Typically, criminals aren’t greeted with approbation but in this book you can’t help supporting the quick-witted, dynamic aptitude of my favourite con artist, Mr Abagnale.
Catch Me If You Can is the great 1980 memoir, written by the con artist himself, describing his tales of devious calculating, dishonesty, and astonishing quick escapes!
Raised in Bronxville, New York, Abagnale was a phenomenal liar from the outset. As young as 15, he swindled his father by piling up $3,400 in fake charges on his dad’s Mobil card, influencing numerous petrol station attendants to bill him for repairs in exchange for cash. This was the moment when Abagnale became hooked on the con scheme and his confidence stemmed form there writing “the image of me – a darkly handsome young air pilot”.
Abangale quits ‘high school’ and moves to the city where he starts his ruse as a fake pilot for Pan Am airlines – jetting of to destinations all around the globe in the ‘jump seat’ of the aircraft, whilst simultaneously charming many beautiful women. This teenage swindler also manages to pass himself off as a lawyer and doctor, possessing no experience in either. (Now you see how good he must’ve been!)
I won’t let on about whether his time as a high-flying charmer eventually meets its end, but what I will say is that you’re sure to not want to meet the end of this book. To me, his most exhilarating feat is Abagnale’s ability to make you believe his sin. You’re supporting a man who would manipulate you just as easily but it’s not everyday that you meet a criminal this hard to find so he deserves some credit J
I rate this book a 4.5/5 because he’s just too cool and be warned: it’s aimed at 13+.
- Buy this book at the Guardian Bookshop
