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79 pages 2 hours read

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

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1980

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Book Brief

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Frank Abagnale, Stan Redding

Catch Me If You Can

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1980
Book Details
Pages

277

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

Various Locations • 1960s

Publication Year

1980

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

15+ years

Lexile Level

990L

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Super Short Summary

Catch Me If You Can by Frank Abagnale and Stan Redding is a nonfiction account of Abagnale's life as a con artist from ages sixteen to twenty-one, during which he masquerades as various professionals, including a pilot, doctor, lawyer, and professor, to cash over $2.5 million in forged checks and live luxuriously. Abagnale's journey includes extensive travel, relationships, and eventual capture and imprisonment across multiple countries, leading to his later work as a security consultant. The book includes discussions of imprisonment conditions.

Adventurous

Humorous

Suspenseful

Playful

Informative

Reviews & Readership

4.3

65,325 ratings

77%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Catch Me If You Can by Frank Abagnale and Stan Redding receives praise for its thrilling narrative and captivating portrayal of Abagnale's audacious cons. Readers appreciate the book's humor and fast pace. However, some critics question the veracity of Abagnale's accounts. Overall, it's a fascinating read, blending charm with intrigue.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Catch Me If You Can?

Readers who enjoy thrilling true crime and captivating tales of deception would love Catch Me If You Can by Frank Abagnale and Stan Redding. Fans of The Wolf of Wall Street or American Kingpin will appreciate the intricate cons, high-stakes adventures, and clever escapades detailed by Abagnale.

4.3

65,325 ratings

77%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

Frank Abagnale

A charismatic young con artist from a broken home who uses his charm and intelligence to successfully impersonate various professionals, seizing opportunities to commit fraud while gradually exploring his identity.

A local Republican politician and stationary store manager who becomes an unwitting influence on his son's con artist skills, displaying a complex relationship filled with admiration and disappointment.

An independent French Algerian woman whose departure from the family significantly impacts Abagnale, as he grapples with his feelings about her actions and their implications for his own life choices.

A young stewardess who is the first woman Abagnale seriously considers marrying, unique for being the one to whom he reveals his true identity.

An Air France stewardess whose relationship with Abagnale becomes significant due to her father’s occupation, affecting Abagnale's fraudulent endeavors.

A sex worker who presents a challenge to Abagnale’s usual manner of manipulating women, ultimately providing an important insight into his view of women.

A Swedish policewoman known for her kindness during Abagnale's extradition, forming a connection with him that highlights his tendency to romanticize helpful women.

The determined FBI agent focused solely on capturing Abagnale, often just missing him and serving as a persistent force in the narrative.

Book Details
Pages

277

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

Various Locations • 1960s

Publication Year

1980

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

15+ years

Lexile Level

990L

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