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alexgreenough's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
informative
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
5.0
cmah's review against another edition
4.0
Very interesting first hand account of the author’s criminal exploits. Slightly irritating to read as he’s a narcissistic womanizer. Although I found his cunning and the gullibility of those he interacted with very interesting.
cornmaven's review against another edition
3.0
I had seen the DiCaprio/Hanks movie, and wanted to compare it with a factual account. This is Abagnale's ghost written memoir of his wild con ride through life beginning at 18. This is one point that amazed me - all that he was able to get away with at such a young age and in such a short time.
Now, I have subsequently read that many question whether his version of events is accurate, but it is clear he probably could not have done half of it today, with technology running access to information. IF he was able to get into the PanAm supply office and steal blank checks and forms, that's not happening now because everything is computerized.
The book ends without telling the reader how Abagnale ended up once he was finally returned to the USA after serving time in France. But a quick Google search will tell you.
At this point, I'm glad I listened to the book, but feel the movie could be just as sensationalized as the actual events by Abagnale himself.
Now, I have subsequently read that many question whether his version of events is accurate, but it is clear he probably could not have done half of it today, with technology running access to information. IF he was able to get into the PanAm supply office and steal blank checks and forms, that's not happening now because everything is computerized.
The book ends without telling the reader how Abagnale ended up once he was finally returned to the USA after serving time in France. But a quick Google search will tell you.
At this point, I'm glad I listened to the book, but feel the movie could be just as sensationalized as the actual events by Abagnale himself.
ellieg2604's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.0
This book was really funny. I enjoyed reading it, and it was 10 times better when I realized it was mostly true.
lesserjoke's review against another edition
3.0
All things considered, I think the 2002 movie adaptation tells Frank Abagnale's story better than Abagnale (with co-writer Stan Redding) does himself. Even setting aside the issue of whether the criminal prodigy is a reliable narrator, this autobiography feels a little too obsessed with bragging about his exploits -- as both a con artist and a womanizer -- with too little introspection or remorse for the people that he hurt. His confidence schemes are impressively audacious, but if you've already seen the movie version, you won't get much more out of reading this "true story."
harrisen's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
3.0
A lot of people point out the lack of truth in this ‘true story’, but I didn’t pick it up for the biographical elements. I was simply interested in reading an interesting story.
For the most part Catch Me Of You Can is a fun read. It is satisfying for the most part to see Abagnale get away with so much tomfoolery.
The problem is: it gets very repetitive after a certain point. The middle chapters are composed of story after story of Abagnale swindling cheques and being promiscuous. It is quite laborious to slog through.
The first few chapters are alright, and the grizzly details in the final chapters of Abagnale’s time in jail are interesting and even unputdownable. I enjoyed the final stretch and the beginning.
The story is great, and with some improved writing, editing, and pacing, this book would really shine.
For the most part Catch Me Of You Can is a fun read. It is satisfying for the most part to see Abagnale get away with so much tomfoolery.
The problem is: it gets very repetitive after a certain point. The middle chapters are composed of story after story of Abagnale swindling cheques and being promiscuous. It is quite laborious to slog through.
The first few chapters are alright, and the grizzly details in the final chapters of Abagnale’s time in jail are interesting and even unputdownable. I enjoyed the final stretch and the beginning.
The story is great, and with some improved writing, editing, and pacing, this book would really shine.
mattp1022's review against another edition
The story stated to feel like groundhog day. I understand this is a non fiction work but I couldn't push through.