American on Purpose: The Improbable Adventures of an Unlikely Patriot is the first biography I have read in a long time. It’s a good one because Craig Ferguson’s life has actually been interesting. I think he’s a true born alcoholic and in certain ways I could really relate to his story.
One thing I noticed is that the book seems to be written either by Craig himself or a really good ghostwriter. The book feels like it was written by someone who isn’t an author, although it’s not at all bad, just refreshingly real. I would imagine that since Craig has done so much writing they didn’t have to have too much oversight on the book.
American on Purpose stays interesting most of the way through. For some reason stories about people’s alcoholism experiences are always interesting and kind of amazing. He really makes it clear how much of an alcoholic’s life is lost to them, both through actual memory loss and through focusing on alcohol.
The book starts to lose steam in the end. Of course, you’re happy for Craig that he stopped drinking and found success, but it’s not interesting in itself. Also he seems to be sucking up to David Letterman and almost begging to take over for him when he decides to retire. Craig has definitely entered the bubble of Hollywood, but really, by the time you’ve read through the book you realize it’s okay that he’s happy and successful now. Even though he may have lost some perspective, he’s earned his way to a point where he should be allowed to do so.
The thing about alcoholics’ stories is that they apply to non-alcoholics too. Drinking so much that you throw up or wet the bed or can’t remember things is not fun even once. When done in repetition it literally gets to the point where you need to stop drinking or stop living. You realize you’ve already stopped living pretty much anyway.
It’s a good book and I think it would keep any reader interested.
Buy at Amazon: American on Purpose: The Improbable Adventures of an Unlikely Patriot