Daniel M. reviewed American on Purpose: The Improbable Adventures of an Unlikely Patriot on + 8 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
Like millions of others, I'm a tremendous fan of Ferguson's Late, Late Night talk show. His off-the-cuff humor is brilliant and his interviews are unlike any other talk show hosts'. And so, I was really looking forward to his book, which didn't disappoint, but wasn't the "wow, zing, bang" book I was looking for.
While there are definitely traces of his humor throughout ... and if you know Ferguson, you'll definitely be able to read some of this work picturing and hearing him deliver it ... for the most part I thought this book was a slightly maudlin. It was a serious, honest (some would say "open") look at a life that wasn't rosy, though for no particular reason other than that he's always seemed to prefer adventure over stability. There's nothing wrong with this, but it's not the Craig Ferguson we've come to know and love on television.
Some might argue that this is the whole point of the autobiography ... to show us who he really is, that what we see on television isn't the real person. I understand this, but there's just enough in the book to lead us to think that who we see on Late, Late Night is Craig Ferguson, and at the same, time, the book doesn't deliver that Craig Ferguson. Just look at that cover and tell me you're not expecting some fun, whacky humor.
If you like Ferguson, read the book. He's led an interesting and most definitely a charmed life. If you don't know who he is, this probably won't mean a thing to you.
While there are definitely traces of his humor throughout ... and if you know Ferguson, you'll definitely be able to read some of this work picturing and hearing him deliver it ... for the most part I thought this book was a slightly maudlin. It was a serious, honest (some would say "open") look at a life that wasn't rosy, though for no particular reason other than that he's always seemed to prefer adventure over stability. There's nothing wrong with this, but it's not the Craig Ferguson we've come to know and love on television.
Some might argue that this is the whole point of the autobiography ... to show us who he really is, that what we see on television isn't the real person. I understand this, but there's just enough in the book to lead us to think that who we see on Late, Late Night is Craig Ferguson, and at the same, time, the book doesn't deliver that Craig Ferguson. Just look at that cover and tell me you're not expecting some fun, whacky humor.
If you like Ferguson, read the book. He's led an interesting and most definitely a charmed life. If you don't know who he is, this probably won't mean a thing to you.
Carol L. (caroltheartist) reviewed American on Purpose: The Improbable Adventures of an Unlikely Patriot on + 16 more book reviews
This book is written with such candor, it's a look into the mind and soul of one of the funniest guys on television today. His childhood in Scotland is a good foundation for the tale. Life lessons about alcohol and drug abuse are key to the story, too - it is nonfiction - but we never see Craig Ferguson feeling sorry for himself. On the contrary, he confirms his role in his struggles. This book, while serious in some of its subject matter, is delightful and actually hard to put down. Enjoy!
Jackie M. (jaxiom) -
I really liked this book, although it did surprise me that it came. I have gotten so used to books that are glossy and good paper that when I saw that it was printed on paper that the old pulp fiction books were printed with I at first had my doubts. But Craaig Ferguson writes well, his story is deep, and meaningful, and a real inspiration to what the human spirit can do.
Very good read.
Very good read.
Kat (katatonicstate) -
I enjoyed this book very much. It was extremely thoughtful yet you can still feel the rawness. He is also very generous to the people that have helped him along the way and not overly critical of the ones who weren't. Very insightful and entertaining.
Steven V. (amayfair) reviewed American on Purpose: The Improbable Adventures of an Unlikely Patriot on + 3 more book reviews
I enjoyed it a great deal though I felt the cover and title were a bit misleading. While he does speak about his constant wish to live in America it's less about his relationship with the country than the story of his battle with alcoholism. This is really about how he was able to battle through a serious and life-threatening addiction. He's very honest about his shortcomings and sometimes the book feels a bit like one more step in twelve but it's a good read.
Kathy H. (Nellie) -
Great book, well written and honest.
