 21st century, as well as a wannabe celebrity. A must-have for any fans of Ferguson, and a great reminder of what makes America great. 5/5

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Interesting story well delivered

Very insightful look into Craigs story. His rise. His falls, well done inspirational enjoyable overall.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Always hilarious and somehow insightful

Craig never fails to make me laugh and make me think. Love love love his work.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Inspirational and a rollercoaster

As a First generation American myself, I loved to read his story of a fresh-faced new American. It's amazing he survived so much in his young life and turned the corner to a happy ending. Loved this book and gave gifts of it in print. Thanks Craig, write more!!

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Highly Entertaining

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

Great story delivered in a highly addictive entertaining method.

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

Its great to hear the expression, emphasis and pronunciation in Craig's Glaswegian accent.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A compelling joy ride of a life

I'm not sure if this is an accurate to the t telling of a live story, but if it is even close to the truth then he has had one of the most tragic and beautifully interesting lives that I myself have ever had the privilege of reading about. on top of that his performance is as beautiful as the story it's self. overall this is an absolute winner and a must read/listen for anyone but especially if you are a ferguson fan.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Choose Adventure

I've always loved Craig as a host and comedian. Noe, I admire him as a person. The raw emotion that he brings out with is calm Scottish accent (didn't know it was possible to be calm and Scottish at the same time) made laugh and made me cry.

I learned a valuable lesson listening to Craig's story. "Between safety and Adventure. Choose adventure."

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Awesome

I love Craig Ferguson and thought this book would be funny and maybe inspire me. All though the book wasn't as funny as expected, it definitely inspired me and made me feel like I know the author a bit more. This is by far, my favorite audiobook.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Worth the money and time

Heartwarming, entertaining, motivating, Craig Ferguson's honesty about his life is one of the qualities that I love most about him. The audiobook or hard copy are definitely worth buying!

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