Play Book Tag discussion

Catch Me If You Can / Frank W. Abagnale
3.5 stars

Frank Abagnale Jr. was only 16 years old in the 1960s when he left is father’s home (his parents had recently separated) and spent years impersonating an airline pilot, a pediatrician, a lawyer, a teacher, before switching to producing counterfeit cheques. Once he was finally caught, after spending time in prison in a few different countries, he ended up helping the FBI with recognizing scammers.

This was a good book. The most interesting parts to me was the impersonations, rather than the info about the cheque counterfeiting. Also, once he was caught, the prison systems in the different countries was very different (France vs. Sweden); I was surprised at how different it was in each country. I liked the movie that came out a while back (and now want to re-watch!), but although the book seemed short, there was still more in the book.

This story is so interesting. Its amazing how you can fool unsuspecting people so easily even when, at the beginning, he wasn't prepared or very good with his answers. But he was very observant and very confident.

I also agree the prisons being different was interesting. DiCaprio did an amazing performance in the movie.

I listened to the audio during my long drive to Texas in December. Abignale's charming personality really came through.

I had the option for audio, as well, but was listening to something else, so I opted for the ebook. If I ever decide to listen again, maybe I'll try the audio. :-)

And yes, DiCaprio did a great job. It's been years since I've watched the movie, but maybe again soon.