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American on Purpose: The Improbable Adventures of an Unlikely Patriot Audiobook
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Publisher Description
“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 Bestselling 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 U.S. 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.
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"A good read! Craig (and I feel I can call him Craig now) invites the reader into his personal story from childhood, youth and up to his present work on the Late Late Show. This level of open honesty reveals some surprising experiences, opinion and core values about himself and others. And he's funny!"
— Karin (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“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 bestselling author -
“A great read…Almost as good as my memoir.”
— Carrie Fisher, New York Times bestselling author -
“Hilariously vivid.”
— People -
“A fine writer, witty, reflective, and candid…Ferguson is a kinetic cutup teeming with foolishness, brilliance, defiance, and heart. All this is captured in his book as an entertaining connect-the-dots journey.”
— Associated Press
Awards
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A New York Times bestseller
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Selected for the October 2009 Indie Next List
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A Publishers Weekly bestseller
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A USA Today bestseller
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A Los Angeles Times bestseller
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A 2001 Grammy Award Nominee for Best Spoken Word Album
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A 2009 iTunes Best Nonfiction Pick
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Amazon Best Books of the Year, 2009
American on Purpose Listener Reviews
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" Great book and very inspiring! I've been a big fan of Craig since he was on the Drew Carey show and this just reinforces my admiration of him. Highly recommended! "
— ggggg, 3/30/2016 -
" If you've ever watched The Late Late Show, then you won't be surprised by the uncensored language in this book, but there is A LOT of it. It's worth the read if your a CF fan. I guess I was expecting more, though. "
— Susanne, 2/15/2014 -
" Glad you joined us, Craig! "
— Tracy, 2/10/2014 -
" I enjoyed the stories that Ferguson told however I expected them to be funnier. "
— Rebekah, 1/28/2014 -
" I really enjoyed this book! It's a quick read. Craig Ferguson really laid it all out on the table. He did a good job, in my opinion, of explaining his alcoholism as well as his general path to success. The book is funny and sad (spoiler - I'm always a little sad to hear about marriages breaking up). "
— Miriam, 1/25/2014 -
" It was pretty good. A little too much about how everyone around him was a better person and changed his life. But still, an interesting story of his life of drugs, comedy and rehab. "
— Jean, 1/21/2014 -
" I picked up this book because I enjoy Craig Ferguson and that's the only reason I kept reading it. I'm sure his life was fascinating while he was living it, at least it was fascinating to someone, but it makes for rather tedious reading - even given that there are amusing moments here and there. He's just not much of a writer. Sorry, Craig. "
— Morna, 1/17/2014 -
" I like Craig Ferguson. He has an immature and honest humor that I love. This book was touching, hilarious, and a little inspiring if I do say so myself. "
— Krisha, 1/17/2014 -
" read this on a complete whim and found it surprisingly entertaining and honest! "
— Mee, 12/28/2013 -
" One of my favorite comedians and his tragedy to triumph story. "
— Joshua, 12/23/2013 -
" Love Craigyferg and his history was truly honest... Sometimes brutally so. "
— Penni, 12/17/2013 -
" Very Funny. What a crazy life he has lived. "
— Alf, 12/8/2013 -
" I love Craig Ferguson, and I loved this book. "
— Tara, 12/2/2013 -
" Very funny and entertaining. "
— Betty, 11/29/2013 -
" Very irreverent and interesting autobiography! You'll never look at Craig Ferguson the same, but if you like him you will not change your mind. "
— janet, 11/14/2013 -
" i really like craig but the book wasnt as funny he is. skimmed a bit but found it was very honest and i am very impressed with anyone who can give up drinking. "
— Katherine, 10/15/2013 -
" "American by choice" "
— Gary, 10/1/2013 -
" This book is hilarious and moving, which sounds trite but is really the only accurate description. If you have even a tiny funny bone something here will tickle it. Plus, dude's Scottish. Hawt. "
— Stacy, 3/31/2013 -
" Pretty funny! Not the greatest writer but his life was interesting to read about. Lots of f words. "
— Crstevenson76, 2/1/2013 -
" good memoir of an recovered alcoholic, but said with humor. Enjoyed the stories behind his movies & non-fiction book(which I love). "
— Vicky, 1/24/2013 -
" Reading between the lines, maybe not such a good guy. "
— Miles26, 6/11/2012 -
" Very Interesting. I have seen Craig Ferguson on the late late show and find him very funny. The book is not really that funny it being a more serious look at his upbringing and troubled past. It is very interesting to see his life journey and how he attained success. "
— Art, 1/8/2012 -
" Humorous and real. "
— Marcella, 10/7/2011 -
" He is my TV Husband. I love that he is incorrigible and truly funny without making fun of any group of people and he refuses to exploit stereotypes for a laugh. That my friends is what one calls intelligent humor! "
— Amy, 8/1/2011 -
" This is not a funny book, but it is a moving one, particularly when Ferguson discussed his alcoholism and rehab, particularly his efforts to make restitution. Really, an anatomy of addiction and recovery. "
— Nick, 6/28/2011 -
" I love Craigy. Reading about his life and how he came to be the person he is today was great. We have something in common in our pasts so I was interested in his take on it. He is a right good fella! "
— Stephanie, 6/13/2011 -
" Loved it! Funny and interesting, even through the rough times. Ferguson is surprisingly honest and makes you feel like you can do anything. Definitely makes me want to start watching his show regularly. "
— Lisa, 6/7/2011 -
" What an interesting story...and love the accent!!! "
— Lisa, 6/3/2011 -
" His story telling is clever, he has very funny moments, and what gives it it's FIFTH star, is the AUDIO. the accent really gives it context. "
— Lisa, 6/1/2011 -
" Luck, talent, circumstance, caring friends- all combine to bring Craig Ferguson where he is today. A common man celebrity memoir- Craig overcame alcohol addiction and has remained sober for over 17 years. I listened to this on audiobook and have to say my favorite part was the Glaswegian accent. "
— Jan, 5/29/2011 -
" Funny and interesting. Self depricating humor. "
— David, 5/16/2011 -
" I expected this to make me laugh; I didn't expect it to make me cry as much as it did, though. Lovely all around. "
— Heather, 5/15/2011 -
" Brilliant story. Really glad I got it on Audible as it was read by the author. "
— James, 5/15/2011
About Craig Ferguson
Craig Ferguson is the host of The Late Late Show. He has worked as a drummer, a bartender, a stand-up comedian, and an actor on The Drew Carey Show. His novel, Between the Bridge and the River, was published in 2006. He lives in Los Angeles.