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book_concierge's review against another edition
4.0
Digital audio book narrated by Barrett Whitener.
Subtitle depends on the edition: The Amazing True Story of the Most Extraordinary Liar in the History of Fun and Profit! -or- The True Story Of a Real Fake.
Frank Abagnale began his career as a forger, check-kiter and con-man when he was just sixteen years old. His first victim was his own father. By the time he was twenty-one he had passed himself off as a pilot, a pediatrician, a lawyer, and a professor of sociology, and he had cashed over $2.5 million in forged checks. He was known by the police forces of every state in the U.S. as well as those in more than twenty foreign countries. He was arrested more than once, and even served some time in European prisons, but more often he charmed his way out of the situation, or pulled off a daring escape.
Why did he do this? He blamed it on “the ladies.” He was enamored of women, and he wanted to show them a good time.
It’s a fascinating memoir of his years of crime, full of daring escapades, humorous situations, and outlandish lies. Abagnale’s audacity is matched only by his charm. He was eventually captured, and did serve time, but he went on to become a world-renowned authority on counterfeiting and document security, working with the FBI’s Financial Crimes Unit.
Barrett Whitener does a fine job narrating the audio book. Great pacing and Abagnale’s charming personality shines through.
Subtitle depends on the edition: The Amazing True Story of the Most Extraordinary Liar in the History of Fun and Profit! -or- The True Story Of a Real Fake.
Frank Abagnale began his career as a forger, check-kiter and con-man when he was just sixteen years old. His first victim was his own father. By the time he was twenty-one he had passed himself off as a pilot, a pediatrician, a lawyer, and a professor of sociology, and he had cashed over $2.5 million in forged checks. He was known by the police forces of every state in the U.S. as well as those in more than twenty foreign countries. He was arrested more than once, and even served some time in European prisons, but more often he charmed his way out of the situation, or pulled off a daring escape.
Why did he do this? He blamed it on “the ladies.” He was enamored of women, and he wanted to show them a good time.
It’s a fascinating memoir of his years of crime, full of daring escapades, humorous situations, and outlandish lies. Abagnale’s audacity is matched only by his charm. He was eventually captured, and did serve time, but he went on to become a world-renowned authority on counterfeiting and document security, working with the FBI’s Financial Crimes Unit.
Barrett Whitener does a fine job narrating the audio book. Great pacing and Abagnale’s charming personality shines through.
robfarren's review against another edition
3.0
The liar even lied about lying!
I read this about 20 years ago and didn't suspect that it was basically fabricated. Regardless, it's an entertaining tale (great movie too) if you take with a grain of salt.
I read this about 20 years ago and didn't suspect that it was basically fabricated. Regardless, it's an entertaining tale (great movie too) if you take with a grain of salt.
kpesch's review against another edition
5.0
I've seen the movie before but hadn't read the book. WOW! What a fun ride that was. I know it's his real life, but it reads so much like a thriller. There are times you're wondering how he got away with it all, how he survived some situations.
So much of what made his successful was luck, but he was also clever and took the time to learn and ask questions.
There are definitely some dark parts of his story, so be aware of that.
You can get more of the thoughts here on our Pod.
So much of what made his successful was luck, but he was also clever and took the time to learn and ask questions.
There are definitely some dark parts of his story, so be aware of that.
You can get more of the thoughts here on our Pod.
celtic_oracle's review against another edition
5.0
This review both gave me some good insight into the book and in many respects mirrors my opinion, so I'll let it speak for me: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/49038516?book_show_action=false&page=1.
This is a solidly entertaining read, and I would definitely recommend it.
This is a solidly entertaining read, and I would definitely recommend it.
zephyr88's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
5.0
alexe_books94's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.25