Week 2: "American on Purpose: The Improbable Adventures of an Unlikely Patriot" By Craig Ferguson

Craig Ferguson is the current host of The Late Late Show that comes on following David Letterman.  I know, who's really up that late to watch him? Well, I am! That's why I became highly interested in reading his book. 

Craig was born in Scotland.  Yes, I know, as Mr. Wick on The Drew Carey Show he had an English accent. And actually if you ask him, that would be the accent of a Scottish man trying to play a Latino and having it come out English.  Go figure.  This book tells of Craig's life from birth to present day.  So present day in fact, that while writing this book, he married his wife Megan and his mother, Netta, passed away.  He writes about both things as they are happening...it's pretty surreal.  Craig's story is told through his own words which makes for a VERY easy read.  He tends to write as he talks.  Sometimes, it would seem as though he was reading the story to me as I could easily hear his Scottish voice coming through the words on the page.  Craig didn't have a glamorous life.  He didn't "wander" into America and get scooped up by a talent scout.  In fact, he is lucky to have even made it out alive, let alone to America.

"An alkie that can't even remember to commit suicide."  That's how he describes himself again and again.  In Scotland, drinking is the only real thing to do, after working of course.  He drank himself through approximately 16 years of his life.  And not "party drinking," but the need-a-drink-to-stay-alive-and-not-get-attacked-by-the-killer-ducks kind of drinking. He couldn't function without it.  He is currently clean and has been for more than 20 years.  In his book, he writes about ALL people that impacted his life, whether good, bad or indifferent.  He gives credit where it is due and even changes a few names to protect those that may not want their own story told.  He became a US citizen not even a year ago and TREASURES the fact, that I think too many of us born here completely forget about (if we have even acknowledged it all), that America truly is one of the ONLY free countries in the world.  I would say this book is a 4 out of 5 and if you are interested in reading really great biographies, I would suggest you read about Craig Ferguson and find out why he is Scottish born but American on purpose!