Book cover of Catch Me If You Can: The True Story of a Real Fake

Book description

The story of Frank W. Abagnale, alias Frank Williams, Robert Conrad, Frank Adams and Ringo Monjo, one of the most daring con men, forgers, impostors, and escape artists in history. Dubbed "The Skywayman", he was known by the police of 26 foreign countries and all 50 states in America, living…

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Why read it?

3 authors picked Catch Me If You Can as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

This was the first book I ever read from start to finish, and it opened my eyes to adventures beyond my own neighborhood. It also illuminated the complexities of human nature and how psychology influenced my mindset and outcomes.

This book inspired me to leave my job as a steelworker and take a leap into Hollywood, even though I didn’t know a single person there. Over the next two decades, I achieved what seemed impossible—thanks to this book!

From Shawn's list on lessons on life and leadership.

When I was writing my book, I reached out to Frank Abagnale to thank him for writing Catch Me If You Can. Indeed, I dedicated my book to him. To my great surprise, he asked to read my book and then offered an incredible blurb which the publishers put on the cover. So I must admit that any review I write of Catch Me If You Can will be biased. Plus, what can you say about someone who faked being a doctor, a lawyer, and an airplane pilot? I’ll tell you what. Mr. A is a great writer, storyteller,…

From Robert's list on cons and scams.

Most readers will know this general story through the 2002 blockbuster movie from the controversial 1980 book, directed by Stephen Spielberg and starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks. But reading the book offers an opportunity to ponder the dilemma of true crime memoir authenticity. Is this a con man author conning book buyers with exaggerations about his cons? Does it matter? Corroborating documentation may be weak, but the entertainment value is strong. Readers can enjoy the ride then debate the merits. It still deserves a spot high on anyone’s list of autobiographical crime adventures.

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