Date Published: September 22, 2009
Format: Audiobook
Source: Library
Date Read: May 11-13, 2009
Blurb:
In his memoir American on Purpose, Craig Ferguson, host of The Late, Late Show, traces his journey from working-class Glasgow to the comedic limelight of Hollywood and American citizenship. Moving and achingly funny, American on Purpose moves from Ferguson’s early life as an alcoholic to his stint on The Drew Carey Show to his decision to become a U.S. citizen in its unique and honest look at his version of the American dream.
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Review
I was hoping that this memoir would go deeper into why and how he went about becoming an US citizen. That part was really glossed over and was about 5% towards the end of the book. Although he is a funny guy (I have enjoyed his comedy specials, hence I picked this book), there was a lot of repetition of drug use/failed romantic relationships that nothing really stuck with me until he talked about rehab and getting sober, then he started really working on his comedy (once again, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival finds a star!) and making better choices in his personal life. It was a bit of an eye-opener to read about the sectarian tension (and sometimes violence) in Glasgow...I thought that was more of a Irish issue and not so much a Scot issue, but I learned a lot.
If you are a fan of Ferguson, by all means read this. I listened to the audiobook, read by Ferguson, and enjoyed it. But it could have used a story editor to keep the repetition early in the book from boring the reader.
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