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3.89 AVERAGE
3.89 AVERAGE
I really enjoyed this book; it showed much more of Frank Abagnale's cunning and wit during his years of capers.
Spoiler
I was disappointed in how the book ended abruptly, and did not detail Frank's parole as a FBI adviser for criminals following in his footsteps of check fraud.
I like stories about finding exploits inside of any system. But Abagnale is a hard guy to spend time with. Aside from his being a criminal, you really want to punch him in the face for most of the book.
adventurous
medium-paced
My main problem with this book is that I don’t like Frank. He seems proud of what he did even though it hurt other people. As for the writing, the overuse of clever similes and metaphors became tiresome. I can’t help but wonder how much of his story is exaggerated. The last two chapters were pretty enthralling though.
There's the level of d*ck-swinging, I-got-away-with-it bravado that you'd expect. The author goes into at most moderate detail as to how things were kicked off (unlike Mitnick, who seems to enjoy giving away a lot), but you still learn a couple things and appreciate seat-of-the-pants getting out of jams. The author clearly had/has respect for his pursuer (the Feds), and admits that there was no forethought/planning, that it was simply live by the day, scam to scam.
Entertaining, easy to chew on. A good airplane/beach/Sunday read.
Entertaining, easy to chew on. A good airplane/beach/Sunday read.
This book (written in 1980, ten years after he gave up his life of crime) should be regarded as an American classic. It's much better than the movie, giving clear insight into what motivated a solitary teenager to what is probably the greatest spree of larceny and con-artistry in the history of the world. Though he deals only a little with the damage it undoubtedly caused to corporations and people, it's at many times funny and, especially in the early chapters, written in kind of a 50's slang. It documents the peak of an era, now no doubt long gone, when things had just started to become computerized but security was woefully inadequate, and a kid exploited the freedom to ride with the jet set to the far corners of the world, the finest beaches resorts and, ultimately, pay harshly when finally brought to justice.
Semi interesting tale of a young con man. Ballsy and brazen, I will give him. Certainly from a different time in terms of airport and bank security levels. Couldn't happen the same way these days. Also fascinating with the french penal system, which seems not to have advanced since the days of Papillon. Altogether - a solid 3 star book.
This was such a fascinating story. Even if the writing style wasn't particularly captivating, the story was just too good! Stranger than fiction. Apparently there was some exaggeration in the story telling, but even if only half of it's true, it's an amazing story. Loved it, and in awe.
At least Leo and Tom were on the cover? Idk I just didn’t vibe with this, which was funny since the movie is a favorite and the musical has some great songs. A lot of it came across as very braggy? There were also definitely some moments of sexism which was just so fun.
adventurous
fast-paced