A review by jenbsbooks
Catch Me If You Can: The True Story of a Real Fake by Frank W. Abagnale
adventurous
funny
informative
4.0
I saw the movie years ago and loved it. Read the book reads ago and loved it too. I wasn't sure if I'd been able to appreciate both the way I did if I'd switched the order. The movie changed a lot of things up. Most of the covers feature the movie actors (and TomHanks character is hardly in the book at all).
This is a quick read. My original read I'd gone with the book, I tried the audiobook this time, but had the Kindle copy on hand for reference. Just 10 chapters. I always find it frustrating when there are chapter headings that are NOT included on the digital (ebook or audiobook) Table of Contents. I like to look at the TOC for reference during/after reading, and if it's just "Chapter 4" it isn't very helpful. The chapters are (1) The Fledgling (2) The Pilot (3) Fly a Crooked Sky (4) If I'm a Kid Doctor, Where's My Jar of Lollipops? (5) A Law Degree is Just an Illegal Technicality (6) Paperhanger in a Rolls-Royce (7) How To Tour Europe on a Felony a Day (8) A Small Crew Will Do-It's Just a Paper Airplane (9) Does This Tab Include the Tip (10) Put out an APB - Abagnale Has Escaped.
In the e-book there was an Afterword & Q&A with the author, which was NOT included in the audio, and I think that leaves listeners hanging. Even if it isn't included in the official memoir, what happened after the past page, until the author wrote this book, is really essential information (and is included in the movie). But that was a major frustration in the audiobook, I was thinking "that can NOT be the end!"
These escapades took place in the 60s, and it is a bit dated, with the writing of checks and the lack of technology, the ease of airline travel security - although the author admits that technology actually makes fraud and cons easier. One wonders what his cons would have been in today's tech world. There is a bit of a dated feel to the conversation too ... calling women "fantastic foxes" and many of his references to the ladies ;)
The story starts somewhat in the middle (during his "pilot" years) ... then goes back to the beginning, his younger years, how he got started. Goes through his pilot years in detail, then his stints as a Doctor, Lawyer and Professor (in Utah, my home state). Goes much more in depth to his time in prison than the movie. The movie showcase the POV of the other side (detective tracking him down/Hanks) and that really isn't in the book much at all. It's all Frank.
An enjoyable and easy, almost unbelievable, story.
This is a quick read. My original read I'd gone with the book, I tried the audiobook this time, but had the Kindle copy on hand for reference. Just 10 chapters. I always find it frustrating when there are chapter headings that are NOT included on the digital (ebook or audiobook) Table of Contents. I like to look at the TOC for reference during/after reading, and if it's just "Chapter 4" it isn't very helpful. The chapters are (1) The Fledgling (2) The Pilot (3) Fly a Crooked Sky (4) If I'm a Kid Doctor, Where's My Jar of Lollipops? (5) A Law Degree is Just an Illegal Technicality (6) Paperhanger in a Rolls-Royce (7) How To Tour Europe on a Felony a Day (8) A Small Crew Will Do-It's Just a Paper Airplane (9) Does This Tab Include the Tip (10) Put out an APB - Abagnale Has Escaped.
In the e-book there was an Afterword & Q&A with the author, which was NOT included in the audio, and I think that leaves listeners hanging. Even if it isn't included in the official memoir, what happened after the past page, until the author wrote this book, is really essential information (and is included in the movie). But that was a major frustration in the audiobook, I was thinking "that can NOT be the end!"
These escapades took place in the 60s, and it is a bit dated, with the writing of checks and the lack of technology, the ease of airline travel security - although the author admits that technology actually makes fraud and cons easier. One wonders what his cons would have been in today's tech world. There is a bit of a dated feel to the conversation too ... calling women "fantastic foxes" and many of his references to the ladies ;)
The story starts somewhat in the middle (during his "pilot" years) ... then goes back to the beginning, his younger years, how he got started. Goes through his pilot years in detail, then his stints as a Doctor, Lawyer and Professor (in Utah, my home state). Goes much more in depth to his time in prison than the movie. The movie showcase the POV of the other side (detective tracking him down/Hanks) and that really isn't in the book much at all. It's all Frank.
An enjoyable and easy, almost unbelievable, story.