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

Charming, Funny and Honest

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

Up at the top.

What other book might you compare American on Purpose to and why?

I can't compare it to any others because I mostly listen to fiction

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

No I haven't - but I will now.

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

I did find myself laughing a bit and getting choked up enough to cry in parts as well.

Any additional comments?

It's an extremely smart book. He's very funny and he delivers the audio in a conversational way that's immediately enjoyable.

Brutal honesty, entertaining, and enlightening

What did you love best about American on Purpose?

I love the fact that Craig was completely open about what kind of person he was and how he came to be the man he is now. Even though he may not have been a very likable person for a good part of his life he was still honest about why, and through his story many people will better understand what it is like to be an alcoholic and what it is like to care about an alcoholic.

What other book might you compare American on Purpose to and why?

I am not able to compare this book to anything else that I have read or listened to.

Which scene was your favorite?

I especially liked the ending when he finally got himself straightened out and looked out the window and remembered where he had been sleeping many years ago. His true love of the United States and his belief that anything is possible here really comes across in this book.

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

Yes, it was. I listened to this while at work....and then I listened to it again.

Any additional comments?

I love that Craig read this book himself. I'm not sure I would have been able to get into it as much if it had been read by anyone else. Since I am a fan of Craig's and I am familiar with his voice and the way he speaks, it was easy for me get right into his story as he was telling it himself. I have always enjoyed his original sense of humor and I don't think anyone else could have come across as funny and honest as he did. Of course, as he says in his book, listening to him talk is quite enjoyable also. I listen to audio books several times a week because I often work alone, and this is at the top of my list of favorites. This is a must for any Craig Ferguson fan.

Magnetic

I found myself sneaking in a couple chapters whenever I had the chance; constantly laughing and reminiscing about my own childhood through Craig’s detailed recollection. I enjoyed the book immensely and recommend it to everyone that appreciates humor combined with excellent writing.

Read this book now!

What did you love best about American on Purpose?

A very heartwarming and, to be honest, soul searching book from a man that has literally seen (and probably forgot) it all.

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

Since I am a recovering addict as well, his take on his addiction really hits home ans is quite powerful.

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

His sense of humor is not lost in this book at all.

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

Again, his talk on his alcohol addiction was not only therapeutic but life saving.

Interesting and funny

I loved watching him on the late late show. I think he’s got a strange combination of punk rock and suave gentlemen and he was one of the last actual talk shows that wasn’t constantly playing games or doing stupid internet challenges. All in all a very interesting, funny and all around entertaining read.

I love a funny man

Hang in there Craig. We all love you

Your story is charming. It was a great read for a long road trip

Thoroughly enjoyed this book!

This story really brings home how lucky/blessed we are to be Americans and points out all the things we take for granted - sometimes to the point of abusing them. In addition to having a very interesting life that holds your attention, Craig's heartfelt reading of his life's story adds to the intensity of his desire to get to America and his gratitude at becoming a citizen.

One generally doesn't think of Scotland as a place to want to get away from, but then one realizes the vast difference our freedom of religion gives to who you know, like, love and associate with.

I had not known before that he was a alcohol/drug addict. He tells the story of his addictions, rehab and recovery with an openness and honesty that is at times brutal. He doesn't soften any aspect of his struggle with his demons.

I rate this book very highly for its content and message. And listening to Craig for 7 and a half hours isn't hard to take either!

Brilliant

Funny, touching, inspiring... Sometimes all of those things at the same time. Well worth getting.

I love you and I love your book

You are funny you’re handsome you’re smart you can right you are real. I’m sorry if America is a disappointment right now. It breaks my heart. So the end of your block even made me more heartbroken. Because I feel like we’re veering away from one America is. I thank you for the reminder. Thank you for sharing your journey.

Lovely book

I’ve been a long time fan of Craig’s late night show. He is a fascinating intelligent person with a great story to tell. It’s funny, touching and sad sometimes. I’m glad I got this book.