Reviews

American on Purpose: The Improbable Adventures of an Unlikely Patriot by Craig Ferguson

jenniferkat's review against another edition

4.0

So it turns out Craig Ferguson is not only the best network t.v. late night show host, but quite a writer to boot. This was a quick, enoyable read.

irene_s_wood's review against another edition

4.0

I really enjoyed this. His writing style is clever and insightful. His story is engaging and interesting, and his honesty is appreciated. His descriptions of addiction are some of the best I've ever read or heard. Big recommend.

jflux's review against another edition

3.0

i love craig ferguson. he is funny. i liked this book. it was funny, though it got less interesting when he got his show and stopped worrying about when he would next eat. if you like craig ferguson, too, then you will probably read this. if not, you probably won't. so ... yeah.

avaughn4's review against another edition

5.0

Craig Ferguson was not like any other Late Night host. In this book you find the real Craig Ferguson from when he was born to present day. He never beats around the bush, speaks his mind. Also you find out what a great writer the comedian and Late Night host is. Get to know the Craig Ferguson you see on TV with this read.

ks3p6745's review against another edition

adventurous funny hopeful slow-paced

4.5

A fun read about a Scottish man and how he set out to become an American.

heykatopotato's review against another edition

5.0

This is one of the best books I've ever read, and I didn't expect that to happen at all. But Ferguson's witty (albeit vulgar) humor and genuine personality just grabbed hold of me. SPOILER: The part where his dad dies towards the end had me near tears. This is also a memoir that will make you laugh until your ribs ache! I loved it.

cedr's review against another edition

4.0

A wildly interesting life told with charm, honesty. And a heck of a lot of courage to delve into his sordid past!

drcheshirecat's review against another edition

4.0

A funny and open look into Craig Ferguson's life and thought processes. The audiobook, narrated by Ferguson, is a very good companion to this book. Loved some of his observations, ("Maybe fear is God's way of saying, "Pay attention, this could be fun.'"), and found his take on America to be perhaps idealistic but also incredibly interesting.

realpageturner's review against another edition

3.0

I have been meaning to read his book since I started watching the late, late show last fall, but I was hesitant to read it because I knew he discussed his addiction in it and I have difficulty reading such memoirs. But I did enjoy the book all the same. Its funny and poignant and inspirational and brilliant. He really is a wonderful writer.

Now I have a new found respect for him as a person. American on Purpose delivers a funny and touching account of his journey from Glasgow to Hollywood. He is honest about about his alcoholism and drug use, his decision to become a US citizen, and everything in between. This is a surprisingly candid and literate memoir, a refreshing change from the usual celebrity tell-all.

gabsy's review against another edition

4.0

I had wanted to read (or in this case liten to) this books for years, but never seemed to quite find the time to do so. I regreat that now, as this was one of the most fascinating memoirs I've ever read, both because of the incredible journey that Craig Ferguson has been through to get where he is today, but also because he is a fantastic writer. This book is emotional, and doesn't shy away from neither darkness nor light, and is a testimony to Ferguson's great loves: Scotland, America, women, comedy and alcohol.

I wholeheartedly recommend it.