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American on Purpose: The Improbable…
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American on Purpose: The Improbable Adventures of an Unlikely Patriot (original 2009; edition 2010)

by Craig Ferguson

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1,1945816,449 (3.94)103
The host of "The Late, Late Show" traces his journey from working-class Glasgow to the comedic limelight of Hollywood, revealing his personal story of becoming an American citizen.
Member:Brandy99
Title:American on Purpose: The Improbable Adventures of an Unlikely Patriot
Authors:Craig Ferguson
Info:Harper Perennial (2010), Edition: 1, Paperback, 288 pages
Collections:Owned digital books
Rating:
Tags:Audio

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American on Purpose by Craig Ferguson (2009)

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This is a literary slideshow through the author's life. It shows some nice photos and some nasty ones, all of them commented with witty and self-deprecating humor. I wish we could stop and go deeper with a few ones, but the author allows just a glance and pushes forward...

I have serious doubts if this book was written for readers, it feels like it was written more for the author. It gives him a chance to appreciate everyone who supported, inspired, or influenced him. I mean EVERYONE, even nameless drunkards that happened to be in a right place and time. There are numerous short episodes in this book that could've been cut out as they are not really interesting or meaningful for the whole arc... but I believe there were kept to not miss any character that shaped Craig into a person who he is now.

If you've ever watched the Late Late Show, you'll get exactly the kind of humor you'd expect. It's light, funny, and can unexpectedly turn very dark and serious... for a moment. It helps to go softly through the trauma of poverty, alcoholism, drug addiction, personal and professional failures, keeping them all at a distance for most of the time. I liked the short serious bits that felt more sincere and I wish they were longer.

Overall, it's a good book. There are some laughing-out-loud funny moments and some painful ones as well. I recommend the audiobook read by the author for an extra dose of Scottish accent and authenticity. ( )
  sperzdechly | Jan 1, 2024 |
I am not going to make a claim that this is high art but was a great read. His life was interesting and I admit to seeing some of the struggles of my life in his book. I have of course not dealt with them quite as spectacularly as he has. ( )
  cdaley | Nov 2, 2023 |
When I started reading "American on Purpose" I didn't really know what it was about, I only knew it was written by Craig Ferguson who I really like.
Reading about Craig's childhood and rise to where he is today was fascinating and inspiring.
I really enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it to any Ferguson fan! ( )
  Tom.Morrison | Nov 1, 2023 |
Was enjoyable enough. I like Craig Ferguson to begin with and it allowed me to learn a little more about him. ( )
  dendorf | Sep 30, 2023 |
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. ( )
  J.Flux | Aug 13, 2022 |
Showing 1-5 of 58 (next | show all)
Ferguson admirably avoids wisecracks and instead goes for something like wisdom.
 
Ferguson [is] a fine writer — witty, reflective and candid.
 
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For my parents
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"I see England, I see France, I see the First Lady's underpants."
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(Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)
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The host of "The Late, Late Show" traces his journey from working-class Glasgow to the comedic limelight of Hollywood, revealing his personal story of becoming an American citizen.

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