The fourth comedian’s audiobook autobiography for me to enjoy is Craig Ferguson’s American on Purpose. (see previous reviews of Tracy Morgan and Tina Fey’s books, and future review of George Carlin’s Last Words). I quite enjoyed this one, which likely boils down to an honest storytelling style perfected on The Late Show with Craig Ferguson.
I’ve liked Ferguson since the Drew Carey show, where he played Drew’s English boss at the department store. Before I started American On Purpose, I had practically forgotten his role there, which speaks well to his success on the Late Show. (No surprise, though. Everyone who replaces Craig Kilborn after he quits a show has done pretty well for themselves: see Jon Stewart). The biggest surprise in this book was, well … everything.
I did not know much apart from his Scottish heritage (read as ‘uk accented heritage’), and had heard the name Bing Hitler in passing somewhere before: but all else came as an interesting surprise.
I don’t want to spoil the book for you, but here are my highlights: well told and honest, rottenly funny with unannounced explitive-lace phrasing that bites hard at its target, which there are many, and an endearing story-teller through a tale of growth, failure, intoxication, redemption, hard work, dumb luck, and a few happy endings along the way.
Also, contains a bit of ‘USA USA USA’ chanting, as he reflect on his becoming a citizen and what that meant to him. It is very apolitical, pro-fairness and opportunity, and thankful for a place where failure is not a finality in life, but a step on the road to achieving success. A great line which comes up throughout the book which resonates with me is as follows: Between safety and adventure, I choose adventure.
