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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.
misfitmoxie's review against another edition
4.0
I'm a bit taken aback at how personal and honest this book was. I expected wit and irony and sass throughout, but instead it's insightful and hopeful. Of course there was humor, but only when life made it funny. It was never affected. (How refreshing!)
I appreciated experiencing Ferguson's journey - what he came from, what he became, how he transformed that person. It was endearing to walk with him through the path he had to take to finally fully achieve his life-long dream. I also enjoyed seeing how he learned that embracing his past and where he came from was as important as engaging in the present, reaching for the future, and treasuring his new home.
There are fantastic life-lessons I learned from Craig (we're on a first name basis now, apparently) because he was willing to expose the depth of his failures and in that revealed what failure really is - just failure. It doesn't mean success won't or can't be had still. Failure can be funny and bring hope when used right, and Ferguson did just that. And I'm grateful.
I appreciated experiencing Ferguson's journey - what he came from, what he became, how he transformed that person. It was endearing to walk with him through the path he had to take to finally fully achieve his life-long dream. I also enjoyed seeing how he learned that embracing his past and where he came from was as important as engaging in the present, reaching for the future, and treasuring his new home.
There are fantastic life-lessons I learned from Craig (we're on a first name basis now, apparently) because he was willing to expose the depth of his failures and in that revealed what failure really is - just failure. It doesn't mean success won't or can't be had still. Failure can be funny and bring hope when used right, and Ferguson did just that. And I'm grateful.
michellewords's review against another edition
4.0
Craig Ferguson always surprises me. This book started out with humor an led me into the land of Ferguson.
When I first started reading, I expected crass humor and wonderful stories that I associate with my favorite late night talk show host. I did NOT expect to get so much more out of it.
When I put the book down, I felt inspired. From the rough beginnings of an alcoholic and drug addict, Feguson became the person he dreamed of: freedom in his own definition, sobriety and an American. Ferguson dared to dream and reached for what he wanted.
The lacing of humor, heartache and soul made this book something I will remember and think about for the rest of my life.
When I first started reading, I expected crass humor and wonderful stories that I associate with my favorite late night talk show host. I did NOT expect to get so much more out of it.
When I put the book down, I felt inspired. From the rough beginnings of an alcoholic and drug addict, Feguson became the person he dreamed of: freedom in his own definition, sobriety and an American. Ferguson dared to dream and reached for what he wanted.
The lacing of humor, heartache and soul made this book something I will remember and think about for the rest of my life.
mckinlay's review against another edition
3.0
The book got better towards the end but I was bored throughout. I still love Craig though, and in the end it was nice to get a little background on him.
sopuberfungirl's review against another edition
I don't often read autobiographies, but I have always loved Craig Ferguson on his late night show so I decided to give his book a go. Personally, I had no idea that he had issues with drugs and drinking. His book was often darkly humourous and a bit caustic at times, but also light-hearted and inspirational. If anyone has ever hit their own rock bottom, or even if you haven't but you know life sucks sometimes, I'd suggest reading American on Purpose. I teared up at parts and also laughed at loud, and by the end of it I knew a bunch of stuff about Craig Ferguson and felt pretty good about life.
perilous1's review against another edition
4.0
4 1/2 Stars, were that allowed.
One of the more excellent memoirs I've ever read. And I mean that for both it's candid poignancy and cynical Scottish hilarity.
I'll admit up front, I'm a bit of a Craig Ferguson fan. He's always been, to me, one of the very few televised personalities whom I'd love to know personally. I felt the book was true to his particular blend of endearing guile and cheeky lowbrow humor.
He admits to his own biases and misconceptions and makes no point of taking political sides. As only the best comedians seem able to accomplish, he gives everyone fairly equal time in the mocking chair--himself included. And it is likely his self-depreciating sense of humor that leaves me with such a genuine sense about him. Though he readily admits to his faults and errors—of which there are many—he is refreshingly void of excuses/justifications for his relationally-destructive engagements. He describes his full-bore collision into Alcoholism and drug use with a matter-of-factness that was both enlightening and oddly relatable.
Through it all his love for certain aspects of the Scottish people, and for his new homeland, shine through with tarnished pride and an arcane sense of honor. His life has been a fascinating series of tragedies and triumphs—tremendous loss and heartening redemption. Toward the end, I found that he'd even sneaked in enough sobering compassion and sincerity to make me cry. And I love him all the more for it.
One of the more excellent memoirs I've ever read. And I mean that for both it's candid poignancy and cynical Scottish hilarity.
I'll admit up front, I'm a bit of a Craig Ferguson fan. He's always been, to me, one of the very few televised personalities whom I'd love to know personally. I felt the book was true to his particular blend of endearing guile and cheeky lowbrow humor.
He admits to his own biases and misconceptions and makes no point of taking political sides. As only the best comedians seem able to accomplish, he gives everyone fairly equal time in the mocking chair--himself included. And it is likely his self-depreciating sense of humor that leaves me with such a genuine sense about him. Though he readily admits to his faults and errors—of which there are many—he is refreshingly void of excuses/justifications for his relationally-destructive engagements. He describes his full-bore collision into Alcoholism and drug use with a matter-of-factness that was both enlightening and oddly relatable.
Through it all his love for certain aspects of the Scottish people, and for his new homeland, shine through with tarnished pride and an arcane sense of honor. His life has been a fascinating series of tragedies and triumphs—tremendous loss and heartening redemption. Toward the end, I found that he'd even sneaked in enough sobering compassion and sincerity to make me cry. And I love him all the more for it.
ericbuscemi's review against another edition
4.0
I expected this to be lighter and funnier and much less serious, like a Scottish version of Denis Leary's [b:Why We Suck: A Feel Good Guide to Staying Fat, Loud, Lazy and Stupid|2983489|Why We Suck A Feel Good Guide to Staying Fat, Loud, Lazy and Stupid|Denis Leary|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347584264s/2983489.jpg|3013896], but was pleasantly surprised that it wasn't. I knew nothing of Ferguson's personal life before reading, but now I have even more respect for him. The book -- more memoir than comedic rant -- was serious, sincere and just felt real. It was also still quite funny, considering it delved deeply into alcoholism, drug addiction and multiple failed relationships and marriages.
traciemasek's review against another edition
4.0
Grading on my celebrity autobiography curve, this is a solid 4 stars. It's pretty close to 4 even without the curve. Craig Ferguson is a great writer, and this was really fun and really engaging to read, and not just because "farty" seems to be his favorite adjective. I've always really liked his Late Late show, and as a viewer, I'd heard some of the stories in this book before, but they still felt fresh and relevant in the context of the story he's telling. Once I get through my backlog of books to read, I'm going to read his novel at some point.
miajmu's review against another edition
4.0
Listened to this on audio book, read by Craig Ferguson, and it was great. Funny, heartfelt, the perfect celebrity memoir.