Scan barcode
firstwords's review against another edition
3.0
Craig Ferguson was hilarious on his late-night TV show. He was, I think, what Conan tried to be (and often succeeded). However, I think Ferguson went through enough absolute s*** phases of his life that he might have a bit more to offer when philosophizing about life.
This is a short-form story of Ferguson's life, focusing mainly on his early drug use, schooling, and music aspirations, and on his later career. Ferguson is frank about addiction, sex, drug abuse, and his relationships. Like other biographies of good people who do shite things, you get to see a flawed person who knows he/she is hurting others but is largely incapable of stopping.
(Off topic)
Reading this made me recall something I saw on his late night show many years ago, and helped to make sense of what, then, stood out. The celebrity Britney Spears was under arrest, in rehab, going nuts, something of that nature, and in a very public way. The other shows and comedians were getting in the usual jabs, but Ferguson, it seemed unexpectedly even for his showrunners, sat down and said "this is not something to laugh at. Here is a person that has a problem. I will not make jokes at her expense." He mentioned tangentially his own life and how that informed him with regards to Ms. Spears. Reading this book, and knowing that the guy making that statement was an addict struggling every day to stay sober, made sense of it to me, and had me really respecting the hell out of the guy by the end of the book.
(/Off topic)
This is a fun, easy read where you will learn a little about how Hollywood really works (and it's both funny and pathetic, as you'd expect), about a man's struggle with addiction, and about the difference that truly decent people can make, whether or not they are doing something decent in that exact moment.
This is a short-form story of Ferguson's life, focusing mainly on his early drug use, schooling, and music aspirations, and on his later career. Ferguson is frank about addiction, sex, drug abuse, and his relationships. Like other biographies of good people who do shite things, you get to see a flawed person who knows he/she is hurting others but is largely incapable of stopping.
(Off topic)
Reading this made me recall something I saw on his late night show many years ago, and helped to make sense of what, then, stood out. The celebrity Britney Spears was under arrest, in rehab, going nuts, something of that nature, and in a very public way. The other shows and comedians were getting in the usual jabs, but Ferguson, it seemed unexpectedly even for his showrunners, sat down and said "this is not something to laugh at. Here is a person that has a problem. I will not make jokes at her expense." He mentioned tangentially his own life and how that informed him with regards to Ms. Spears. Reading this book, and knowing that the guy making that statement was an addict struggling every day to stay sober, made sense of it to me, and had me really respecting the hell out of the guy by the end of the book.
(/Off topic)
This is a fun, easy read where you will learn a little about how Hollywood really works (and it's both funny and pathetic, as you'd expect), about a man's struggle with addiction, and about the difference that truly decent people can make, whether or not they are doing something decent in that exact moment.
sumigurl's review against another edition
4.0
I quite liked Craig Ferguson's memoir American on Purpose. His writing style is very much as he speaks. I've always liked his sense of humor so the laugh-out-loud moments were many. I knew very little about him (seen his show a few times and loved Saving Grace) so it was very enlightening in that respect. I wish I could articulate why I liked this book but I'm at a loss for words. I do recommend it if only for Americans to see their country through the eyes of someone who wasn't born here but he belonged here.
twrafferty's review against another edition
5.0
From a bleak small town in Scotland to Hollywood - funny, dark, honest autobiography of a hilarious guy.
martinbihl's review against another edition
3.0
While i like Craig Ferguson, I have to admit that if it were up to me I never would have picked up this book. But it was a gift (and from my mom, no less), so the obligation arose.
And I'm glad it did, because this is really an enjoyable book. For starters, Ferguson can actually write - sure it often sounds like his monologues, but there's rhythm to the language, a bit of pacing to the story, and a strong voice that carries you through the entire store.
