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asadaniels's review
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
Ferguson's memoir is witty, realistic, and hopeful. His writing is clear and approachable and he engages with the reader much as he engaged with his The Late Late Show guests: with authenticity.
Ferguson does not shy away from his complex and troubled life, where he was addicted to alcohol for several years and used numerous drugs during his teenage and early adulthood. He admits and explores his challenges and shortcomings, readily acknowledging his failures as a son, husband, and comedian. Likewise, in his state of sobriety and well-deserved stardom, he doesn't put himself on a pedestal or patronize the reader. Instead, he remains genuine and respects the fact that we all live troubling, challenging lives. What Ferguson lets us see is how this kind of life can also be invigorating, adventurous, and deeply meaningful, with the help from those around you and a willingness to admit your faults.
I found Ferguson's writing easily approachable and friendly and while I did not laugh a single time while reading, I don't think Ferguson was really looking to make us laugh. I think was setting out to explore his past and explore within himself deeply, which I believe he achieved (when you know your book is going to be published and scrutinized by the lay public, at least). I deeply appreciated Ferguson's humility regarding his alcoholism and I believe it is a great example of how people in that situation are experts of their own experience.
I also enjoyed learning more about Ferguson as a person. I realized I was sort of flying past the more deeply troubling parts of Ferguson's life - the numerus times he was an adulterer, lambasted his friends, and was just an all around bum of a character - and I don't know how much of that has to do with Ferguson's writing style or just me as a reader. At the end of the day, he does admit and is open about all of these things, so it may be more important for the reader to actually attend to it themselves.
Ferguson also proudly shares the hope and dream he has in the American ideal, which was refreshing to read with the current and ongoing political climate of the country. I can see some readers seeing it as bogus or overly-hopeful, but I personally still believe a lot of his faith in America - in the right to be an individual and the right to disagree without oppression - is true today and are more universal that some of the beliefs being argued about.
All in all, this was a great read and I highly recommend it to anyone who is a fan of Craig Ferguson or else wants to learn about the experiences of a hard-working American immigrant (now national) and his struggle through substance use on the road to figuring out what he wants in life and his identity.
"Like he was Frank Sinatra and she was Elizabeth Taylor."
Ferguson does not shy away from his complex and troubled life, where he was addicted to alcohol for several years and used numerous drugs during his teenage and early adulthood. He admits and explores his challenges and shortcomings, readily acknowledging his failures as a son, husband, and comedian. Likewise, in his state of sobriety and well-deserved stardom, he doesn't put himself on a pedestal or patronize the reader. Instead, he remains genuine and respects the fact that we all live troubling, challenging lives. What Ferguson lets us see is how this kind of life can also be invigorating, adventurous, and deeply meaningful, with the help from those around you and a willingness to admit your faults.
I found Ferguson's writing easily approachable and friendly and while I did not laugh a single time while reading, I don't think Ferguson was really looking to make us laugh. I think was setting out to explore his past and explore within himself deeply, which I believe he achieved (when you know your book is going to be published and scrutinized by the lay public, at least). I deeply appreciated Ferguson's humility regarding his alcoholism and I believe it is a great example of how people in that situation are experts of their own experience.
I also enjoyed learning more about Ferguson as a person. I realized I was sort of flying past the more deeply troubling parts of Ferguson's life - the numerus times he was an adulterer, lambasted his friends, and was just an all around bum of a character - and I don't know how much of that has to do with Ferguson's writing style or just me as a reader. At the end of the day, he does admit and is open about all of these things, so it may be more important for the reader to actually attend to it themselves.
Ferguson also proudly shares the hope and dream he has in the American ideal, which was refreshing to read with the current and ongoing political climate of the country. I can see some readers seeing it as bogus or overly-hopeful, but I personally still believe a lot of his faith in America - in the right to be an individual and the right to disagree without oppression - is true today and are more universal that some of the beliefs being argued about.
All in all, this was a great read and I highly recommend it to anyone who is a fan of Craig Ferguson or else wants to learn about the experiences of a hard-working American immigrant (now national) and his struggle through substance use on the road to figuring out what he wants in life and his identity.
