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.” — Lisa Ko, author of The Leavers
“Hilariously vivid.” — People
“Funny and poignant and inspirational and brilliant. Nowhere in his story of emigration and redemption does Craig Ferguson realize that as lucky as he thinks he is to be ‘American on Purpose,’ we are luckier still to have him.” — Keith Olbermann
“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, author of The Given Day
“A great read . . . almost as good as my memoir.” — Carrie Fisher, author of Wishful Drinking
“Ferguson has given us a biographical treatment that is both brutally honest and inspirational…American on Purpose is a book that should be read.” — Chicago Sun-Times
“Hilarious and revealing...witty and emotional.” — The Daily Beast
Hilariously vivid.
Ferguson has given us a biographical treatment that is both brutally honest and inspirational…American on Purpose is a book that should be read.
A great read . . . almost as good as my memoir.
Funny and poignant and inspirational and brilliant. Nowhere in his story of emigration and redemption does Craig Ferguson realize that as lucky as he thinks he is to be ‘American on Purpose,’ we are luckier still to have him.
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.
The subtitle "Improbable Adventures" actually understates the skittish life path of this book's author. Late, Late Show host Craig Ferguson was born in Glasgow, where he walked mean streets, performed in a punk band called Bastards from Hell, and appeared in alternative comedy clubs as Bing Hitler. From those unremunerative enterprises, he lurched into temporary occupations as a construction worker, a bouncer, and a bartender. In that last job, he seemed to have found his true tragic calling. He became his own best customer, rapidly lapsing into a downward spiral of alcohol and drugs that nearly killed him. Somehow he not only survived and recovered; he found a new career, a new country, and a new sense of purpose. Heartfelt, fun, and inspiring.
There's no one else like [Ferguson] on television, and he's achieved something unusual in late night: a sense of intimacy with his audience. In American on Purpose he establishes a similar bond with the reader. Like Steve Martin in his similarly engaging memoir, Born Standing Up, Ferguson tells the life story of a comedian without letting jokes get in the way.
Craig Ferguson’s reading of his autobiography is charming, earnest, revealing, funny, and sad. The memoir is also honest, genuine, and riveting, very like he appears on his late-night talk show.”
Hilarious and revealing…witty and emotional.”
With his Scottish accent and lively personality, the host of The Late Late Show provides an amusing collection of anecdotes highlighting his ascendance to mainstream American entertainment and his quest for US citizenship…the audio production shines as delivered by Ferguson. His quirky personality comes through in spades, along with his comedic timing, character voices, and overwhelming energy.”
A fine writer, witty, reflective, and candid…Ferguson is a kinetic cut-up teeming with foolishness, brilliance, defiance, and heart. All this is captured in his book as an entertaining connect-the-dots journey.”
‘Not journalism, just my story,’ says the host of CBS' The Late Late Show , reading his memoir in an easily understood burr reflective of his Glasgow birthplace…His fans will not be disappointed in this lively, well-read memoir.”
Hilarious and revealing...witty and emotional.
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.
Ferguson has given us a biographical treatment that is both brutally honest and inspirational…American on Purpose is a book that should be read.
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.
"Hilariously vivid."
Obviously, no one could do more justice to Ferguson's memoir than the comedian himself. With his Scottish accent and lively personality, the host of THE LATE LATE SHOW provides an amusing collection of anecdotes highlighting his ascendance to mainstream American entertainment and his quest for U.S. citizenship. Fans looking for another slice of Ferguson will thoroughly enjoy all he has to share. Overall, the book is entertaining but doesn't seem to have more relevance than that. However, the audio production shines as delivered by Ferguson. His quirky personality comes through in spades, along with his comedic timing, character voices, and overwhelming energy. L.E. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine
FEBRUARY 2010 - AudioFile