And oh what a story it is - which also makes it different from most celebrity memoirs. For while Ferguson often refers to his drug use and alcoholism in his tv show and stand-up routines, here he goes into depth, chronicling the havoc he caused and the wreckage he's responsible for. And it would appear he pulls few punches, being brutally honest about who he hurt and how we screwed up and analyzing why and what the ramifications were. And if at times it reads a bit like one of the steps on his 12 step program, well, better that than the usual drivel. And anyway he keeps it fairly entertaining and funny throughout. And never once does he let himself off the hook for his actions, which is mighty impressive and goes to show that the Scots are a rare and admirable breed (that said, his descriptions of school life and the basket cases it must be producing is a helluva cautionary tale for anyone with kids).
Worth the read if you like Ferguson's brand of humour, or if you like stories told by people who really, by all accounts, should have died in a pool of their own vomit long ago. Or a combination of the two...
And I'm glad it did, because this is really an enjoyable book. For starters, Ferguson can actually write - sure it often sounds like his monologues, but there's rhythm to the language, a bit of pacing to the story, and a strong voice that carries you through the entire store.
And oh what a story it is - which also makes it different from most celebrity memoirs. For while Ferguson often refers to his drug use and alcoholism in his tv show and stand-up routines, here he goes into depth, chronicling the havoc he caused and the wreckage he's responsible for. And it would appear he pulls few punches, being brutally honest about who he hurt and how we screwed up and analyzing why and what the ramifications were. And if at times it reads a bit like one of the steps on his 12 step program, well, better that than the usual drivel. And anyway he keeps it fairly entertaining and funny throughout. And never once does he let himself off the hook for his actions, which is mighty impressive and goes to show that the Scots are a rare and admirable breed (that said, his descriptions of school life and the basket cases it must be producing is a helluva cautionary tale for anyone with kids).
Worth the read if you like Ferguson's brand of humour, or if you like stories told by people who really, by all accounts, should have died in a pool of their own vomit long ago. Or a combination of the two...
stitchlovesbooks18's review against another edition
5.0
This is one of the most entertaining, absorbing, and enjoyable memoirs/autobiographies I've read in recent memory. I was already a fan of Craig Ferguson's stand-up comedy and movies, so I looked forward to reading this book. I was impressed with how quickly his writing engaged my interest and attention. It has been a wonderful treat reading this book; a balm for sorrows and an antidote to stress. The best part of the book for me was the last page. What he wrote about his Scottish and American sides was expressed beautifully, with such heartfelt emotion. I was touched and uplifted by his words Thank You, Craig! I look forward to reading and watching more of your work, old and new!
beatchik's review against another edition
4.0
It's hard to know if I loved this book because it was so well-written or if I just loved it because it was so Craig Ferguson. As far as memoirs go, this was exactly what I look for....funny, charming, and a good story. I particularly liked hearing about his youth and upbringing. The Hollywood bit wasn't inside baseball enough or as compelling, but I guess this was more about HOW he told the story, rather than what he told.
rmcabana's review against another edition
5.0
I've never listened to an audiobook before - I've always thought of them as cheating. But I'm such a big fan of Craig Ferguson so I thought it would be fun to listen to him tell his own story. And he really killed me! His story is funny, charming, wacky and touching. He tells about growing up in Scotland and his crazy adventures as a punk rocker, comedian and alcoholic, all on his way to becoming a late night talk show host and an American. I loved the voices and impressions he used for different characters. He's nuts and I love him.
jonathanlaughlin's review against another edition
3.0
Listen to the audio book if you can. Ferguson's musings on his past, recovery and embracing American life need to be heard in his distinct Scottish accent.
aclarehoman's review against another edition
2.0
I really enjoy Ferguson's stand-up, and I could see how his writing style would make for lively reading, but the bottom line is this is a tale of a celebrity screwing up, screwing other people, sobering up and doing more celebrity things. It's not really ground-breaking or interesting reading.
jeannepathfinder's review against another edition
3.0
The autobiography of Craig Ferguson is best when you listen to the audio version, read by the author himself. The rags to riches story with a drunk addict to sober television star segment is interesting. The early part of his life when he is poor and drunk and drugged is not nearly as interesting as it becomes after rehab. Feel free to skip over the early chapters, the last third of the book is most interesting. Ferguson portrays himself and unworthy of his success, but he is very talented.