"Like he was Frank Sinatra and she was Elizabeth Taylor."
esshgee's review
5.0
This was a 5 star read for me. Disclaimer though: I do like CraigyFerg as a comedian, actor and talk show host. So I was already going into this book being a fan. However, I loved the stories he told, the highs and the lows of his career and personal life, and he didn't sugarcoat anything. I laughed, I cried, and really I just loved the rollercoaster ride of his book.
michidoc's review
4.0
I must admit it: I only enjoyed few interviews made by Mr Ferguson on the talk show he hosts, and those mainly because of Doctor Who (I am a massive fan). I am italian, I have not a great fascination about the U.S. (or industrial Scotland), or, best, I had not, before reading this.
And I must admit I bought this ebook in the frenzy moment after the announcement of the 12th Doctor: I understood Mr Capaldi and Mr Ferguson came from the same place, not exactly the same city though, and I became particularly interested as I discovered they were long-time, old-days friends.
I wasn't in any way expecting what I read. I thought, giving what I understood of his sense of humor, I would find a very funny, particularly erratic, story of his life.
I was not prepared to find such a humble, sincere, brave and moving account of his successes and failings.
I found much honesty, although I think many things must not be true, not entirely at least, in the way he confronts himself with his past. I didn't know of his alchoholic past, nor of his failed marriages, and of much of his work as an actor (I've only "found" him in a couple of Scottish-themed computer animation features, and heard of - but not seen - Saving Grace).
I gained from this book quite a respect for him, in some way, and I think anyone should read it, even if you don't know who this guy is. It's quite intimate and as well universal, not full of particular or high wisdom, but surely you can spot very often some very honest and simple wisdom, which is something you don't really encounter every day (even though it could be a lot good for you).
So, long story short, I really enjoyed my read and I feel like I should reccomend it to anyone who have some time to stop and think about how your life makes who you are.
And I must admit I bought this ebook in the frenzy moment after the announcement of the 12th Doctor: I understood Mr Capaldi and Mr Ferguson came from the same place, not exactly the same city though, and I became particularly interested as I discovered they were long-time, old-days friends.
I wasn't in any way expecting what I read. I thought, giving what I understood of his sense of humor, I would find a very funny, particularly erratic, story of his life.
I was not prepared to find such a humble, sincere, brave and moving account of his successes and failings.
I found much honesty, although I think many things must not be true, not entirely at least, in the way he confronts himself with his past. I didn't know of his alchoholic past, nor of his failed marriages, and of much of his work as an actor (I've only "found" him in a couple of Scottish-themed computer animation features, and heard of - but not seen - Saving Grace).
I gained from this book quite a respect for him, in some way, and I think anyone should read it, even if you don't know who this guy is. It's quite intimate and as well universal, not full of particular or high wisdom, but surely you can spot very often some very honest and simple wisdom, which is something you don't really encounter every day (even though it could be a lot good for you).
So, long story short, I really enjoyed my read and I feel like I should reccomend it to anyone who have some time to stop and think about how your life makes who you are.
souponthebarby's review against another edition
5.0
This is just flat out something special. I really don't know what else I can say.
stevenyenzer's review against another edition
3.0
I never really watched Craig Ferguson's show, but he has always seemed to be an interesting and even-keeled person. American on Purpose is a quick memoir and quite entertaining.
evilstudygroup's review
4.0
Wow, not what I expected! My original blurb would had been "A must read for any aspiring performer or struggling alcoholic!", but Ferguson's honestly helps to create a great story. By the end you want him to find success and happiness. His addiction took him to the brink where he couldn't continue drinking but couldn't function without it. Courage is when you go through hardship, and even though you are frightened all the way to your core, you soldier on hoping one day things will get better. Craig Ferguson is a courageous man.
mrz_owenz's review against another edition
4.0
Interesting autobiography of Craig Ferguson, the Scottish-Conan-guy. Very funny and moving. Especially if you're a fan of the Late Late Show. And wow! He did a lot of drugs.
bethtmorris's review against another edition
3.0
Surprisingly good read (the cover is very deceiving). I'm such a sucker for a memoir and Craig Ferguson has lead a very interesting life. He was very honest about his shortcomings.
andrewgraphics's review against another edition
5.0
For those of you missing seeing Craig Ferguson regularly, this audio book is a perfect solution, as read by TV's Craig Ferguson himself. Hilarious self-effacing humor, and brilliantly candid.